PERFECT autumn weather set the scene for engine lovers streaming into town for last weekend’s annual ‘Drive Back in Time’ hosted by the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club.
Organisers from the club rated Sunday’s show and shine event as a great success, with around 160 vehicles more than 25 years old entered from near and far.
“We’re really happy with the numbers,” club treasurer Peter Deith said.
Despite being down on numbers from last year, Mr Deith said this year’s successful event - held the same time every year – had competed with other big events around the region.
With people coming and going all day, organisers estimated a crowd of some 3000 people were drawn to the event, with numbers in town equal to previous years.
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Mr Deith said a raffle with three generously donatated prizes was also a huge success, with tickets sold out for the first time.
“We had 2500 tickets printed,” he said.
Stanley CFA ran a barbeque of sizzling sausages running out with a quick restock or two.
Motorbike enthusiast Beechworth’s Max Cowie with his 1904 Eureka made in Melbourne as well as another on show attracted a great deal of interest from the crowd.
The motorcycle was part of an exciting first-time event feature, with a collection of motorbikes marking different decades up to the present day.
Max said starting up the Eureka is easy if it fires.
“If it doesn't, it takes a lot of pedalling, but it's terrific to hear it run,” he said.
Max said 1904 was the first year that the Australian-assembled bike had the motor bolted into the frame.
“They had been clipped on the front of a push bike frame in previous years with the history of the bike’s type dating back to 1896," he said.
“It's very basic and you're the computer – when you're riding, you're listening to the motor, adjusting air mixture, fuel, and spark – all by listening."
Stanley motor bike lover Col Kid, rapt in the Eureka, said the bike was a beauty for the era.
A cruise around town named after the late Keith Harms - who had been a long-time member of the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club - drew a fabulous variety of vehicles with motor lovers showing off their prized metal possessions.
Beechworth’s Vinnie Webb showcased the family's 1954 Chevrolet rebuilt over the last few years.
With the body found on a property and a chassis searched for, a frame built for the body to sit on with the chassis, the restoration was completed 10 months ago.
Wangaratta’s Matt Thomson from Rat Race Garage undertaking the build said the Chev has a 70s chassis, 2010 VT Commodore running gear with modern steering and disc brakes.
Yea’s Geoff Woodyard hasn’t missed a beat for 27 years, rolling in his glistening black 1969 Mustang at this year’s show and shine.
“We’ve been coming here every year since 1997 except for one and originally with two cars,” he said.
“It was just with my wife and brother, now it's with my wife, brother, son, and three of my mates as well who all have cars.
“We love the weather, town and people and it's a nice place to visit for the weekend.”
The weekend jump-started with a tractor trek on Saturday morning followed by a welcome lunch for entrants in town on the day, with a mystery run to local points of interest finishing up at Pennyweight Winery.
Old Cranks Motor Club secretary Dianne Ryan said the club received great support from local businesses for the raffle with three locals winning first, second and third prizes.
“Accommodation had been fully booked in Beechworth over the weekend and restaurants full,” she said.
“Trophies crafted by the local men's shed were absolutely fabulous and winning entrants were happy to receive one.”
Mr Deith said profits from the club’s biggest fundraiser is invested into the community to support projects and worthy causes around town.
On the agenda is continuing the first-time scholarship offered this year for young people embarking on a career in an automotive industry.
The Crossley engine, which cranked up for the day and attracted an interest from a good crowd, also needs ongoing maintenance.
