The 1950s will forever be remembered as the decade of the post war boom, with a family focus, fine fashion and fast cars. Catch some of the decade’s hottest rods in the Shannon’s Wheels Car Display 2023 at Queanbeyan Showground on Sunday 19 February.

The 41^st annual charity event brings together car clubs from all around the region as they head Back to the 1950s. The cars on display span much more than a single decade, with vehicles from the 1910s all way up to modern EVs to be included in the approximately 800 cars on show.

Supported by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and major sponsor, Shannon’s Insurance, the funds raised through the gold coin entry donation, generous vendors and patrons, are divided among four local charities that are dedicated to helping people with disabilities, vulnerabilities, and animals of the region.  

This year the beneficiaries are Technical Aid to the Disabled ACT, The Stroke Foundation, The Queanbeyan Shelter and Pegasus Riding for the Disabled.

“The main criteria is probably being local; if we feel it can benefit from the money, that’s important. It’s why we do the event,” says Malcolm John, member of the organising committee.

For the past four years, the event has been organised by the Canberra Antique and Classic Motor Club on behalf of the Council of ACT Motor Clubs. Mr John says the day is a great opportunity for kids to be able to see what cars used to be like and for parents to chat with people who know the vehicles. The static show means the cars will remain in place, but Mr John says that doesn’t stop people from getting to experience the vehicles.

“If a kid comes up and shows interest in the car, I’ll get them to climb in, so it’s interactive,” he says.

Thirty or so car clubs are set to participate in the event, showcasing how cars have changed through the years – from Jaguars, MGs and Mercedes, to Holdens, Fords, and everything in between. Mr John is set to bring a couple from his impressive collection, including his show-stopping 1956 Austin Healy 100-4.

“It’s probably one of the most beautiful cars that was ever designed … beautiful in the eye of the beholder of course,” he smiles.

A true collector, Mr John has a number of beautiful antique cars – some restored, some preserved, and others still in the works. Elsie, the stunning 1926 Bullnose Morris Oxford, has been preserved and may make an appearance at the show. Her proud owner first saw her years ago when we couldn’t afford her, then thanks to fate and word of mouth, when she came up for sale he was able to bring her home.

“The original owner was called Elsie and her father bought it for her at the Adelaide Motor Show in 1926. She had a chauffeur who just drove her to church every Sunday,” he smiles.

Each of his cars has a story, such as Willie the Veteran, a 1914 Morris Oxford Deluxe which came all the way from a museum in Scotland and is named after the man who invented it, William Morris.

“It’s the oldest surviving Morris Oxford Deluxe in the world. It is very unusual there are not many running around, there are about 12.”

The 1968 Mini has been loving restored after Mr John received it in less than ideal condition. Having always loved British racing green, he knew that is the colour he would repaint it.

It wasn’t until he married and became part of a classic car family that he caught the car bug. His father-in-law restored vintage cars; Mr John soon became a part of the process, lending a hand with his knowledge as an electrician.

“It was a team effort; he had a whole heap of mates, and everybody would come over on a Saturday and all work together on it. Everybody would put in their skills, and you would build a car,” he says.

With around 250 registered members, Mr John says the Canberra Antique and Classic Motor Club is the largest car club in the capital. However, he says on run days they are lucky to get 20 cars to come along, as some of the runs are more suited to automatic and newer vehicles. The demographic of the group is older, and many members don’t have the desire for big days out.

“It tends to be guys who own them, saw them when they were young and couldn’t afford them and then they go and buy one when they are older. That sort of sets the demographic,” he explains.

With members aged from in their 30s to 90s, Mr John says the club is starting to attract younger owners, particularly of Holdens and Fords. It is open to anyone with an interest in older vehicles; you don’t have to own one. If your car is over 30 years old, you qualify for a concessional registration. For $35, you can register your vehicle and take it out the road 60 days a year, which he says is a big drawcard for many members.

“Rego on this many cars would be ridiculous, so if we’re talking $35, you can get all your cars registered and take them all out.”

Mr John says the club would like to encourage more people to join them on the run days. For him, the club, the friendships he has made, and being able to help others has given him an extra sense of purpose. Together they trouble shoot, with one member even making new pistons for his Veteran, something he couldn’t find anywhere else.

“It’s just good to be involved with other people and get out and do stuff; really that’s the essence of a club. To see what other people are doing and see how they restore cars.”

Shannon’s Wheels Car Display 2023 at Queanbeyan Showground, Sunday 19 February 10am-3pm; eventbrite.com.au

Find out more about the Canberra ACT Antique and Classic Motor Club at cacmc.org.au

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