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Car Show for Carlie – Classic Restos - Series 42

By Shannons - Published on 06 January 2020

Fletch travels to Oakdale in NSW for a special Car Show run by first-time organiser Kevin Bailey, to aid his goddaughter who is suffering from a life-threatening medical condition. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, like Gunlake and Komatsu along with friends, family and the local community, the event has drawn a large number of car & bike enthusiasts from far and wide.

Out amongst the enthusiasts attending, Fletch spots a classic 1966 Ford Cortina GT and talks with owner Rene about how the car was found at a demolition yard before Rene rescued it. The Cortina was almost destined for the scrapyard again, due to the difficulty of obtaining panels. But saved at the 11th hour and is now fully restored. Fletch and Rene recall the strong racing history of the Ford Cortina and how they are represented well in historic racing events around Australia, today.

Next is Kayla, just 20 years old with her 1966 Ford Mustang, beautifully presented in Candy Apple Red. Kayla is one of the new generations of car enthusiasts. She says that rebuilding the Mustang, including an RHD conversion and complete restoration with her father was the most rewarding part of the project.

Another classic is a 1973 HQ Holden Kingswood sedan. Owner Al recalls looking for a good HQ for nine years before getting his HQ in 2000. After some small enhancements over the years before an engine rebuild in 2013 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Holden HQ. The car is otherwise in original condition, and that's how he likes them.

Another Holden example is a slightly modified 1968 HK Monaro 327 GTS. Before the current owner Craig, the original owner had two HK Monaros, the first one was stolen and never recovered, so the owner ordered another HK GTS replacement. Craig had admired the car owned by one of his customers for quite some time and one day discovered a 'For Sale' sign in the window, he just had to have it. The car was his daily drive for many years before putting into storage for ten years only to later take on its restoration with an engine upgrade. Today it is a beautiful example of the Holden HK Monaro GTS.

It wasn't all cars at the Car Show for Carlie, a large contingent of motorcycles were in attendance to support the cause. Fletch talks with Jake the owner of an Indian Vintage Motorcycle decked out with panniers with saddle-bag fringes, that looks the part with the retro 40's Old School look. Many people ask Jake 'how old is the bike?' and he tells them it's a 2015 model, to their amazement. Indian motorcycles have certainly captured the vintage look with some of their current models.