Muscle on the Mountain at Maleny: Classic Restos - Series 41

Fletch travels to Maleny, Queensland for the annual 'Muscle on the Mountain' event. Only to discover that the event had been washed out, after 150mm of rain in the last week. But a few hardy enthusiasts still ventured to Maleny and Fletch talks with these owners about their cars.

First, Fletch does a flashback to the 2018 'Muscle on the Mountain' event and talks with Katie about her head-turning 1955 VW Bus, a 40th birthday present from her mechanic husband and the result of an 8-year restoration project. This beautiful bus features split windows with push out safari windows (not original on the vehicle).

But while only a few made to Maleny, there were still a couple of great vehicles including John with is 1936 Buick Straight 8. Today it's pretty much in original condition with an engine rebuild and paint job undertaken back in the '60s. Renown for their towing ability, John explains that first gear is purely to get the wheels rolling, second gear gets you up to around 10mph and third for everything else. No wonder they claim to climb any mountain or tow anything.

Next is Blue, with a beautifully presented 1929 Model A Ford. Even today he claims it can keep up with traffic with a top speed of 50-60mph (80km). Blue has travelled vast distances to Model A National events across the country, to Murray Bridge in SA and Darwin, albeit taking a little time. Blue gives us a rundown of the features from the driver's seat of the car that was built back in 1929, quite incredible.

Last but by no means least is Ben with a 1948 Bentley. With a proud history of once being the Lord Mayor of Darwin's car and well-maintained over the years. It has never needed an engine rebuild, only a paint job some 20 years ago. It's big, heavy and drives that way - with poor fuel economy.  But if you could have afforded one of these back then, you weren't worried about the cost of fuel.

While the 'Muscle on the Mountain' was a washout. A special thanks goes to those who turned up, despite the inclement weather.  The organisers have already committed to the 5th July 2020 for next years event and hope to get over 1000's vehicles as per previous years. Mark it in your diary.