A big crowd descended on the coalfields town for the event, which has continued to grow since its inception 10 years ago.

“We just love it,” Nichole Pennells said.

Standing beside a 32 Ford coupe she admitted to being a faithful visitor to the event.

“We’ve been coming five or six years,” she said.

“I just love that [1950s] era; I think I spent too much time with my nan.”

Parasols and puffy dresses were must-have fashion items among the ladies, while men wore their hair slicked back bodgie style.

Kurri Kurri District Business Chamber president and long-time festival supporter Cr Rod Doherty said the success of the event was an awesome result for the town and a welcome boost to the economy.

“I’ve never seen a crowd like it,” he said.

“When you’ve been running an event for 10 years it’s really encouraging to see so many first-time exhibitors.”

More than 500 classic cars were part of the official exhibition this year – up from the previous best of 400 – not counting all the American and Australia muscle cars and vintage motorbikes parked nearby.

‘I’m worn out, but it’s been fantastic for the town,” Cr Doherty said.