The sight of a classic 1932 Ford coupe's unmistakable nose and rear end is enough to make a car fan's heart melt.
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To have two immaculately restored ‘32s hot rods on hand to promote this Sunday’s Motorfest Maitland had car nuts craning their necks for a better view and wondering what was going on.
But it’s only a taste of what the annual Motorfest will offer at the Maitland Showgrounds on Sunday from 8.30am, with hot rods, street machines, restored cars, vintage speedway motorcycles, motorbikes, dragster push bikes and trade stalls on hand.
The 1932 Ford coupe with their powerful V8s are the quintessential hot rod and the prized possession of Maitland Street Rodders members Paul Coombe and Chris, whose instantly recognisable fantastic pink high boy, means she doesn’t need to use a surname.
While many enthusiasts put their hot rods and classic cars on trailers to take to shows, Paul and Chris are firm believers that a car is designed to be driven and shown off.
“I’ve driven all around Australia to show my hot rod,” Paul said.
“The friendships you make on the road travelling with other members is what it’s all about for me. You may pick up the odd chip on the paint work, but you can always get that redone.
“Driving this car is just so much fun, it hasn’t got power steering but it handles better than most new cars you drive.”
For the last six years, Motorfest has become a mecca from around Australia for the type of car lovers who fanatically restore and modify hot rods, street machines, bikes and trucks.
Part exhibition of amazing machines and human creativity, part trade show with hundreds of cars on show, Maitland Motorfest is the brainchild of Bruce Corke and is presented by Maitland City Lions Club.
“It's a lot of hard work organising it all, but to see the look on people’s faces is worth it all,” he said.
“Anyone can have a brand new whatever, but you need to be a classy person to own a hot-rod. You need to be very passionate.”
It also brings together street machines; a category that includes Australian classics Falcons and Commodores.
The motorbike display has a particular emphasis on the Hunter’s proud speedway tradition.
Fundraising from the event goes to “Harry’s House” and “Carries Place’’: women’s and children’s services.
It cost $10 per vehicle for exhibition, and trade stalls are $20 per site
Gates for vehicle exhibitors and trade stalls open at 6am and close at 8.30am
Gates will open for general public at 9am until 2.30pm with admission $5 per adult, children under-16 free, family of three or more $15. Parking is a gold coin donation to charity bucket.