More than $16 million worth of iconic Aussie muscle car filled Maitland Showground yesterday for the city’s first Toranafest.
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More than 330 dedicated and passionate Torana owners braved soggy weather to showcase machines built from blood, sweat, tears and chrome in the 21st annual gathering.
Organiser Peter Morris said it was an excellent result as he watched hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of spectators pour through the gates.
“We had a great cruise yesterday, about 150 cars cruised to Morpeth.
“The regular Saturday shopping crowd were blown away by the sights, the smells and the sounds of all these beautiful cars.”
Toranafest 2015 attracted big names in motorsport including the family and crew of the late, great King of the Mountain Peter Brock.
Organisers also used the opportunity to raise money for local charities Riding for the Disabled, Ronald McDonald House and Dog Rescue Newcastle.
“We want people to see we’re not just hoons from the ’70s,” Mr Morris said.
“We asked people to donate a can of dog food for Dog Rescue Newcastle and the giant donation cage we organised is absolutely overflowing, we’re ecstatic.”
Toranafest began on the Newcastle Foreshore in 1994 as a New FM radio event and the Hunter Valley Torana Club has carried the baton since. However, this year organisers decided the Wickham rail truncation and a lack of parking had made the Newcastle Foreshore unsuitable.
“We used to call Newcastle the Mecca for Torana lovers, but we want to make Maitland our new home,” Mr Morris told The Mercury last week.
“They’ve cut the rail line, so it’s difficult for people get to the foreshore now.
“And the problem we’ve always had is parking.”
Maitland City Council has played a pivotal role in the event’s move.
“Rachel MacLucas and Maitland council have been absolutely fantastic,” Mr Morris said.
