This is the belief of Brian Coffey of the Rotary Club of East Maitland, who organised the event that attracted motoring enthusiasts from a wide area to the grounds of Closebourne House yesterday.

And relations with Lend Lease, owners of the grounds, were so good that the annual Morpeth Motorama will probably be held at the same place again next year, Mr Coffey told The Maitland Mercury.

“We have had up to 400 car owners paying to have their vehicles on show and up to 1000 people have attended,” Mr Coffey said.

“On the back of such strong support the Rotary Club of East Maitland is  hopeful of raising more than $5000 for charities in the Maitland area.

“We believe the success of Morpeth Motorama will also kick start the town’s tourist season this year.”

Motor enthusiasts were proud to display their vehicles.

Glen Jennings brought along his 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood, one of only two in the world.

“They were built for the owners of the Hershey Chocolate Company and my mate owns the other one in the United States,” Mr Jennings said.

Brian Andrews from Singleton took along his Leyland P76, an Australian-designed vehicle built in the early 1970s.

“Only a few were left after Leyland went broke in the United Kingdom,” Mr Andrews said.

“I bought this one from an owner in Melbourne and it is a joy to ride in.

“It is very comfortable for touring and I have been to Mittagong and to Canberra in it.”