By Margaret Maccoll
A one-of-a-kind Holden created and owned by Peter Brock was among a range of 120 classic cars that drew an enthusiastic group of visitors to the Noosa Sports Complex on Sunday for Noosa Beach Classic Car Club’s 32nd show.
The first spectator event for the club since Covid-restrictions featured Holdens pre-1989 and was open to 500 guests at any one time under Noosa Council event requirements.
Spokeswoman Kate Rider said the not-for-profit club raised funds on the day for the Tewantin Noosa Parkinsons support group and prostate cancer and by the end of the day 1000 visitors had rotated through the gates.
On the day the Best Car in the Show award was presented to Juan Kudnig for his 1968 Holden GTS Monaro while Filip Pilitano was awarded Marque of the Show for his 1959 Holden FC Special.
Among the classic car collection were two outstanding entries from major sponsor, Bowden’s. Dan Bowden brought along his 1976 Sandman, an Australian icon that attracts a lot of attention for the owner.
Dan said he discovered the car in Toowoomba and brought it back to pristine condition.
Peter Bowden proudly displayed his 1984 Holden that was bought fresh off the assembly line by Peter Brock without an engine and gear box. Brock installed a modified engine and gear box into the car, one of the few registered to him.
Peter said Brock wanted Holden to market his design as the next Monaro.
“They said you’ll never market it. It should have gone into production. It’s the best car never to go into production for Australia,“ Peter said.
Peter bought the car from a Holden dealer swapping him two for the one prized possession.
Alan Kenzler brought along the 1957 FE Holden, a car that has spent its life in Cooroy and one he has owned for the past 40 years. It is one of five Holdens he maintains at his Cooroy home. His collection includes a 1955 FJ ute, 1964 EH sedan, 1967 HD sedan and a 2002 Commodore, but around town he drives a Toyota Corolla and travels in his 1992 Toyota camper van.John Boulton has been a regular racer on the Noosa Hill Climb in his 1970 LC GTR Holden since buying the car about 15 years ago.
“I was sitting in a shed having a beer with a mate and he had to just get rid of it,“ he said.
The old racer originally came from New Zealand and continues to travel well.
“The car goes good, the driver is pretty ordinary,“ he said.
John will join other racers at the club’s Summer Noosa Hill Climb to be held on November 14 and 15.
For more information visit www.noosacarclub.com.au or Facebook.
