Hundreds of enthusiastic classic car owners will gather again this weekend for the country’s largest car show at Ellerslie Race Course.

          Showing an estimated 700 classic and new vehicles spanning over a hundred years of motoring history, the Ellerslie Classic Car Show relies entirely on volunteers from some 70 car clubs to organise the event.

It not only showcases the country’s best vehicle restorations – in some instances worth multi-million dollars – but also our internationally acclaimed restoration industry which rebuilds some of the world’s best and attracts classic car owners from around the world.

It’s the 46^th year the event has been staged, with owners and clubs competing for restoration and display trophies and an award for the best “survivor” – an unrestored classic vehicle in regular use.

         An annual club display competition which rewards ingenuity and effort, is this year themed “Women and the Marque.”

         It reflects women’s influence on motoring virtually since cars were invented. Fourteen clubs will compete for the award offered by Classic Cover Insurance, including Ferrari Owners Club which will offer women only, the chance to take a selfie in a rare model.

          It can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore an old car – especially if it’s a barn-find rusting away in rural New Zealand.

          One such car, discovered on a farm near Te Kuiti, is a rare 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster, that was a hulk used for parts to rebuild an equally rare 1956 300 SL Gullwing.

Now, restored to better than new, it’s one of two identical vehicles to be judged together at the show.

New prestige and performance cars are also on show – and include locally manufactured sports and DIY kit cars. 2018 Host Club is the Jaguar Drivers Club.

·       The 46^th Ellerslie Classic Car Show, February 11^th, Ellerslie Racecourse. In association with NZ Classic Car magazine; Meguiar’s, and Classic Cover Insurance. www.concours.org.nz