Muscle machines for Manfeild show

AN epic Aussie ‘phwoarhorse’ is sure to command special attention at an annual car show returning to Manfeild on Saturday (January 20).

The all-Aussie car show at the Feilding facility takes special significance in its seventh year, not just because the recent end to car-making across the Tasman means it will for the first time be a celebration of past achievement.

The fundraiser for Auckland’s Starship hospital will also deliver chance for fast car fans to look over a very special edition Holden, created as a sign-off to its own car-making chapter in Australia.

In the prelude to ending assembly in October, GM Australia produced farewell editions, the most epic being the Magnum ute, an enhanced $75,000 edition of a model already packing the factory’s most ferocious V8.

Just 51 of the effectively race circuit-ready 6.2-litre machines came to New Zealand to be snapped up by enthusiasts, but the show car - No.1 of the set – has been retained by Holden New Zealand for a special reason.

Next month it will be auctioned for charity on TradeMe as a fundraiser to to enable disadvantaged youth an opportunity to participate in a new Holden Road Safety programme, Holden Street Smart,

In the meantime the distributor has kindly allowed the car to be displayed in Feilding fresh from being a drawcard at a Holden-dedicated museum and before it goes to the famous Leadfoot race in Coromandel.

“Commodore has a proud Aussie heritage so we are thrilled and delighted to take part in this weekend’s event, particularly when it is raising funds for Starship” says spokesman Ed Finn.

The show’s organisers, the Manawatu Aussie Car Club, say the Magnum is a perfect fit for an  event that, while spanning all kinds of brands with Australian assembly history, draws many six-cylinder and V8 ‘heavies’ from Ford and Ford Performance Vehicles, Holden and Holden Special Vehicles, Chrysler, Leyland and Rambler.

GM fans might well consider the Magnum as a factory foil to the fabled Maloo ute out of HSV, whose own Commodore-related role has just finished.

One Maloo on display is especially well-travelled – Jake Iwanica found his 2008 VE E2 Series 1 in Queensland. He shipped it to Perth, Western Australia, where he was working, and then home to New Zealand.

He loves the colour, the stance and a sound that is made richer by fitment of a Walkinshaw performance exhaust and intake.

“It’s my first HSV … in fact my first V8, first rear-wheel-drive (car), first ute, first Holden,” laughs the Foxton resident. “You could say I’ve gone in deep.”

Show architect Dwayne Burrell says while the Australian car industry’s close-down is sad, it makes the event all the more worth seeing.

“It’s always been a celebration of our Aussie cars … we love ‘em and have grown up with them. My dad had a Belmont, a Commodore and a Falcon – I learned to drive in a Commodore.

“I guess if anything our show will give people a reason to reinforce their love for the Australian car.”

The show also allows display of American and British cars – in their own areas - and includes fun activities for the kids,plus prizes.

Says Mr Burrell: “We’ve raised more than $12,500 from the shows … we’re hoping to beat $15,000 and have more than 200 cars.”

Starship benefits because of the work it does for children and because many Manawatu families have been helped by the Auckland hospital.

Manfeild chief executive Julie Keane is pleased this initiative keeps rolling on.

“This is a local undertaking driven by passion for cars and a great sense of community spirit. We’re delighted to be part of it.”

The All-Aussie Car Show is on the Manfeild Park oval, between Manfeild Stadium and South St (which provides access), from 10am to 1pm.

Caption: Jake Iwanica, left, and Dwayne Burrell with Jake’s Holden Special Vehicles’ Maloo utility, one of the jaw-droppers at this Saturday’s All Aussie Car Show at Manfeild.

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