Lovers of the classic Hillman motor car were out in force yesterday to take a look at a collection of 39 cars displayed in front of Bathurst Court House as part of the Show and Shine component of the 12th Hillman National Rally.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The event is held every second year in a different town.
Two of the participants, Geordie Jack and Lindsay Maskell, have attended every rally over the past two decades. Mr Maskell is still driving the same car.
Rally captain Wayne Baxter, from Penrith, said they see new faces each rally, but there are always those members who keep coming back. His parents, Alice and Cecil Baxter, also help to organise the big event.
Mr Baxter said he believes one of the benefits of collecting Hillmans comes from the fact that they are more affordable to buy and to do up than other makes, which allows more people to become involved.
The oldest car on display yesterday was a 1948 Drophead coupe, while one of the newer cars was a Hillman Avenger from 1971-72.
Cars travelled from all over NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania for the event.
Local car enthusiast David McInroy from the Bathurst Historic Car Club said they really appreciate the support given by Bathurst Regional Council.
“I also think we were really blessed with the weather,” Mr McInroy said.
The local club had 10 cars on display.
Members of the Bathurst RFS were also there displaying one of their trucks.
In addition, a sausage sizzle was provided by the 3rd Bathurst Scouts and Bathurst Lions put on lunch.
Not only were 68 club Hillman owners involved with the Show and Shine but they also visited Abercrombie House, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, the Chifley Home, Ash’s Speedway Museum, Old Government Cottage and the Bathurst and District Historical Society Museum.
There was also a treasure hunt in Machattie Park.
