Event organiser Brian Hodges said events like this don’t usually attract this kind of interest, adding that the iconic nature of Bathurst probably has a lot to do with it.

He said he is expecting thousands of people to head to Bathurst for the 21st FX FJ Holden Nationals.

The show and shine and gymkhana will be held at Bathurst Showground from December 28 to 31.

The cars to be displayed were manufactured between 1948 and 1956 and their owners will travel from all over Australia to be here.

Mr Hodges said there will be some great guest speakers from the era of the 50s and 60s.

One of them, Ray Eldershaw, won Bathurst twice. Mr Eldershaw turns 80 next month, so it is a wonderful opportunity to hear a wealth of information about the glory days of the Great Race. 

The four day event organised by the Australian Early Holden Federation is held every two years in a different state.

This year it will be hosted by the FX FJ Holden Club of Australia based in Sydney.

It is the first time the event has been held in Bathurst. 

One of the highlights will be an observation run from McPhillamy Park down Mount Panorama, exiting at Pit Straight.

“With great guest speakers, an iconic venue, lots of participants and spectators and a DJ compere for the whole weekend we are really going to knock ‘em dead,” Mr Hodges said.

He said the first day will be set aside for scrutineering and classification, followed by a Show and Shine on Day 2.

Visitors will take a tour around the region on Day 3 and on Day 4 a motor event, including precision driving, will be held at Bathurst Showground. A gala presentation dinner will be held at Panthers on New Year’s Eve. 

Mr Hodges said entry to the showground will be a gold coin donation with the proceeds to go to Telstra Child Flight.

For more information visit www.fxfjnats.com.au