Emma Pritchard

Thousands of visitors attended the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club’s Motorfest 22 at Jabour Park, South Grafton, on August 28.

After the Covid-19 pandemic and inclement weather conditions put the brakes on the highly anticipated event four times within the past 12 months, organisers were ecstatic to welcome a high number of appreciative and admiring attendees through the gates on Sunday.

Motorfest 22 Committee Chairman David Andrews said more than 300 vintage vehicles were proudly displayed for the public, with participants avidly embracing the opportunity to view the classic collection up close as they shared childhood memories and relived the good old days of EH Holdens, Triumph Mayflowers and V8 Kingswoods.

“We filled up the field,” Mr Andrews said happily.

“After we had to postpone and reschedule the event last year, and again earlier this year, we feel blessed to be able to have made it possible.

“Everyone had a good time and said how much they enjoyed themselves.

“There was a variety of cars on display too, which was great.” 

John O’Toole travelled from Texas, Queensland, in his beautiful 1937 Pontiac to take part in Motorfest 22.

As the crowd ogled over his immaculate vehicle, which he has owned since May 2021, Mr O’Toole told the Clarence Valley Independent he has been a vintage car enthusiast for many years and was proud to attend the event over the weekend.

“I grew up around a lot of these models, and it’s nice to see so many of them together again for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

Prizes were awarded to the best presented vehicles across a range of classes including 1900-1930 Vintage, 1950-1960 Rock ‘N’ Rollers, 1971-1980 Modern Classic, and 1991- onwards Post Modern, while judges also viewed entries for Best Race Car, Best Hod Rod and Best Vintage Caravan.

Motorfest 22 also featured a line-up of market stalls, a bonsai exhibition and kids activities including face painting.

Local SES and RFS crews also demonstrated rescue techniques to the crowd, while Transport for NSW also had crash test vehicles on display.

“A lot of work and planning went into the event, and we wanted to make it a family friendly event which had something for everyone,” Mr Andrews explained.

Mr Andrews gratefully acknowledged major sponsor Benny’s Smash Repairs, other local businesses, and the community for their ongoing support of the event and said organisers are looking ahead to Motorfest 23 next year.