The Nationals event itself takes place every two years and has traditionally been hosted by either the NSW based or Vic chapter of the club. This year represented the turn of our club and as a result, the opportunity arose to stage the show at our own home base, the Reggio Calabria Club in West Brunswick.
In planning for the event, the club had formed a close relationship with Sterling Ford, a dealership based in Greensborough and run by dealer principle David Beverley.
The early plans were to have the event take place at the dealership with David clearing his yard for the weekend, and replacing his modern ford models with the classics. A little closer scrutiny however painted the picture that perhaps Sterling Ford would be a little small in terms of housing the number of cars expected and in hindsight, this proved to be a crucial observation.
As a result, we turned to the Reggio Club which had ample space, the facilities and of course was centrally located for our interstate guests who would be looking for nearby accommodation etc.
As it turned out, the event attracted over 100 vehicles, made up of XK’s thru to XP’s , with a healthy contingent of US models and a display of special interest vehicles as well.
In addition, there would have been at least 300 people walking around at various times throughout the day. A big thanks goes out to the members of the NSW Early Falcon car club which made their way down to the event, and also to our other interstate and overseas visitors.
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| Danny kindly modelling this year's nats T designed by Kyle de Kuijer |
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| WTF? |
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| Did someone tell him what day it is? |
The event this year marked a very sombre occasion for the club as it also commemorated the passing of one of its favourite sons. David Consiglio was a long serving member of the club, having filled the position of president and committee member over the time of his involvement.
David passed away in 2010 at the age of 38. His memory was very much the theme of the event with two trophies presented in his honour by members of his family including his mother Carmen, wife Sharon and daughters Laura and Charlotte. The club was also honoured to have David’s own XP Coupe present on the day.
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| Some fine examples of the serious quality out on the track that day. | | Sadly, yes, Kenny died... |
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| Rocker Cover launcher courtesy of David Forbes! |
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| The last leg of the final! |
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| Fantastic trophy courtesy of Andrew's Hobbies, Deer Park |
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| Winning can be overwhelming! |
Part of the day’s attractions included rocker cover racing, a 70,000 mile durability XP Falcon coupe display, a drag racing slot car track and of course the customary trophy presentation for the stand-out vehicles which took part in the show.
The event itself was kicked off the day before with a set of social activities which have become part and parcel of the running of a Nationals event.
Club members Mark Blekic and Danny Zuclich of Early Bird in Thomastown once again opened their premises to the registration and BBQ event which was held on Saturday, giving members a chance to greet our interstate guests and also get their vehicles ready for the show the next day.
This of course lead to the Nationals dinner, also held at the Reggio Calabria Club on the Saturday night. Members and family were treated to a three course meal and were entertained by Johnny from Elvis Is It entertainment.
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| Rock on Stan! |
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| Let's get this party started! |
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| Thank you very much |
Like any event such as this, a lot of hard work goes in by many people without whom it just wouldn’t be possible.
- Kon De Lesantis, Club Secretary, photos courtesy of Sandra Goss
