The Early Ford V8 Club of America New Zealand
Posted on 15/01/2011 by Liz
What a great week we had in the company of Ford enthusiasts in and around Hamilton for the 10th National Rally.
Monday
Monday evening saw the arrival of cars from around the country and guests from around the world arrive at the Kings Gate Hotel for registration.
Tuesday
A fine sunny Tuesday morning greeted us for the Show & Shine at “The Base” in Te Rapa. It was a beautiful sight to see so many Flying Ladies, Grey Hounds and Indians lined up in their years displaying the finer points of Henry’s era.
1932 five window coupes, '34 Tudors, '38 3-Ton Truck, '39 Barrel Nose, Ford Deluxe, Mercury’s, Single and Twin Spinners, Jail Bar Pickups, Custom lines and Victoria’s all shining in the sun and the list goes on. Amazing.
From the display area we all headed off to the Te Rapa Race Course for the mass photo. A perfect setting on the bank of the course with the oak trees in the back ground.
Wednesday
Wednesday was the big day out for all. We headed off on our adventure in convoy heading for Pirongia Clydesdales. A quick visit with a lovely array of tasty treats and a refreshing cuppa, while we admired the wool press bar, saddle bar stools and an odd invention on top of the piano. I’m still not sure what it was but many of the enthusiasts quickly recognised the parts. The girls quickly found the Horses and other farm animals as did many others. What a neat place.
Following on in convoy we traveled on through back roads to the Otorohanga Kiwi House. We were treated to a display of one of the few Great Spotted Kiwi on display in the world along with the Little spotted and Brown Kiwi. The trail around the park includes many of New Zealand’s Native Flora and Fauna with prehistoric Tuatara on display with Kea, Kaka, Kereru and many wetland birds.
Moving quickly along we headed to lunch at the “Big Apple” where a BBQ waited.
Traveling further down country we headed for Waitomo and the infamous “Billy Black”. What a place, all manner of creature was introduced during the informative display of NZ history and our pioneering ways. I’m sure many of the guys were admiring the treasures hanging from the walls and ceiling in the barn along with the contraptions used during the show. Gail, what an entertainer you are. I’m sure you will head home with a new appreciation of NZ history and culture. After the show many took the opportunity to further explore the beauty of Waitomo and its surroundings while others headed home. A great day had by all.
Thursday
Thursday say the separation of the genders as the Ladies headed out on an adventure of shopping, wining and dining, while several tales of mischief arose, what happens on tour stays on tour! The Lads headed out on their adventure into sheds and man caves of treasure in the backs of Cambridge and Te Awamutu, who know what they found, tour secrets!
Friday
Friday for most was a free day to entertain oneself, Shopping and sightseeing while several ventured to Waihi to check out the Ajay’s shop. Glad to have had your company. Friday evening was the prize giving dinner back at the Kings Gate Hotel where many fines were dished out along with many other wonderful prizes.
It was great that so many have come across the ditch from Australia to join in and also those who have traveled from the USA, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to have been involved.
Thank you to Lorraine and Cactus for the opportunity to be part of it all.
