Classic Yass 2018 organisers can finally put their feet up after an epic event with record numbers.
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Over 360 classic cars filled Banjo Paterson and Riverbank Parks and commentators said it was the biggest crowd yet.
Long-term Yass resident, Councillor Kim Turner, said it was “without a doubt” the biggest he’d seen.
Cars and spectators drove in from across the country to marvel at the displays, race down Rossi St in the ever popular Rotary Billy Cart Derby, time travel in the Vintage Fashion Parade, swing their hips to live music, purchase retro items from the markets and meet many other car enthusiasts.
- See all the awards results at the bottom of this article
Clinton and Margaret had travelled all the way from Central Victoria for the event and said they’d had a “fantastic time.”
Bill and Kathie Guthrie were excited to show off their 1958 Lambretta with a sidecar, just like their wedding transport. Local Simon Southwell was also thrilled to have his 1963 B-Model Mack on display, having re-purchased it after 26 years.
The oldest vehicle entered was a trophy-winning 1915 Munroe M2, while Best Vintage Fashion and Vehicle went to a 1942 Morris J Series.
“It was a very successful event,” said Classic Yass organiser Keiran Laurent. “The weather was perfect; we were very lucky after the storms on Friday.”
The numbers in the Billy Cart Derby were also up, with several new entrants including Kyle Hogg, Julian Duffey and David Elphick from the State Emergency Services, who raced in memory of fallen volunteer ‘Pete’.
The Tribune believes the oldest billy cart entrant was 76-years-old and the youngest was four.
Chloe and Zara Turner were given the green light to race for the first time from grandad, Cr Turner, and couldn’t have looked happier going down in their cart after practising in the paddock in the lead up.
Aaron Chatfield was won of the most comical racers, carrying an egg in his hand down the track, impersonating Sanka from Cool Runnings.
Roger Buckman from Browns Furniture Recovery also had spectators entertained with his billy cart made from a sofa with a lampshade and table. He said he was “scared when I first looked at the hill, but as I was going down, I wish I’d gone faster… It was stylish if not fast.”
Mostly everyone managed to stay on their carts, except for new Deputy Mayor Nathan Furry, who hit a few hay bails with his wobbly cart and came off at the bottom, but all-in-all remained a good sport.
Oliver Brown won the Under Sevens race; Tegan Allport beat her twin brother in a matching red race cart in the 7-9s; William Lovett won the 10-12s; Elise Hitchen won the 13-15s; Isaac Willcox won the Traditional race; Ian Sims won the seniors; John Abela won the corporate and Roger Buckmann won the novelty.
Classic Yass 2018 Award Winners
- Best Vintage Fashion & Vehicle – Teri Bates Memorial Prize – Rhonda Leggett, 1942 Morris J Series
- Most Original Vehicle – Sponsored by Shannons Insurance – Ray Timbs, 1958 Vanguard Standard Phase 3
- Oldest Vehicle Entered – Sponsored by Bendigo Bank – Ian Bourke, 1915 Munroe M2
- Most in the Spirit of the Event – Sponsored by Riteway Curtains and Blinds – Darren and Janelle Kavanagh, 1957 Ford Thunderbird
- Best Motorbike – Sponsored by Chapman Floor Coverings – John Simpfendorfer, 1924 Douglas TS
- Presidents Choice – Sponsored by Yass Antique Motor Club – Carmine Lossino, 1947b Fiat 500 Topolino
- Best Pre-1930s Vehicle – Sponsored by Shaw Vineyard Estate of Murrumbateman – John Higman, 1927 Alvis 12/50
- Best Commercial Vehicle – Sponsored by Ray White Real Estate – John Reid, 1956 Vauxhall Velox Ute
- Best Sedan – Sponsored by Yass Mechanical Services – Clynton Robinson, 1939 Packard 4 Door Sedan
- Best Sports Car – Sponsored by Luff Motors – Robert Brown, 1949 MG TD
- Best Ladies Entry – Sponsored by Stonecrest Creations of Murrumbateman – Sonya Golden, 1950 Royal Enfield Bullet (Motor Cycle)
- Best Racing Car – Sponsored by Lubealloy Specialised Lubricants – Graeme Snape, Zephyr Special
- Best Australian Vehicle – Sponsored by B & G Plumbing – Ken Hansen, 1955 FJ Holden
- Best American Vehicle – Sponsored by Steve’s Quality Used Cars – Robert Stone, 1936 Packard 120 Roadster
- Best English Vehicle – Sponsored by Clementine Restaurant – Joe and Rhonda Bowdler, 1958 Wolseley 1500
- Best Asian Vehicle – Sponsored by Penrose Motors Smash Repairs – Tom and Julie Amos, 1971 Isuzu Bellet GTR
- Best European Vehicle – Sponsored by James Ally Building – John Di Rocco, 1959 Fiat Abarth 850 TC
- Best Hot Rod/Modified – Sponsored by Yass Motel – Bruce Perry, 1960 Morris Mino Ute
- Best Vehicle Display - Sponsored by Yass Soldiers Club – Monica Squires, 1972 Holden LJ Torana and Caravan.
Vintage Fashion Parade Winners
Best Vintage Female
First place: Tiffany Diamond
Second place: Glenys Cameron
Best Vintage Male
First place: John Simpfendorfer
Second place: Jeff Blyss
Best Vintage Couple
Les & Sandy Cridland
Best Vintage Girl
First place: Frankie Nagy
Second place: Mae Border
Joint-first: Sonny Maxwell Bush & Charles Nicholas
Special Vintage Fashion Prize
Erin Manning
<Vintage parade video>
