The only way is 1929 vintage Essex

Vintage car buff Francis Pointon can't wait to show off his immaculate 1929 Essex at a car show in the town on March 31 along with competing in the Easter North Island Car Rally.

Mr Pointon and his wife Gaye own the Pointon Collection, a unique private collection of antique and vintage cars and automotive memorabilia, and have several cars to choose from to take part in the rally, hosted by Wairarapa Vintage Car Club. But they love driving the gleaming black Essex.

"It has a terrific history to it. It used to be owned by Wairarapa garage proprietor Doug Cameron before we restored it in the 1990s, and it has a neat dickie seat in the back," Mr Pointon said.

Depending on the road it is travelling the Essex can average around 45mph (72km/h).

The Pointons will join more than 100 vintage car buffs for the three-day event.

Rally secretary Myrna Lane said the event will feature a "competitive car rally" that tests drivers on their driving ability and navigational skills.

The car show to be held on Sunday, March 31, at Solway Showgrounds will be open to the public, featuring an "old-fashioned show and shine" and a gymkhana obstacle course.

Complementing the car show will be the New Rags Market with a wide variety of stalls.

Mrs Lane said the car show will showcase an eclectic range of vehicles with the oldest dating back to 1908.