Car show 'phenomenal' success - co-ordinator

With 100 years' worth of cars and bikes on display attendees just couldn't pick a favourite, one of the co-ordinators said.

The Motor Trade Association's 100 Year Car Show in Whanganui was open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday in the Springvale Stadium. It was a phenomenal success, Murray Palmer said.

There were 55 cars and 40 motorbikes on show, with four of the cars worth more than $1 million each. Most of them were from this region and 5000 people paid a gold coin to have a look at them on Saturday.

The vehicles included "some of the rarest stuff in the country".

"It was a New Zealand standard show. People have constantly said that as they're coming in and out," Mr Palmer said.

The oldest car was a 1906 Darracq that has had one owner since it was bought new. The most recent were a brand new Ford Mustang and Holden Commodore - and there was something to please everyone.

"There were petrolheads that just love the dragsters and another person who loved the 1938 Morris Roadster."

People found it difficult to tell Mr Palmer their favourites.

"They said "Oh I could name about six" - and that's just the ladies."

The show and Motor Trade Association (MTA) dinner cost about $60,000 all up, and were supported by advertisers. About 200 people went to the dinner at the Whanganui racecourse.

They heard a speaker from the MTA and danced to music from Freddie Flash and the Firebirds.

The events were organised by about eight people from the association's local executive. It has previously held a show of race cars and another of American muscle cars.

This year's show could not have been put together without the help of the owners.

"They're so generous with their time, and they just love showing the cars," Mr Palmer said.