Shannon's Classic Car Show - Sunday 8 March 2020

Another six months of planning and organization resulted in a fantastic Shannon's Classic Car Show. There was record interest in the show this year with 78 motoring and associated clubs. More than 1000 vehicles were registered to attend, although numbers on the day were a little lower. All the attending clubs put on excellent displays. Visitor numbers were up again after a disappointing result last year, which ensured the show ended in the black. Putting on a show like this is expensive for a small non-profit like the Council of Motoring Clubs.

This year's show featured a special exhibit - Past Cars of the Future, which showcased vehicles that were seen as innovative or futuristic for their time.

Twenty iconic vehicles were selected for the display.


This 1886 Benz Patentwagen replica is on display at the Motor Museum at Whiteman Park. I must sincerely thank the Museum management and the vehicle owner for permitting us to display the vehicle at the show.


Bill D completed the restoration of this extremely rare and unusual 1917 Rauch and Lang only weeks ahead of the show. He trucked the car all the way from the South West to display it in the show.


Graham H has two Lancia Lambdas, a long bodied sedan and this shorter two seat roadster. There is also another Lambda in Perth. I am extremely grateful to Graham for bringing this important car to the show.


The Airflow Chrysler, one of the most important American cars of the 20th century, was represented by this 1934 DeSoto Airflow. The DeSoto Airflow was a slightly smaller, budget version of the Airflow Chrysler. This car can be found on display at the Motor Museum.


The Traction Avant is still one of the most iconic classic cars of all time.


The oldest Beetle in WA is the 1946 VW Beetle in the York Motor Museum. This example is a 1952 Standard Export Beetle restored to absolutely original specifications. It is the closest thing you can get to the original KDF Wagen.


It was good to have the Beetle and Tatraplan parked together as it is interesting to compare the similarities and differences. The Beetle is not a copy of the Tatra and the Tatraplan's predecessor, the T97, clearly wasn't suppressed by the Nazi's to prevent its comparison with the Beetle. They have similarities but are very different cars.


The Citroen DS sits at the top of my list of innovative cars of the 20th century. It is a design and styling icon that remains as stunning today as it did in 1955.


The Honda Dream probably puzzles people as an 'innovative' vehicle, but it heralded the arrival of the Japanese. While British motorcycles were renowned for their poor quality, the Honda Dream showed that a bike could be made where every feature was finely engineered and worked.


Britain's attempt to build an entirely new motorcycle that incorporated the lessons of market research. It was extremely successful when released in 1958, but it was overtaken by the arrival of the Mini the following year. Why buy a luxurious motorcycle when you could now buy a budget car for only a little extra?


Panhard were a pioneering auto company that are almost unknown in Australia. Their light, high speed little cars deserve to be better known.


The Chevrolet Corvette pioneered the use of fibreglass bodywork in the 1950s. The Corvette Mark II was a complete restyle, creating an iconic and futuristic look.


Sex appeal in steel. The Jaguar E-Type was Sixties cool and style personified. It remains one of the most desirable sports cars of all time.


Over engineered and over priced, but filled with innovative engineering as only Citroen could do. Unfortunately for the company, they lost money on every car they sold and by 1975 they went bankrupt.


In the 1970s, nothing said innovation more than the Wankel rotary engine, but it proved to be a problematic engine that failed everywhere, except in the Mazda. This DKW Wankel motorcycle is one of three sent to Perth to test the market. None of the three sold and they were all put away in storage. After the show I had the privilege of riding the bike home. It has unusual handling, but you can feel that there is a lot of get up and go in the engine.


The most bizarre and ill-considered vehicle proposition ever conceived. Thanks again to the Motor Museum and the owner for allowing the Sinclair to attend the show.


The iconic representation of 'the wedge' vehicle design.


Lightweight, affordable supercar.


Tesla would be viewed by most people as the vehicle that represents the future of motoring.


Despite its futuristic styling, Ducati's Multistrada did not align to the motorcycle markets rigid preconceptions. It was restyled to give it a more conventional appearance.



Club Displays

Keeping with tradition, visitors through the main gate were presented with a fine display by Perth's two Chevrolet Corvette clubs.

Beautiful Corvette Stingray

The clubs are the National Corvette Restorers and Corvette Club of WA.

Under the main pavilion, Cool Beans Campers. https://coolbeanscampers.com.au/

Eileen Knox Diecast Cars

America West Mustang Parts. http://americawest.net.au/

I-Techworld for solar panels, batteries and jump start kits. https://itechworld.com.au/

Auto Resto panel beating and restoration services. www.autoresto.com.au

A Lamborghini decorates the pavilion.

UWA Performance Race team

E-Bikers and Ryder Electrics bikes. https://www.ebikers.com.au

Principal sponsor Shannons Insurance www.shannons.com.au and Swissvax Australia www.swissvaxaustralia.com

This year we partnered with Camp Quality, who provide services to children suffering from cancer. For more information about Camp Quality's activities go here: www.campquality.org.au  Camp Quality is involved in a classic car charity run later this year, wesCarpade, Details of the run can be found here: https://fundraise.campquality.org.au/event/camp-quality-wescarpade-2020/home

Richard's Tyrepower. One of our regular supporters and show sponsor. https://www.richardstyrepower.com.au/

A new attendee at the show was the Classic Speedway Association.

The Speedway Association put on a really terrific display of speedway cars and bikes.

For more information about the club, check their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/583951608330347



Buick Owners Club

This 1954 Buick two-door special was probably the most photographed car of the day, appearing in every single set of photos I've seen of the day.

1955 Buick Roadmaster convertible

After the thunderstorms of the previous weekend, Sunday's warm temperature was a godsend.

1935 Buick Series 40

Two Mercedes-Benz 170s from the Mercedes-Benz Club

Wonderful replica 1936 Mercedes-Benz

The cars of the Lamborghini Club greeted visitors at the Ledger carpark gate.

Lamborghinis

My new club, KBG, put on an eclectic display in keeping with its moto of motoring miscellany.

Alfa Romeo spider

1944 KDF Kubelwagen and Bentley

1961 Vauxhall Velox

KBG has a very strong motorcycling contingent, focusing on unusual vehicles. Here's something you don't see very often - a Soviet Dnepr. The Dnepr was a Russian copy of a pre-war BMW. They were sold here in Australia as a very cheap motorcycle in small numbers.

Honda custom lightweight. A sweet little machine. Behind is a Citroen CX, successor to the more famous DS.

1951 Velocette LE. Known in England as the "Noddy" bike as it was commonly used as a police bike.

Velocette and Messerschmitt KR201 cabin scooter

BMW Isetta 300.

Ford Falcon GT Club

Triumph Car Club. 1951 Standard 10. Post-war British austerity.

TECCWA showcased a wide range of interesting Toyota classics. Here is a rare Toyota Stout truck.

The Riley Club put on a fine display of 12 Rileys. Quite a record here.

1949 Riley RMA.

Riley Kestrel

Riley Kestrel

1937 Riley Falcon

1937 Riley Kestrel

Riley Nine, with wood and leatherette bodywork.

Riley roadster

Team W4 - Landrovers

Rover ... something

Chevrolet Club of WA





Suburu Owners Club

Holden Club of WA.

FPV-Tickford

1949-59 Ford V8 Club of WA

Ford Customlines

Cortina Mk 1s of the Ford Rallye Club

Clubman kit cars from the Sports Car Builders Club

Pre-War Sports Car Club

Vintage Sports Car Club. Here are two French sportscars - Renault Alpine A310 and an Amil car.

Three MG clubs attended putting on a substantial display - MG TC Owners Club, MG Car Club and MG Owners Club.

MG TCs

MG TCs

MG TCs

Jensens from the Jensen Owners Club

Austin-Healey Sprites of the Austin-Healey Club.

Austin-Healeys

Austin-Healey 3000



Monaro Club of WA



Ultimate Slotcar - great entertainment for the kids

hand Tool Preservation Society

French and Fantastic

Renault Fuego and Renault 16 make a nice late model pair.

Special Interest Vehicle Association. Peugeot 404

It was a much smaller display by SIVA this year. This is Renault row.

1959 Oldsmobile. Owner Craig always puts on a good display with lots of extras.

NSU Prinz 1000. Like a miniature Chevrolet Corvair

Simca Aronde, Messerschmitt KR201 and NSU Prinz.

Australian Citroen Enthusiasts of WA

Volvo Owners Club

Volvo PV155

The Rootes Section of the Veteran Car Club. VCC put on a great display.

VCC. The word 'Veteran' in the club title isn't really representative. The VCC has evolved with the changing times to encompass all classic vehicle types. The veterans are now a minority in the club.

Austin Seven club and the Austin Club parked alongside each other.

The Vauxhall Owners Club

The Morris Owners Club bought along this very cute delivery van.

Morris Owners Club

The Volkswagen Club of WA. This 1956 Oval Beetle was unknown to me. It appears not to have been molested (we can only hope it manages to stay this way).

A very interesting camper van conversion.

Room for the whole family.

Historic Commercial Vehicle Club bought out the big guns

The truck you need to transport your vintage truck.

Vintage prime movers

Bus Preservation Society celebrated 50 years with a display of five buses. I used to take the 106 route to work from Bicton.

The oldest bus in the collection.

The Bus Preservation Society always puts on a good display and draws a lot of interest.

The Classic English Ford Club was squeezed out of their allocated spot, but set themselves up in a space between the Model A Ford Club and the Rolls-Royces.

Model A Ford Club put on a good display as always.

This year the VCC encouraged participation of veteran cars. This is an International Harvester.

I think this is a replica of the Henry Ford's original runabout.

Two Model T Fords



1905 Maxwell

1914 Hupmobile

Cadillac Eight Type 51

1917 Cadillac

1914 Studebaker

1910 Brush. A Brush was the first car to drive across the Nullabor.

A view of the Brush's single cylinder engine.

1914 Delage R4 from France

Another rare French marque - 1909 Darraq with a Model T

The Veteran display really was a treat as these cars are rarely seen these days, even at car shows like this. A great effort by the VCC this year.

The Ducati Club few the flag on behalf of the CMC's motorcycling community.

And then suddenly it was over. I had only just enough time to do one walk around the grounds before the show finished and I missed all the clubs who were over near the VIP stand. Andrew drives his 'People's Car' through the Pavilion as the traders pack up.

These photos don't really do justice to all the clubs, traders and displays on the day. I was too rushed to take decent photos. I really enjoyed organizing the Past Cars of the Future display and I was impressed with the effort many clubs went to this year. I have promised myself and family I will not be running the 2021 show, but I will be happy to help out. 

Link to Classic Car Show videos: https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2020/04/shannons-classic-car-show-2020-video.html

For more photos, check out the photos and comments posted on the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/626000861223288/

Classic Cars and Coffee 15 March 2020

After a hot, humid and sunny weekend for the Classic Car Show, the unseasonable storms returned over the weekend of 14th and 15th March. On top of that, due to the corona virus crisis, on Friday 13th March the government announced that all events with more than 500 people in attendance were cancelled/banned from Monday 16th March. Classic Cars and Coffee was never likely to have that many in attendance due to the weather, so it went ahead anyway. Fortunately it didn't rain.

I arrive in my 1959 DKW F94, photographed by my friend Ross Morgan.

Numbers were down so I had my pick of spots. I chose this esteemed company.

It was interesting to meet a German fellow from Bavaria who told me he'd had a DKW in Germany.

A fellow two-stroker, the Saab 96, arrives.

1954 Ford

At least there were no queues for coffee



Richard's Bibendum

Toyota Crown ute

1958 Datsun Bluebird. This was my first car and I have fond memories of it. It was styled by Pininfarina of Italy.

BMW

Bristol and Rover

Saab 96

Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Ford Mustang crew

Split Bean VW Kombi

Lamborghini

Citroen CX

Jaguar E-Type

Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley

Holden EK

Classic Cars and Coffee always draws a variety of vehicles.

Very cute Austin 7

MG TC

1953 Cadillac Eldorado

The next Classic Cars and Coffee is scheduled for April, however, the virus situation is still very fluid, so please keep a watch on Facebook or the website for updates.

Concessions for Classics Scheme

On 18th January 2020, Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, announced a new concessional licensing scheme would be established in Western Australia. Mark McGowan's announcement was carried on his Facebook page.

Motoring enthusiast clubs play a big role in local communities across our State. We all know West Aussies love their classic cars and bikes, but our motoring enthusiasts also attend cruises, exhibitions and events that often attract tourists or raise funds for charities.

But our current licensing scheme can be a big barrier for people looking to restore old vehicles to participate in our motoring clubs. Classic car owners are also currently prevented from accessing registration concessions if modifications – even safety improvements – have been made to their vehicles. That's why we're introducing "Concessions for Classics" - offering a 75% discount on registration and slashing red tape. Under our plan, all car and motorcycle enthusiasts with a vehicle older than 30 years - that are also registered to a Department of Transport approved club - will be eligible for the 75 per cent registration concession. This will help bring classic cars across WA out of the shed and help their owners enjoy and make the most of them.

Drafting is proceeding as quickly as possible with the aim of having the new scheme in place in the second half of 2020. In the meantime, we will be working with owners and clubs to finalise the plan and make sure we get it right.

Rita Saffioti also posted a similar message on her Facebook page and followed up with a media release with more information.


The genesis of this announcement began many years before when several individuals associated with the Street Rod and modified vehicle movement began to lobby the government to introduce a fairer licensing scheme for modified vehicles. While there is an existing concession for vehicles preserved in original specification, called Code 404, the originality requirements of Code 404 meant it was unsuitable for modified vehicles. Code 404 places restrictions on vehicle usage and requires owners to be a member of registered club. The club and the overarching Council of Motoring Club police and administer the scheme on behalf of Dept of Transport.

There was no intention on the part of the individuals approaching government to emulate Code 404 and several different proposals were put forward by various stakeholders for consideration. Similar interstate schemes were also proposed as potential models. At some point a proposal for '90 dollars for 90 days' gained public traction and an online petition gained many thousands of endorsements.

A concessional licensing scheme for modified vehicles is a good idea, and it does not simply apply to Street Machines, Hot-Rods or similar vehicles. It can also be beneficial to owners who seek to maintain vehicle originality, but who are forced by either lack of suitable parts, or for reasons of  vehicle safety, have been forced to use alternative, non-original parts. As an illustration, when the Ariel Leader was released in 1958 it came in for criticism for the poor quality of its front-brake. Ariel made two modifications to the brakes, neither of which really improved the brakes' performance. It was left to owners to make their own adjustments and improvements and the front brake is the number one topic in Leader owner's forums. The brakes can be made safe for modern road driving with a number of small modifications. However, this could be regarded as a modification from original specification depending on how strict the inspector is. The new concessional scheme would allow owners to make further improvements to the bikes' brakes without fear that the bike would lose its concession.

The key conditions included in the announcement are:

• Vehicle inspections;
• Club membership;
• Limited/restricted usage.

These terms are similar to the Code 404 in WA and in all other similar schemes in all of the other states. However, these conditions elicited a hysterical reaction from many in the modified community. The negative reaction and outrageous and abusive comments on Mark McGowan and Rita Saffioti's Facebook page have done much damage to the community as a whole.

The objections to the proposed framework revolve around misunderstandings and outright ignorance about how the interstate schemes actually work. To obtain a concession, some administration performed by the Dept of Transport must inevitably be handed over, and this is usually where the club comes into play, ensuring that members are not abusing the scheme. This includes ensuring that vehicle is not general use.

The vocal objectors, expressed in their own words, vehemently oppose any form of oversight - they don't want to answer to a club, or conform to limited use rules and restrictions. They are also opposed to their vehicles being inspected. On their evidence of their own words, these individuals would abuse any concession offered them under the scheme.

The vocal objectors have a very loud (and incoherent) voice online but there are many other groups and individuals working with the Department of Transport to help shape this scheme into something workable. We expect it will take nine or so months to work through the details.

For more details you can sign up for updates from the Dept of Transport website.


Update 11 March 2020

Concessions for Classics update

Since the Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti announced the Concessions for Classics (C4C) scheme – a voluntary conditional licensing scheme which will be available to eligible modified classic vehicles 30 years or more in age, including street rod vehicles – earlier this year, we have made good progress towards finalizing the policy settings required to introduce the scheme. The Department of Transport (DoT) has met with several representatives from a variety of stakeholder groups and listened to feedback from individuals. All feedback and suggestions are being considered in the development of the final C4C policy to support the required regulatory amendments.

To enable DoT to analyze and summarize the feedback received – with a view of gaining the Minister’s approval of the recommendations that will be made – the opportunity to provide suggestions will soon close.

We welcome you to provide comments via modifiedclassics@transport.wa.gov.au and advise that the opportunity to send through suggestions and feedback will close on 20 March 2020.

Over the past two months we have had many questions relating to certain aspects of the scheme and the below provides information relating to those asked most frequently.

Club membership
The requirement for classic vehicle owners to be a financial member of an approved motoring club is a fundamental feature of all classic vehicle permit and conditional licensing schemes across Australia. It encourages club members and DoT approved motoring clubs to comply with their obligations under the scheme. It also fosters community involvement and social inclusion.

DoT will have the ability to revoke its approval of an approved motoring club in the event the club fails to comply with its obligations under the scheme, which will place an onus on motoring clubs to monitor inappropriate behaviour/use of vehicles and hold their members accountable. Please note this is a voluntary scheme and the affiliation with a DoT approved car club is only required if you wish to join the scheme.

Club events
DoT is finalising the policy on what constitutes a club event, however as with the vintage/veteran scheme (Code 404), there will be the possibility to use your vehicle to participate in other club sanctioned activities, such as ‘impromptu runs’, provided they meet the conditions of use as set out in DoT’s guidelines and the event is recorded in an approved manner. Please note this is a voluntary scheme and the restricted road use is only in place if you wish to join the scheme.

$90 for 90 days
Of the 2.8 million vehicles currently licensed in Western Australia (WA), many have reduced or limited access to the road network for a number of reasons. The State Government must balance requests such as this with other individuals and special interest groups which may also use vehicles infrequently.

Detailed consideration has been given to the $90 for 90 days scheme using a log book system, along with other potential schemes, and a decision was made prior to the Minister’s announcement to largely mirror the vintage/veteran scheme (Code 404), which has been operating successfully in WA since 1964. Mirroring the Code 404 scheme will enable DoT to implement the scheme later this year without undertaking lengthy policy and costly system changes.

Broadening the parameters of the restricted road use would not be equitable to other WA road users, particularly those who also only use their vehicles in limited circumstances.

404 vs. C4C
The C4C scheme will not replace the Code 404 scheme. As you will note the main difference between this scheme and the Veteran/Vintage (Code 404) scheme is that Code 404 vehicles are unmodified and the new C4C scheme relates to modified classic vehicles. Code 404 vehicles will continue to receive a 100% exemption on vehicle licence charges in recognition of the historical value these vehicles have in the WA community. Vehicles on the C4C scheme will receive a 75% concession on vehicle licence charges, and a significant reduction in motor injury insurance premiums, based on the restricted use these vehicles will have on public roads.

Saving on registration of vehicles
The annual fee discount for a C4C registered vehicle would vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the tare weight of the vehicle. For example:
‘A’ class 1929 Model T ford with 1A insurance (unrestricted road use) for 12-month vehicle licence – current fees:
• Licence Fee: $266.65
• Insurance: $367.18
• GST on insurance: $36.72
• Insurance Duty: $40.35
• Recording fee: $10.30
TOTAL: $721.20

‘B’ class 1929 Model T ford with 7(a) insurance (restricted road use) for 12-month vehicle licence on Concessions for Classics scheme.
• Licence Fee (75% reduction): $66.66
• Insurance: $51.86
• GST on insurance: $5.19
• Insurance Duty: $5.65
• Recording fee: $10.30
TOTAL: $139.66

The difference between these two fees is $581.54

If the requirements of the C4C scheme do not suit you, remember it is voluntary scheme designed to provide a balance between the restricted use of a vehicle and the cost of licensing.

Updates on the scheme were announced 6th September 2020 https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2020/09/earlier-this-year-after-many-years-of.html