Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Rotary Club of Como Car Show 2021


It's hard to believe it's been ten years since I went along to the first Rotary Club of Como Car Show. I saw the show advertised in a local newsletter and attended on my own, having only recently acquired my DKW. It was a relatively small event with maybe 150 cars in attendance, but there was a pleasant and relaxed feeling about the show that has continued to this day. The next year I recommended it to the car club I was a member of and over the next few years it became a feature event in our calendar. I don't think I have missed a show in the ten years. 

This was the first car show I've attended since the Classic Car Show in March 2021. I have to admit I was pretty much burnt out and disillusioned with the car scene after organizing the Car Show for the last five years. I needed to step away from the clubs, the politics and just general scene for a while. There were also family matters that needed attention with elderly relatives needing care, which took precedence and a lot of time. The weather was also pretty terrible over the last six months so there wasn't too much to miss in the car scene.

So for me, the Rotary Club of Como Car Show was a great event to mark a return to the scene. My club, the KBG, fielded a small display comprising a 1966 Skoda Octavia, my 1959 DKW F94, a 1958 King Fram and a 1975 Land Rover Mark 1.

The Swedish built King Fram Fulda is an extraordinary vehicle and drew a lot of attention at the show. As owner Richard describes it, the King Fram Fulda is possibly the second worst automobile ever made - the worst is still the Australian Lightburn Zeta https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2021/04/lightburn-zeta-australias-trabant.html

Richard kindly allowed me to hop in the King Fram to experience just how badly designed it is. I'm only 5 foot seven and it was a struggle for me to squeeze in. Richard is a strapping six footer! The King Fram was a license built version of the German Fuldamobil, but with a streamlined fibreglass body. The car is powered by a Sachs 200cc single cylinder two-stroke motor, identical to that used in the Messerschmitt KR200. One major difference however is that the engine is mounted to the swing arm, not to the frame. Other features of the vehicle include extremely limited access to the engine and points, the steering and front suspension is poorly designed, and gear shifting is extremely vague!

Despite the King Fram's poor design and performance, it is a rather handsome vehicle, especially from the rear. I will have to write something more about this very interesting oddity. https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2021/10/1954-fuldamobil-nwf-200.html

This 1966 Skoda Octavia came from Tasmania and has never been restored. It is still used as a daily driver.

Despite being a utility vehicle, the Land Rover is a real crowd pleaser. Owner Peter was fielding questions from people all day.

KBG member Giles was displaying his Fiat with the Fiat Lancia Club

Fiat Lancia Club have been a regular at the show since its beginning

KGB member Trevor had his Vauxhall Velox with the Vauxhall Club.

Austin Six

Austin Six and Standard

1947 Vauxhall

A very rare French car, the Simca Aronde. This recently restored car is now for sale.

Renault Club - Renault 750 and Renault 8

Renault 8 and Renault Gordini

Citroen Traction Avant and Citroen GS

Volvo 1800

The Motor Museum display - 1937 Oldsmobile

Motor Museum - Leyland P76 Force coupe

Motor Museum's Holden 48/215

A mixed bag

Mercedes-Benz -Unimog

1959 Ford Zephyr

Austin Seven

Replica 1936 Mercedes-Benz SS

Aston-Martin DB6 Mark 2

The DB6 is a very handsome car

1949 Cadillac

Rover

Charger Club

What do you get if you really love the Holden 48/215? A matching pair!

A pair of Studebakers

The King Fram sets off!

Check out the Como Rotary Club Car Show page http://comorotary.org/como-rotary-car-show/

Classic Car Show 2021 - https://heinkelscooter.blogspot.com/2021/04/shannons-classic-car-show-sunday-18th.html