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2 October, 2025
How was the Charlton Show and Shine? Wheely good!
Members of the car club formed only last year had activated networks across Victoria to attract more than 100 vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive evolution to be part of the club’s first major event.
CARS, tractors and trucks lined the Avoca River on Sunday when Wheels on A79 staged its first show and shine at Charlton Park.
Members of the car club formed only last year had activated networks across Victoria to attract more than 100 vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive evolution to be part of the club’s first major event.
Secretary Anthony Hargreaves the club, already boasting more than 30 members, had banded together preparing for the day.
“We had a working bee, expecting everything would take two hours to do, so many turned up it was all done in an hour,” he said.
The club gained sponsorship from car insurer Shannons who awarded its top trophy to St Arnaud’s Peter Knight’s shiny BMW.
Charlton’s Gary Pyers took out the trophy for best pre-1960 truck - a 1948 Ford that had been owned by the Wright family.
“Interesting story behind the truck,” Gary said. “It was brought as a prime mover and the rear section was hit by a train and the rebuilt as a body truck.”
Gary said he had been looking to buy the old Ford and “one day about 20 years ago, the family came to me and said it was for sale”.
“I made the purchase, got the engine going again and set about restoring the Ford,” he said.
Anthony said the day had attracted wide interest from within car clubs.
“There were a few members of the British Motor Club staying in Charlton for the weekend to have a look at our first event,” he said.
“We’ve had some really good feedback and are optimstic that members will come back next year with their historic vehicles and have them on show.”
Year 10 work experience team from Charlton College assisted with catering at Sunday’s show and shine.
RESULTS
Best vintage tractor pre-1960: John Leach (1950 Massey Ferguson). Modern tractor post-1960: John Stiley (1965 International A554). Best vintage truck: Gary Pyers. Post-1960: Anthony Neil (Kenworth 2023 T909).
Best modified car: Rae Bridson (1948 Ford Tourer). Best original car: Randall Perry (1969 KH Holden Monaro). Best original - plastic bumper: Daryl Allan (2009 Holden GTS). Best vintage: Craig Watts (1934 Chevolet Roadster).
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