Auto 1 Classic Car Show

Whiteman Park

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Brian Inder (centre, facing camera) and Michelle Bussell (right, partly obscured) arrive, courtesy Kelvin Ferris and the museum's Detroit Electric.	Look out, it's the Feds . Glenice Matthews, Michelle Bussell, Brian Inder and Mick Rust	The advantage of Mussell Pool over the Village area is the shade. When you're trying to take photos, it's also a disadvantage.
Max Cuyper's 20/25, GBT41, rolling on four brand new tyres, made a welcome appearance.	A lineup of spectators with cameras, enjoying our display.	The Detroit Electric. Larger than it looks in this photo, it is about 7 feet tall.

It was easy to see the attraction of the electric car in the early days of motoring when Kelvin Ferris motored silently up to the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club display at the Auto 1 Whiteman Park Classic Car Show, held at Mussel Pool.

The Whiteman Park Motor Museum's own Detroit Electric, powered by 8 large 12-volt car batteries, was not only utterly silent, but amazingly simple to drive. No starting handle, no leaking oil, no chaffcutter engine noises, no exhaust smoke; just ease the accellerator on, take the tiller firmly in hand, and glide away. And when you have to gas up, just plug it into the powerpoint in your garage overnight. Perfect for grannies, as Grandma Duck demonstrated in numerous Disney comics. Disney artist Carl Barcks based her electric carriage closely on the Detroit Electric.

Kelvin's passengers included Federal President Brian Inder and partner Michelle Bussell, who had been his guests at a tour of the museum, and were now joining the Club at its bivouac near the railway station. Brian and Michelle caught up with Federal Treasurer Mick Rust and delegate Glenice Matthews, and was most impressed by Bucko's beautifully sculpted R-ROC signboard. This is now anchored to a very sturdy easel to prevent it being blown away in high winds.

One of the great things about the Whiteman Park show is all those other makes so handy, and although I didn't have time to visit every other club display, I did look in on the small cluster of oddball Brits which included an extraordinary 1960s Bond Bug. This is a Hot Orange wedge sports car concocted from the Reliant Robin 3 wheeler (the one constantly being savaged by Mr Bean's Mini). It was a brave try, and looks very sharp. It is powered by Reliant / Bond's own 700 cc all-alloy ohv engine. Just think: 10 of them = 1 R-R V8.

As always a good day out, and not too hot.

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