The Big Show: Over 3000 enjoy Aviation Museum fundraising event

Mazsyve Brown admires a 1934 hot rod at The Big Show held at Tairāwhiti Aviation Museum over the weekend. Picture by Paul Rickard

The Big Show charity fundraiser has been hailed “a great  success”.

Held over two days at the Tairāwhiti Aviation Museum, the Show featured hot rods, classic and muscle cars, boats, aircraft, motorcycles, vintage military vehicles and radio-controlled model cars.

The star of the Show was a 1934 Duesenberg Auburn which featured in the 1984 hit movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

The Trust Tairāwhiti Rescue Helicopter and its crew took part, as did a chopper crew from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, who, not ones to stand around, put themselves to use behind the barbecue.

Among the activities enjoyed by adults and children alike was a World War 2-era Allison V12 engine start-up demonstration from a 1943 P-40 Kittyhawk.

Those who will benefit from the proceeds are the Cancer Society, Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust and Gisborne Aviation Preservation Society.

“Just over 3000 people attended the two-day event,” event coordinator Rick Brenchley said.

“The show was a great success for the organisers, Gisborne American Car Club . . . showing people what’s available in our fair city.”

The Win a Ride raffle was won by Billy McGilchrist of Gisborne, whose prize comprises rides in the Duesenberg Auburn, a 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, a 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Evo and on a Harley Davidson.

The final amount raised is still being assessed.