Whanganui hosts National Veteran Rally

Vehicles will be showcased for public voting on Saturday at noon and park between Maria Place and Guyton St. PHOTO/ SOURCED.

Ancient car junkies get your voting caps ready. For the first time ever Whanganui is hosting the National Veteran Rally (NVR) this Wellington Anniversary weekend.

At least 28 veteran vehicles from all over the country have registered in the event. The cars are expected to be driven and showcased throughout the city.

The cars will be parked outside the post office between Maria Place and Guyton Street for public voting on Saturday from 12pm to 4pm. Voting slips will be available at site and the winner will obtain the notorious William McLean Trophy.

Prior to voting a veteran cruise will take place Saturday morning meeting at Cornmarket Reserve.

Veteran cars will travel from all over the country to Whanganui as a part of the National Veteran Rally. PHOTO/sourced.

Vehicles will assemble at 8.45am for a 9.15 departure. They will travel along Taupo Quay and cross over the town bridge, past Kowhai Park and continue for a scenic run.

The Wanganui Vintage Car Club (WVCC) is one of 35 branches of Vintage Car Club New Zealand. They put their hand up to host the event in Whanganui.

Lydia O'Keeffe, WVCC organiser, said they were hoping for a bigger turn out but certain factors reduced numbers.

"Due to the Kaikora earthquake and another event later in January up north the number of registered vehicles is less than expected", she said.

Veteran cars, manufactured pre 1919, are the earlier generation of vintage cars, built between 1919 to 1986.

Mrs O'Keeffe said some veteran vehicles will be trailer's and others will be driven.

"One veteran vehicle is being driven from North Canterbury and will travel through the Wairarapa before arriving in Whanganui", she said.

On Sunday 22, the event will run in conjunction with the annual Burnma Rally for Vintage cars.

Veteran and vintage vehicles will assemble on Taupo Quay along side Moutua Gardens at 8.30am for the "competitive part of the rally".

Mayor, Hamish McDouall, is scheduled to present the first lot of cars getting away at 9am. The last lot will depart at 9.45.

All cars will return for a picnic lunch at Moutua Gardens by midday. A combined prize giving dinner with 200 people in attendance will conclude the weekend affairs.

Mrs O'Keeffe said they are all very excited and hopes the weather holds out for the drivers with no cover.

The club welcomes new members. Vehicles manufactured between1980 and 1986 are now eligible for the Post 1980 Class.