Loyola Classic: Meeting Heroes of the Past

It's interesting to compare the cars that are idealised now, to the ones that were idealised 50-60 years ago. The R35 GTR for instance, well nearly 50 years ago, the Hakosuka GTR had a win streak of 49. Or take the latest Ford Mustang. Nearly 50 years ago, that would've been the Ford Falcon GT that was the hero. Those new 2019 Chevy Silverado's being imported from America. 50-60 years ago, the smaller and lower Silverado was what was cool. And still, 50+ years later, they're still cool! Heck, some cars are cooler now than they were back in their day. And this is a massive credit to the owners who not only restore, but keep these cars in beautiful pristine conditions for us 'newbies' to admire. 

Although it's cool to see the latest kits and mods for modern and even older cars, it's sometimes refreshing just to wind down with carburetors and leaf springs. 

Every year the LCAA (Loyola  College Alumni Association) and the Metro Classic Cruisers organise this great event, the Loyola Classic Car Show. The money raised from vehicle entry and the BBQ helps raise money for student scholarships. It really is a cool event to see not only cars from the Metro Classic Cruisers, but also a lot of independent owners and owners from other clubs 

So, let's get onto the cars!

Rollin' On Arrival

Roll in time is a great way to not only get your senses tingling with the sounds and smells of the cars, but also get an interest in what you should check out in more detail later.

After a few cars arrived, I noticed a theme. Lots of Australian and American Muscle. Not that it was surprising though.

Then all of a sudden the VW's arrived. There seemed to be some commotion around the Kombi. I guess they were just making sure it wouldn't fall apart as it went over the bump. (Seriously though, very cool ride!)

Soon after, the Escort boys arrived.

(I may have gotten a tad excited). 

There was certainly something interesting in the back of this Sandman! But silly old me missed it and didn't get any pictures. 

The event was supposed to be for cars made before 1983, but I guess it wasn't enforced. But what are they going to say really? "Sorry mate, come back when it's 35 years old?" Yeah, I don't think so. 

Letting Yourself Wander

After what I thought were the last cars to roll in (trust me, they weren't), I figured I'd go from the furthest point of the venue and backtrack. But now that I think about it, ​I didn't do that at all. I guess that's what happens at car shows, you get distracted so easily.

Different cars will pull you towards them. Whether it's because of their colour, ride height, nostalgia, patina or lines. Each show car is fighting for your attention in varying ways. 

One car that certainly got my attention was this 50's Holden FJ Panel Van, fitted with a magnificent interior.

I mean, how can you go wrong when you have the car imprinted on some cushions?

One car I new I had to have a closer look at after the roll in was this little Ford roadster.

Who wouldn't want to drive around in that thing? I know I would!

It wasn't all about GM and Ford's either. There was a good showing of European classic too.

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What I thought was really cool about the event is that throughout the evening cars just kept on arriving. 

As one would leave, at least two would take it's place. You'd come back to an area you'd already covered and there would be new cars for you to see. ​Where'd that Beetle come from?

Then, all of a sudden, Godzilla arrived.

This particular R32 GTR surprised me not only because it was one of the only Japanese cars at the show, but also because of how stock it was. ​Even the shift knob and wheels were from the factory, which is really cool, as it's very difficult to see any R32 in what looked to be full factory form. It was definitely a car that got a lot of attention.

Going back around to the front of the Loyola Companions Hall, I spotted ​this impressive Lincoln Continental with an impressive stance.

I guess the secret to the impressive stance is now out of the bag.

As the sun went down, we were treated to one final look to how the light would play on the beautiful lines of many of the cars on display, before calling it a night.

Calling It A Night

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were given one last treat of seeing these past heroes drive.

I'll finish off by just acknowledging the amount of hard work and preparation that goes into an event like this. So definitely hat's off to the LCAA and Metro Classic Cruisers. 

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