By Geoff Pellett
The Cairns Auto Spectacular 2026 was on 17-18th October. Terry Holman and I went to the showgrounds on the Thursday before the show and set up some banners, the gazebo, chairs and the tables, coffee, urn etc from Meerawa. Terry and I took our vehicles (International and Ford pickups) down that day, along with Marcus (prospective member, with an early Mainline ute). On Friday, Daryl Cutili-28 Ford Roadster, Phil Heathwood-42 Ford Pickup, Keith Brimson-Holden Tonner Custom Ute, Les Hicks-32 Ford Roadster, Col Johnson-32 Ford Coupe along with Kevin McGregor’s 35 Ford Coupe project and Les’s 34 Chev Roadster chassis.
Joanne from ASRF Operations Gippsland had sent up some merchandise (stickers, keyrings, brochures, paperwork) to distribute to show-goers. these were well received by the kids and their Dads!
There were some pretty impressive cars, the top one being the XC ford ute, a nine year project by Craig Jones from Tolga. This ute will be going on the elite circuit for show cars at Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and other major places.
TOTS members received the following trophies;
Top 5 Tuff Street- Awarded to Carol Tinney and son Bryce for their 37 Chev Coupe. This car was on a seperate display. Carol was also given her twenty year plaque. (It has taken two years to catch up with her)
Top Restored- Terry Holman 1956 International ASW
Top Classic/Vintage- Terry Holman 1958 International ASW
Top unfinished Project – Kevin McGregor 1935 Ford Coupe
Promoters Choice- Daryl Cutuli 1928 Ford Roadster
Best Presented Club Display- Top of the State Rod and Custom Car Club Inc.
All in all, it was a great weekend, the weather could have been kinder. I spent a lot of time catching up with people I have not seen for many years. The organisers of the show were very easy to get along with and we did our bit to help further the interest of the ASRF.
If were not for the efforts of Terry Holman. our participation in the show would not have happened.
Thanks TERRY!
Cheers, Geoff Pellett.
Also on the same weekend some members participated in the Kurrimine Beach Hop. Gerard won trophies for Best Mopar and Publicans Choice and Johnny won best Chev for his 28 Pickup.
Pics from the Auto Spec are from the Auto Spec facebook site.