Rolling into the New England, 130 veteran and vintage automobiles from across Australia will wind through the region on tour from the 1st to 3rd May, in a must-see spectacle for those with an appreciation of meticulous attention to detail and classic motoring style.
The ‘Pre-1931 Autumn Tour’ is the premier veteran and vintage car touring event in NSW, held annually on the first weekend in May.
This year’s event is the first time this tour has been held outside the Central West with the Armidale-based Classic and Specialist Car Club of Northern NSW proudly securing the opportunity to host the 2025 Tour.
“The rally is only open to cars built before 1931, and is capped at 150 cars,” said Mr Mark Wittig, Director of the 2025 Pre1931 Autumn Tour.
“There are over 120 cars and 250 passengers entered in the Tour so far, and they will start to arrive in Armidale during the last week of April, with the official check-in taking place at Saumerez homestead on Thursday 1st May.”
“This is the first time in its 25-year history that this rally has ventured out of the Central West region. These historic vehicles will tour the region over three days, visiting many of the surrounding attractions and concludes with a gala dinner for Tour participants on Saturday night.”
“Armidale was selected as the Tour base so that we could capitalise on its accommodation and ability to seat up to 280 people at the Presentation dinner.”
The tour is sponsored by The National Trust NSW, under the Paul William Butler Bequest, with the prime objective of promoting the conservation and continued use of Australia’s motoring history. The Trust enables grants to organisations for events which promote the appreciation, restoration and preservation of vintage and veteran cars for the purpose of public exhibition in NSW.
There will be plenty of opportunity to view these vintage and veteran motors, with the general public being encouraged to take advantage by visiting the many sites where the cars are on display.
“All cars are available for public inspection on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd May,” said Mr Wittig
“Vehicles will assemble at the Armidale Racecourse each morning from 8.30am, before departing around 10am as they motor through the quieter roads and attractions that the region has to offer.”
“On Friday 2nd May our guests will be treated to a country-style gathering at the Chandler School in Wollomombi. There they will display their cars while enjoying lunch, then travel to view the beauty of the nearby waterfalls.”
The rally will stop at the small School for lunch, between 12.00pm to around 3.00pm, where several events will be showcased while the vehicles are displayed on the School’s sportsground.
“Mark has organised a bush poet and blues singer, and we also have Back Track showcasing their dog jump demonstration,” said Ashley Brett, School Administration Manager at Chandler Public School.
“The students are keen to be involved and we have invited some of our other local small schools along for the day to join us in this event.”
Event organisers have made a conscious effort to include smaller communities in the Tour and encourage people to show their support by following the procession for a great day out. Lunch will be available to purchase, with proceeds going to support the students. Enjoy a bite to eat while admiring the rare display of Australian motoring history and partaking of the rural hospitality of this proud community.
On Saturday 3rd May the Tour comes to Uralla. Arriving at the Uralla Showground in King St from around 10.30am, the cars will once again be on public display while the tour participants enjoy morning tea. Taking the scenic drive out of Uralla to inspect the Deeargee Woolshed and the iconic Gostwyck chapel, the Tour will again return to Uralla for lunch.
“Jodie Taylor and her Hospitality students along with Uralla Central School Principal, Brad Hunt, are right behind the event and are preparing to feed the crowd in the beautiful school grounds,” said Mr Wittig.
After lunch, the visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing afternoon wandering Uralla’s shops and historic walks. It will be a novel and enticing sight for passing traffic to see so many period-fitting cars parked throughout this historic main street precinct.
“Of the 130 cars entered, there are many rare and interesting marques, ranging in value from $20,000 to over a million dollars” said Mr Wittig.
“While we all know and regularly get to see the work horse cars of the early 20th century, such as Chevs, T and A Model Fords, Dodges and Buicks, the Tour will provide opportunity for a closer view of a number of rarer and quite valuable models with a 1910 Scat, 1930 Rolls Royce, 1921 Isotta Frashchini, 1927 Erskine, a Pierce Arrow, and a 1912 Calthorpe being entered.”
“The event is a first for the New England and it is hoped that many people will avail themselves of the opportunity to come along and see the spectacle of so many original and meticulously restored vehicles.”
Vehicles will depart for home following breakfast on Sunday the 4th May.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au