28th Australian National Model A Ford Meet

“A” Rally through the Cane Fields
Maryborough Queensland
Sunday 1st – Sunday 8th September, 2024
Hosted by the Model A Ford Club of QLD

Ah, buckle up, my fellow Model A enthusiasts! Let’s rewind the odometer and relive the whirlwind of events that was the 28th National Meet. From roaring engines to unexpected twists, it was a ride worthy of a classic rock anthem.

Day One: Snapshots and Rally Packs

The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow on our beloved classics. Cameras clicked as each car struck a pose—like supermodels on a runway, but even more beautiful. Then came the rally packs—packed tighter than squeezing into a closed cab pickup—with goodies. And that welcome dinner? Well, let’s just say the stories shared were juicier than a well-aged cabernet.

Day Two: Hot Wheels and Promo Stardom

Heat waves danced above the asphalt, but our spirits burned hotter. Attendees embarking on tours and escapades. Alas, the whale watching cruise got wind-whipped into oblivion. But fear not! Bill and I—lucky devils—found our cars immortalized in promo photoshoots. Dinner? Oh, the local pub restaurants welcomed us like long-lost relatives, serving up comfort food and camaraderie.

Day Three: Cooling Down and Olds Engineering

Finally, a merciful cooldown—25°C felt like a gentle breeze after the fiery days. Tours continued, engines humming contentedly. We cruised over to Olds Engineering, where belts turned, sparks flew, and expert hands worked magic.

Day Four: Mandatory Run and Time Travel

Picture this: a carpark transformed into a time portal. Folks donned period costumes—think flapper dresses, newsboy caps, and suspenders. At 8 AM sharp, engines roared, and we embarked on a scenic drive to Lychee Farm. Morning tea—sandwiches, lamingtons, and steaming cups of brew—felt like a picnic with Gatsby. Then, off to Thebrine Hotel, where our Model As owned the streets. The return journey? A blur of wind and memories down the Bruce Highway.

Day Five: Model A Takeover and Steam Train Whistles

Main street in front of Town Hall transformed into a vintage wonderland. Model As stood shoulder to fender, their curves catching sunlight like winking flappers. Locals gawked, jaws dropping faster than a dropped transmission. The markets? Bursting with fresh produce and quirky knick-knacks. And behold, the historic Mary Anne steam train—chugging through time, ticket prices as charming as its whistle.

Day Six: Hervey Bay Showdown and Hubley Races

Hervey Bay welcomed us like a long-lost cousin. Our cars lined up along the footpath, turning heads like a synchronized dance routine. And then—the pièce de résistance —the Hubley races! The crowd cheered, the gates dropped and hopes soared. Alas, our car stumbled like a tipsy flapper doing the Charleston. Dead last. But hey, at least we looked dashing in defeat.

Day Seven: Dusty Roads and Cane Fields

Britt and I skipped this one—heard it was a dusty odyssey through cane fields. But our fellow adventurers returned, grinning like kids with secret treasures.

Day Eight: Farewell and Raffle Triumph

The grand finale: a gala dinner. Ken Warburton—our squire from the shire—won a raffle prize that made his eyes sparkle like polished chrome. And as the rally dust settled, we raised our glasses to the Queensland club. Bravo, mates! Your tireless efforts made this rally purr like a contented cat.

So there you have it—the road trip of a lifetime. Until the next rally, keep your engines tuned, your hubcaps shiny, and your spirit as free as an open highway.