Blustery weather did not stop vehicle enthusiasts from flocking to the Cromwell Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival on Saturday.
The event has been running for more than 30 years in Cromwell’s Alpha St Recreation Reserve.
More than 740 vehicles and 12 motorcycles were on display — some from as far as Auckland — and at least 2700 people attended.
Car owner Gerry Slessenger, of Oamaru, was enjoying his first time at the festival.
Mr Slessenger had brought his 1974 Citroen DS, one of only three automatic versions in New Zealand.
‘‘I’ve got an unusual car and I wanted to display it,’’ Mr Slessenger said.
He said the Cromwell festival was a good opportunity to see some more unusual vehicles.
‘‘There’s lots of beautiful cars.’’
Southland Ford Falcon Club life member Greg Millane said the variety of cars was a highlight of the show.
“Family cars to race cars — that’s what you’ll see here,” Mr Millane said.
“People will come along and . . .look at a car and go ‘oh wow, I used to have one of those’ or ‘my mum and dad had one of those’.”
This was the first year the show had run without day-of registration, as a way to keep numbers manageable.
Registrations reopened briefly on Friday night, to accommodate those who were not aware of the new policy.
“In the car community and the car show circuit this Cromwell car show is really well regarded,” Mr Millane said.
People booked for next year’s event as they checked out of their accommodation this year, he said.
