13 February 2020

Peek into history with a free classic car show in the CBD this weekend

| Jane Speechley
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The famous Wilkinson's Canberra Pie Cart

The famous Wilkinson’s Canberra Pie Cart will be on display at the ‘Classics at Kambri’ car show this weekend. Photos: Supplied.

Get a close-up look at some extraordinary modern and historic vehicles at a free classic car show at the ANU’s Kambri precinct this weekend.

In an age when car design can lack a certain flair and sense of adventure, it’s no wonder classic vehicles are such head turners. Whether it’s memories of trips to the coast sitting on a scorching hot vinyl bench seat or childhood dreams of owning a sports car, old cars evoke passionate nostalgia.

But you don’t have to own a classic to enjoy a classic. Just get to Kambri at the ANU for the first ‘Classics at Kambri’ car and bike show this Sunday.

According to Kambri Management’s Frances Corkhill, the inaugural event is about using the community space for a wide range of different purposes and reaching out to new people.

“We’re always looking at creative ways to activate the precinct with a wide variety of activities and events that engage the university community and the wider Canberra region,” Ms Corkhill said.

“What better way than a classic car and bike show, encouraging some of the keenest and most knowledgeable enthusiasts from the region to share their passions, and with an incredible array of vehicle on show that both adults and kids will love.”

A particular highlight of this event will be the famous Canberra Pie Cart, a 1939 Chevrolet van used from the 1940s to the 1970s to deliver sweet and savoury snacks and lunches to local worksites, government offices, weekend football matches and Parliament House.

While these days Canberra has embraced café culture, lunch spots were few and far between in the city’s early days and workers often relied on the mobile cart for their daytime meals.

After being retired in the 1970s, the cart was discovered in a yard in Murrumbateman and has since been lovingly restored by the Council of ACT Motor Clubs with the assistance of students from Copeland College Melba, Shannons Insurance and the ACT Government Heritage Grants Scheme.

“We’re very proud to be part of the Canberra car-loving community, which is made up of many passionate enthusiasts and spans a very wide range of interests,” Peter Atkinson from the Council of ACT Motor Clubs, which represents about 70 local car clubs, said.

“Some are interested in style and design, others in the technical and engineering side of things.

“From veteran, vintage, classic, modified and custom vehicles to modern, electric, and even some steam, we expect to have dozens of cars, bikes and trucks on show.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring ‘customs and classics to the campus’ and support the local retailers there during the quiet university student vacation period as well.”

Porsche

Cars of all vintages will be on show for enthusiasts and others to enjoy.

The Kambri precinct features a range of cafes, shops and eateries to enjoy in between checking out the cars.

Event entry is free but people can make a gold coin donation to charity partner, the Givits Bushfire Appeal.

For those bringing their own wheels, there will be free parking for three hours under the Kambri precinct.

The ‘Classics at Kambri’ car and bike show runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday.

To find out more, check out the event listing online or visit the Kambri website.

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North Road runs SE from Barry Drive in Acton, so:
Enter North Rd from Barry Drive,
Follow North Rd, keeping left at the dog leg,
Pass University Avenue on the left (wide bridge with bollards),
Turn right and you’ll be in the car park (with no name).
Welcome to “Classics at Kambri”

North Road runs SW from Barry Drive in Acton, so:
Enter North Rd from Barry Drive,
Follow North Rd, keeping left at the dog leg,
Pass University Avenue on the left (wide bridge with bollards),
Turn right and you’ll be in the car park (with no name).
Welcome to “Classics at Kambri”

“”Kambri at ANU, Carpark at the end of North Road, by Sullivan’s Creek””.
Could someone put up a map please. I regret I don’t know the ANU all that well. But I do know where the AFL oval is.

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