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Joe Kenwright14 Jun 2008
NEWS

Local Chrysler and Simca V8s join the Fords in Bendigo

As rising petrol prices bite into numbers attending rural car shows, expect a greater variety of display cars at fewer events

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Although last Saturday's national gathering of early Ford V8 models was the biggest indoor display ever of its kind in Australia, it was the cars and machinery that turned up for the outside display that almost stole the show. As petrol prices limit the number of rural venues that owners can visit, the Bendigo event attracted some high quality examples of models rarely seen in Australia.


The number of young drivers determined to keep the Australian Fairlane alive was impressive. There was a his and hers display of a ZH Fairlane Marquis and ZJ Failane, both powered by the big 5.8-litre engine to highlight the huge change in style that occurred between 1978 and 1979.


The locally assembled 1962 Fairlane compact, the first with Ford's new small block V8 engine, was a popular exhibit along with the later 1963 and 1964 versions of this model.


Local Fairlanes and LTDs from the late 1970s era were also well-represented with a mint 1978 LTD highlighting Australia's last LTD that came with an extended wheelbase to match the full-sized US models.


When the full-sized Galaxie and LTD were also assembled in Australia there were several examples including the final US LTD series sold in Australia and a tidy 1968 Galaxie. These Australian-assembled models usually featured the best trim from the local Fairmont at the time while the dash was often unique to Australia.


Various Customlines and "tank" Fairlanes were also on display reflecting their often unique detailing that drew on both US and Canadian models.


The Australian Coupe Utility versions of these North American Fords are now fetching serious prices which are driving some outstanding restorations. Bendigo visitors were presented with a number of coupe utilities spanning the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.


The bonus for visitors was the two Simca Vedettes, a model once popular in Australia. Powered by Ford's small side valve V8-60 engine, the Australian versions were actually assembled by Chrysler in the early 1960s.


Joining the Simcas was a rare locally-assembled 1962 Dodge Phoenix, a model with a strong resemblance to the popular R-series Valiant that came down the same production line. Next to the Dodge, was a rare Australian-delivered De Soto that was officially sold in Australia along with similar Dodge and Plymouth models in the late 1950s with factory right hand drive. The Bendigo car had that pleasing patina of orginality about it.


One of the most popular exhibits was a Mark I Zephyr convertible with a small block 289/4.7-litre V8 shoehorned into it. Although it didn't quite qualify as a factory original, the intent was a crowd pleaser as was the beautiful period 1932
Ford Hot Rod featuring an equally period side valve V8.


If the cars were not enough then the stationary engines and tractors were a bonus. Of some significance was the small and rare Ford tractor on display produced under licence with the Ferguson System before Henry Ford and Harry Ferguson fell out. It provided a dramatic contrast with Ford's earlier and more primitive Fordson Major.


Not at all bad for a gold coin donation to local Bendigo charity, we would say!


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Photos courtesy of IM Photo Services, with thanks to Ian Moorhouse.


 


 

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Written byJoe Kenwright
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