SONNY Westwood and his beloved Chev will provide plenty of revs for the third bi-annual Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly In this April.

The proud 'Benallarite', with his two litre 1926 Chevrolet Superior, has been a member of the Veteran and Vintage Vehicle Club of Wangaratta for eight years.

He is passionate about older vehicles and exhibiting them to the general public.

“It is very important we keep a connection to our history," Sonny said.

"We have come such a long way from motoring’s early days; people need to see where it all started, and how technology has progressed.”

While the show is an opportunity to attract new members, Sonny believes sadly, the younger generation of car fanciers are more likley to be attracted to muscle cars of the 1970s than a veteran or vintage car from the 1920s.

Regardless though, club members are delighted at the public responses to their vehicles when being shown.

“We get wonderful praise from the general public as to how the cars look," Sonny said.

Moreover they are genuinely surprised at just how simply the machines are constructed and operate.

“Nowadays it’s the turn of a key or press a button and away you go, but veteran vehicles require far more care and patience," he said.

"You have to be prepared to listen to what they are saying to you.”

The Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly In on April 18 will highlight examples of Australia’s history from the perspective of wheeled vehicles and aircraft and their history in Australia, with attractions to entertain both enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Show committee member and president of the Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club of Wangaratta, Martin Ziermann, told the Wangaratta Chronicle he was looking forward to taking part in the event himself.

Mr Ziermann believes it will be a great family outing, presenting a real opportunity to learn about another chapter of Australia’s past.

It is expected that the display of wheeled vehicles will include motorcycles, cars, transport vehicles and emergency vehicles with stationary engines also on display.

For more information on the event contact Richie Gardner on 0448 906 509 or Mick Daws on 0411 980 686.