FANS of historic wheels and wings are marking Sunday, April 18, in their calendars, as the third bi-annual Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly In makes its presence known at Wangaratta Airport.

The brainchild of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club Australia Northern Branch, it is regarded as the most diverse display of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

The event will showcase the motoring and aeronautical history of Australia with attractions to entertain enthusiasts and the general public.

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

“We are really hoping that the COVID-19 restrictions don’t impede too much on this event, we're expecting a good turnout, and a lot of people to enjoy the types of vehicles that will be at the show," he said

“It’s just amazing to see the evolution of planes and vehicles, to see vintage planes in the air is just magnificent, and add that to the backdrop upwards of 600 vehicles, the array of cars alone is a sight to behold.”

Martin believes the event will be a great family outing, giving those without knowledge of the exhibits a wonderful opportunity to learn about a different aspect to Australia’s history, with hopes of building on the 6000 visitors back in 2019.

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

Member of the Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club of Wangaratta Frank Wellman is just one of the many local enthusiasts looking forward to the show.

"The last show was exceptional, suitable for the whole family, it's something that is very good for Wangaratta, even people who are not car or plane fans per se will still get a lot out of it."

Frank believes he has something of an obligation to share his love of classic motoring with the general public and feels certain that the Wangaratta Historic Motor Show and Fly In will be a wonderful showcase to achieve just that.

His pride and joy among his collection of vehicles is his 1949 MGB TD, which he has owned since 1976, off the road for 25 years undergoing a ground up restoration.

Such is his love for his motoring past the car is a replica of the first he ever bought in 1955 at 18 years of age.

Expecting to exhibit his vehicle in April, Frank is already prepared for the most common question he will be asked about his car while on show.

With an impish smile Frank says "and that is, mate, how much is your car?"

Those seeking further information on the event can contact either Richie Gardner on 0448 906 509 or Mick Daws on 0411 980 686.