German Car Day, Perth 2012

The 2012 German Car Day is on this year, taking it out of the traditional middle of winter date for the first year. The Mercedes-Benz Car Club has hosted this event for over a decade. It has seen strong turnouts of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen cars, as well as examples of Borgward, NSU, Opel and even Messerschmitt – and German made models such as the Ford Focus XR5. The event has previously been held in York and Northam, but starting this year we’re making it a moving feast, with a different destination each year.

The event begins with meeting at the car park corner of Plain Street and Nelson Crescent in Perth, near the WACA at 9.30am, and from there a drive will set off to our secret destination. The convoy should reach the destination in about an hour and a half. There, cars will be parked by marque and on public display. There are plenty of places to eat nearby, or you’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch. And no, the destination will not be divulged until the day…

The cost is just $10 per car - regardless of how many people are on board - which includes a raffle ticket with some excellent prizes. Part proceeds will go to CanTeen.

You don’t have to be a club member to participate. And you don’t need a show-car, all German cars are welcome. Spread the word – the more the merrier...

When: Sunday, September 23

Where: Car park corner of Plain Street and Nelson Crescent in Perth, near the WACA - drive to secret destination

More Info: http://www.mbccwa.org.au/calendar.htm

At the rendezvous at the WACA

There was a strong showing by the Porsche Club

There were a small number of classic VWs,

This Mercedes-Benz 500K replica created a sensation on arrival.

Although it's a replica it is still a very expensive car.

A nice, unmolested 56 Type 1 Volkswagen beetle with oval window.

Daisy drew some attention.  Along with the few VWs it was the only classic.

Farmobil 700

SIVA member Mark unveiled the completion of his 12 year Farmobil restoration project at a recent meeting. The Farmobil was a farm utility vehicle designed by the Fahr tractor company in the late 1950s. Engines and drive trains were supplied by BMW and the vehicles themselves were assembled by the Greek Farco company. The Farmobil's were sold in Greece, Austria, Germany (as the BMW Farmobil) and in France, where they were relatively successful. Unfortunately only 900 Farmobil's were ever manufactured and are quite rare nowadays.
Mark's Farmobil was bought in Lyon, France in 1990 and imported to Australia. It was running at the time and had its original BMW Farco engine.

Over the past 12 years Mark has undertaken an epic complete nut and bolt restoration that included the re-manufacture of floor plans and body panels.

The result is simply amazing. Every single element has been exquisitely restored to pristine condition. The engine bay is spotless!

Mark takes it for a test drive.

Mark's recently completed Renault

A few interesting machines invariably show up at SIVA meetings. Two Renaults and a Messerschmitt.

Peter's Renault 4CV

Zig's Messerschmitt

Berkeley sports car. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley_Cars

An Aussie legend - the Leyland P76. Wheel's Magazine's 1973 car of the year. It would become the great Australian lemon. http://www.webtrade.com.au/p76/