2014 Gasolene Muscle Car Expo report
Outside the Exhibition Building, Mustang fans were catered for with a group of new and old pony cars in the forecourt, while Castlemaine Rod Shop had merchandise on show, too. Upon entry, a bold green Dodge Charger Daytona was a smack in the face (but a good one!), with every aisle and lineup of cars thereafter adding to the 'wow' factor. Close to 200 classic American and Australian muscle cars filled the floorspace this year, with virtually all cars being new to the event.
Highlights this year included the 'movie cars' that filled one wing of the Exhibition Building, with the special collection of Mad Max cars making the journey down from the Mad Max Museum in Silverton, New South Wales, especially for Gasolene. Fans kitted themselves out as characters from the movies, including an MFP member, the 'feral kid' and various members of the Humungus gang from Mad Max II. The XB GT from Two Hands and a DeLorean kitted out to Back to the Future spec were also represented.
Whether your loyalties lay with Ford, GM or Chrysler, there was something to fall in love with at Gasolene! Rarities, like the aforementioned Daytona attracted their fair share of attention, as did a Boss 429 Mustang, supercharged Stutz Blackhawk and rare Dodge Demon, while a one-of-one black XY GTHO Phase III was a particular highlight amongst the Aussie cars on show this year.
Cars that had been tweaked and resto-modded sat alongside factory-authentic restos and unrestored survivors. The genuine barn finds, complete with cobwebs, rust and dirt, were a unique feature of last year's Expo, and returned this year, with the stars being a HQ SS sedan and Chrysler 300 'Letter Car'.
Special guests this year included Murray Carter and Ian Tate, amongst others, who were joined by The Footy Show's Sam Newman for autograph sessions. Newman, a noted performance car enthusiast, had his stunning Boss 429 Mustang on show, which scored a trophy for best US Ford. NBA star, Andrew Bogut, was spotted cruising through the event on Sunday, maybe looking for vehicles to add to his own impressive muscle car collection!
This year's Mad Max display also attracted Vince Gil (Night Rider), Paul Johnstone (Cundalini) and Nic Gazzana (Starbuck) from the Toe Cutter's gang, along with stuntmen Dale Bensch, Terry Gibson and Max Aspin form Mad Max I and II. (Aspin is finishing a book on his history in stuntwork that's due for release later this year - check out a future issue of JUST CARS for details.)
Trade stands were another drawcard, with a bunch of specialty businesses represented, from the GT Shop and Muscle Car Couches, to Mainfreight, Elko Performance, Modern Plating, Waddingtons Street Rods, Wot Hobbies and the stunning illustrations of Fredd Briggs, to name a few.
Based on the reception this year's event received, Gasolene is here to stay. Check out more details and updates ahead of the 2015 Gasoline Muscle Car Expo at gasoleneexpo.com
Thanks to Mick Curson and the team at Gasolene. Tune in to Gasolene TV on Tuesday, 8:30pm AEST for event coverage.
Gasolene Muscle Car Expo 2014 - Trophy Winners
US Ford
Winner - 1969 Boss 429 Mustang
Runner Up - 1967 Fairlane GTA
Australian Ford
Winner - 1971 XY GT Falcon
Runner Up - XB GT coupe
Chevrolet
Winner - 1969 Chevelle
Runner Up - 1964 Corvette
Holden
Winner - 1976 LX Torana SS
Runner Up - 1968 HK Monaro GTS
US Mopar
Winner - 1969 Plymouth GTX
1971 Dodge R/T Charger
Australian Chrysler
Winner - 1972 VH Valiant Charger R/T
Runner Up - 1972 VH Valiant Regal 770 hardtop
Special Interest
Winner - 1965 Ford Thunderbird
Runner Up - 1968 Pontiac GTO
Most Outstanding - Show 'n' Shine
1971 Ford XY GT Falcon
Gasolene Choice Award
1972 HQ GTS Monaro coupe
