REPORT - 2023 Chryslers by the Bay
While Chryslers on the Murray is the ‘big one’ for Chrysler fanatics, it’s not the only show that embraces all things Mopar. Chryslers by the Bay may be smaller in terms of numbers, but it attracts a strong – and diverse – turnout of cars each year. This year was no exception…
The last time JUST CARS attended this annual show, it was back in 2020, and it would be one of the last automotive events completed before the cloak of COVID fell over the country. A week after the 2020 Chryslers by the Bay was run and done, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix was cancelled before the F1 cars had even turned a wheel on the grid - and it only got worse from there.
Seems a long time ago now, and car shows have taken a long time to recover, but thanks to passionate individuals, a lot of these events are back. For Chryslers by the Bay, those passionate individuals are the members of the Bay City Chrysler Car Club Inc. and their families, who do a ton of work, both in the lead up to this annual show and on the day itself.
This year marked the 25th edition of the event, which used to be held in the grounds of Geelong Grammar. In 2020, Chryslers by the Bay relocated to Geelong Baptist College in Lovely Banks, which is roughly the same distance from the Geelong CBD as the old location. The College’s expansive ovals offer ample space for the display cars, while hard stand around the school buildings has been ideal for the swap meet and stall holders that are an important part of this event.
The new venue offers an amazing vista overlooking Geelong and Corio Bay, too, but if you’re a Chrysler fan, your eyes are on what was in the display area, not the views beyond it!
This year’s 25th Chryslers by the Bay saw a broad spread of vehicles on show, not only covering all elements of the Chrysler family (Dodge, Plymouth, Imperial, etc.) and Chryslers from the US and Australia, but also a diverse age range, from vintage tourers to some of the last of the 300Cs.
Like most Aussie Mopar shows, Chryslers by the Bay welcomes AMC vehicles, too, so you’re just as likely to see a Rambler Hornet or AMC Javelin as you are to see a Valiant Charger or Dodge Challenger.
This year’s show was backed by Roti Roti Concreting, Dontex Performance (a new sponsor this year), Super Safe Scaffolds, Local Waste and other local businesses, while part of the proceeds from vehicle and public entry went to local charity, Hope in a Suitcase, that supports kids going into foster care.
According to the Bay City Chrysler Car Club Inc., 220 cars entered this year’s show on Sunday, 12 March, which was on par with pre-COVID numbers. There are plans to grow the show in the future, so check out baycitychrysler.com or the Bay City Chrysler Car Club’s Facebook page for more details.
What’s presented here is just a sample of what was on offer. See the club Facebook page for more.
