By Casey Neill
A Holden world record could be set at a Dandenong fund-raising event.
The all new Dandenong All Holden Car Show could bring up to 700 cars to Dandenong Showgrounds on Sunday 2 April.
Guinness World Records officials will attend the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills event to judge whether enough cars take part to set a new benchmark for the most paraded Holdens.
New event chairman John Ternel said a turnout of more than 300 cars should clinch the record.
“A lot of the Holden shows will try to beat us,” he said.
“We’ve just started something new in the car scene.
“It will be interesting to see what happens after this.”
Mr Ternel said this year’s show would be more family-friendly and would feature more awards and more stalls.
There’ll be 12 different food vendors, face painting, a jumping castle and a visit from Myuna Farm.
Experts will provide advice on everything from radiators to differentials and brakes.
About 100 trophies will be handed out, including new awards for under-30s who often “don’t have big budgets” and for women.
“It’s about a level playing field for everybody,” he said.
Mr Ternel has two Holdens.
“I’ve always been an avid Holden fan but about five years ago I bought a Nissan Patrol,” he said.
“It was ready for the tip and, basically, someone said to me ‘why don’t you take it to a ute show in Berwick’.”
The restored vehicle won first prize and “I got the bug”.
He got sick of the ute scene and bought a VX Holden.
“It’s an ex-Hells Angels car,” he said.
“I bought it sight unseen in Bendigo. When I picked it up I didn’t really want it.
“I spent a lot of money doing it up. I turned it into a modified car for the shows.”
It’s got a supercharged engine, big brakes, custom leather interior, custom yellow paint and more.
“That car’s more for Summernats,” he said.
His 1992 VS ClubSport is in original condition.
“She’s an old girl, she’s great to go cruising in,” he said.
“It’s not too powerful, it just has that V8 rumble.
“They were in the beginning of developing the computer systems for them.
“They’re very easy to maintain and to tune.
“The VS had damage on it when I got it as well.
“I decided to keep that as an original car.
“These are now going to be an investment.”
Mr Ternel said that a few years ago, a ClubSport would sell for $3000 to $5000.
He recently saw an owner of one with black metallic paint offered $60,000.
“If you can keep it original, you’re going to get good dollars for them,” he said.
“These earlier plastic bumper bar Commodores are going to be the new Torana.”
The Dandenong All Holden Car Show will open to the public at 9am.
Entry is $5 for adults and free for children aged under 16 years.
