Atherton FNQ Car, Bike & Swap Meet: Classic Restos - Series 47

Fletch returns to Atherton in FNQ for the 9th Annual Car, Bike & Swap Meet, located one hour west of Cairns. It's the first event that Fletch has been able to attend in recent times, and he's out and about chatting with local enthusiasts and getting the inside story of their vehicles. 

A 1970 XY GT-HO will always catch the eye. Fletch talks with Scott, the new owner of just three weeks. Scott confesses to having always been a Holden Monaro/Torana man, but this one was in such excellent original condition it was too good to pass up. To date, he has only undertaken some cosmetic work to the exterior paintwork. Over time, the rest will be completed with a trip to Summernats on the agenda. 

Next is Joe, who has a long history of tractors in his family with his Massey Ferguson 1155, which is the pride of the fleet. The tractor with a 550 cubic inch Perkins motor that generates between 150-170 HP has an incredible sound that can be heard well before it arrives. A member of the NQ Tractor Pulling Club, Joe says not every member has a tractor; some love them for what they are, outstanding engineering and great workhorses. Also a member of the Northern Miltary Club, Joe has a 1944 Ford Australian Military Jeep with a story attached. Three years ago, it was in a hay fire and only saved when Joe drove it out of the fire, which was pretty courageous given it was on fire and the fuel tank was under the seat. Insured with Shannons, the jeep was able to be restored and returned to Joe's family. 

It's not all cars; there is a strong bike contingent, including Steve with a 1927 Indian motorcycle that was a project over several years. Working in the fishing industry, he had the frame painted while he was at sea and returned to see it painted bright yellow, not quite in line with Indian's original colour schemes. Steve also has a 1947 Indian Chief and a more recent 2017 Indian Scout.