Fletch steps back in time and discovers a deep underlying passion for some very old cars at the Sylvanvale Pre WWII Car Show in Sutherland, south of Sydney. All proceeds raised at the event go to Sylvanvale's new Specialist Disability Accommodation at Bangor.
While it might be a Pre WWII Car Show, Fletch is fascinated by a Post War vehicle, a 1952 AEC Bus. These adorned the streets of Sydney for many years and would be instantly recognisable to Sydneysiders or anyone who visited Sydney between 1952 and 1976 when these Buses last ran.
This 1952 AEC Bus is one of the last two to run in Sydney and the result of a complete nut and bolt restoration over eight years — a mammoth task but one that instantly revives memories of a time past.
Craig, owner and restorer of the Bus says "the AEC was overengineered, with a 9.6-litre low revving, low compression diesel engine, a Wilson pre-selective epicyclical gearbox and a 32mph/52kph top speed".
Next, we see some actual Pre WWII vehicles. Paul's 1924 Graham Brothers car was built on Dodge running gear and was one of the first cars to have an entire steel body. It is a genuine survivor car found in the Sutton Forrest in the Southern Highlands and last registered in 1959. Today it is as it was found, in entirely original condition, and that's how Paul plans to keep it.
Another survivor is a 1939 Packard Super 8 120, found in Murray Bridge, South Australia, ten years ago. Owner Reece has a fantastic knowledge of vehicles of this era; he says the Packard were advanced vehicles, way ahead of their time, priced at $950 back in 1939. He plans to keep the vehicle as original as possible.
Next is a very special 1935 Studebaker Commander 8, a restoration project of owner John for 14 years (1972 – 1986). This vehicle features a very sporty one-off body built in Brisbane and has a history of racing, winning many times, including a Drag Strip speed test with a top speed of 98mph and a high-speed reliability run.
