Trucks and much more at CRC Speedshow

Monday 4 July 2011

Millions of dollars worth of vehicles are being detailed over the next few weeks in preparation for this year’s CRC Speedshow which takes place at the ASB Showgrounds over the weekend of 23 and 24 July.

Among them are two special vehicles from the New Zealand Military Vehicle Collectors Club (NZMVCC) – a 1943 Dodge Command car and a 1942 Chevrolet C8 Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) truck, also known as a puddle jumper. The NZMVCC brings together enthusiasts and collectors together that are interested in the acquisition, restoration, preservation and safe operation of heritage military vehicles.

The Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) truck was a class of military truck made in Canada during World War II to British Army specifications for use in the British Commonwealth allies’ armies. The Chevrolet C8 had a 4×2, 101\\\” wheelbase and weighed 8cwt. Interestingly most CMP trucks were manufactured by the Chevrolet division of General Motors of Canada Ltd and by the Ford Motor Company of Canada, with the Canadian subsidiaries of the two largest American vehicle manufacturers undertaking an unusual degree of inter-company collaboration with interchangeable parts in order to ramp up production rapidly at the time.

CRC Speedshow organiser Keith Sharp says he finds it very interesting to include military vehicles in Speedshow’s wide-ranging auto, bike, truck and motorsport displays.

“These vehicles bring a cool sense of history to CRC Speedshow and the members of the NZMVCC who enjoy restoring them are really passionate about the detail and heritage of their vehicles. That passion is what Speedshow is all about. Big, small, old or new, whatever sort of vehicle you like, we’re sure to have it at CRC Speedshow!”

This year’s CRC Speedshow runs from 23 to 24 July, opening at 9am each day and closing at 6pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. Tickets to the show are only available at the gate. An adult ticket costs $18.50, children aged 10 to 15 years are $10 each, and children under 10 years of age are free. A family pass offers great value at $48 for two adults and up to three children.