THE 1910 International Harvester Company high wheeler car, driven by York's Ross Ainsworth, was the Veteran Class winner and second overall at the inaugural Avon Classic Rally held by the York branch of the Veteran Car Club of WA.
A full field of vehicles assembled on the banks of the Avon River in York on October 27.
Participants were treated to an impressive morning tea, provided by Veteran Car Club of WA York branch preisdent Tricia Byfield, before the start of the rally.
The cars and tractors then followed a picturesque drive along the Avon River, crossing it four times at different locations and showcasing the historic town of York and the Avon Valley.
The field included veteran and vintage cars and trucks, modern classic cars and trucks, hot-rod/racing cars, and, in what's believed to be a first in rallying, tractors.
While there was a strong local representation from York motoring enthusiasts, vehicles also travelled from Pinjarra, Perth, Corrigin, Kellerberrin and Cunderdin for the event, with tractors being driven from Pinjarra, Corrigin and Cunderdin.
The rally covered two courses; a 50km course for the older vehicles and tractors, and a 110km course for the more modern cars.
Many navigation and observation challenges were set for the participants along the way, with only two managing a perfect score - John and Leanne Bullock in their 1923 T Model Ford, and Andrew and Julie Lever in their 1962 Valiant 'S' Series.
Judges who awarded the trophy to the Best Presented Vehicle faced a daunting task, as all vehicles were immaculately turned out, with at least 10 being in absolutely pristine condition.
However, all four independent judges arrived at a unanimous decision in awarding the trophy to the beautiful 1930 Chrysler entered by Barry Peterkin from Perth.
All trophies were awarded by York Shire Councillor Tony Boyle at a presentation lunch held at York's new Recreation and Convention Centre at the conclusion of the rally.
Tony had his first taste of rallying on the day, acting as one of the judges, and also driving the short course to get a feel for the event.
He obviously enjoyed the experience, as he has now appointed himself the Minister for Motor Sport in York.
After the rally, event co-ordinator Les Eather said he was pleased with the inaugural event.
"The standard of the cars was first class, all the teams were in good spirits, and the weather was perfect," Mr Eather said.
"Sunday visitors to York were entertained watching the rally vehicles going up and down the main street, Avon Terrace, three times during the morning.
"We were delighted by the response and enthusiasm shown by the Chamberlain 9G Tractor Club, which was represented by five tractors, and it wouldn't surprise me to see another five here next year."
Mr Eather said the branch is already working on a bigger and better event for 2014, possibly including a dedicated route for the tractors.
The York branch of the Veteran Car Club would like to thank the sponsors of this year's event, York's Conway Engineering, and the Shire of York, whose generous assistance contributed much to the event.
Event organisers are confident, after the hugely successful inaugural event, that they can offer their sponsors value in future years.
Full rally results:
Veteran Class: 1910 IHC High Roller, Ross and Dawn Ainsworth.
Vintage Class: 1923 T Model Ford, John and Leanne Bullock.
Tractor Class: 1962 Chamberlain 9G, Charlie and Susan Gardiner.
Classic Car Class: 1962 Valiant 'S' Series, Andrew and Julie Lever.
Hot Rod/ Racing: 1983 Mazda RX 7, Gary and Tricia Byfield.
Modern Truck Class: 1978 Ford F100, Alan De Klerk.
Best Presented Vehicle: 1930 Chrysler, Barry Peterkin.
Old Timers' Team
Chamberlain 9G Tractor, Bill and Helen Taylor.
Chamberlain 9G Tractor, Ron Paltney.
Chamberlain 9G Tractor, Charlie and Susan Gardiner.
Modern Team
Mazda RX 7, Gary and Tricia Byfield.
BMW Z3 Sports, Rob and Sue Read.
Mazda RX 7, Greg and Karen Morris.
Most Mechanically Challenged
1926 Pontiac, Laurie and Charlie Hansen.
