With around 450 vehicles on display at Saturday’s Autorama Sand n Surf, it wasn’t easy to stand out, but Ivan Shannon managed it.

Shannon took his Rolls Royce Roadster along to the event and it proved to be a real head turner.

Powered by a 12litre, V12Rolls Royce Meteor engine that was originally from a Centurion tank, Ivan built the car with plenty of help from friends – both practical and in the form of inspiration, encouragement and banter.

The Meteor was adapted from the famous Merlin engine used in Spitfires and other World War II aircraft and was designed to be used in tanks. Shannon has two others, bought to ensure he has a supply of parts.

Shannon, a wood turner, constructed the distinctive rear of the car from wood straps and the project took eight years to complete.

It was the car’s first visit to Autorama.

He said he mainly used the road legal car on Sunday outings for coffee.

Venue

Autorama was held at Pukehina School for the third time after the event started at Midway Park, Pukehina Beach, in 2020.

Flooding of the park two years ago led to a hastily rearranged venue.

A section of the huge display area. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

Organisers put out an open invitation, and each year more space has had to be found for the vehicles being brought to the event and for visitors.

This year, however, with additional space available, and a revised layout, there were no such issues.

“We closed the gate to stop cars coming in and for people to be able to move around freely and it all worked out really well. Everybody got parked up really quickly and there weren’t any hold ups on the road,” said organising committee member Kirsty Garrett.

Vehicles and market

The number of vehicles was similar to last year, but the location of the live music stage was moved.

“We were hoping our sound system was going to be a little bit louder and that’s something we will change for next year, but I think the new layout really worked better for everybody.”

A small section of the market. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

The market, a feature at the past events, was also successful.

“We had so many really lovely, positive comments about the market, that it was so varied and covered everybody.”

Garrett said the highlight for the committee was that everything ran smoothly.

Rocker cover racing proved popular. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

“The preparation that we put in was really worth it.

”It is too early to say how much has been raised, but the event will support five organisations, Pukehina Surf Rescue, Pukehina Volunteer Fire Brigade, Youth Encounter, Inspire Kindergarten Ōtamarākau and Pukehina Fishing Club.

The Balloon Guy and Ikon. Photo / Stuart Whitaker