Ellerslie lntermarque Concours.

15 February 1998.

The annual Ellerslie Concours d’Elegance show held at Aucklands Ellerslie Racecourse was officially just a one day event but those that had their cars on show really know how long it was. Thoroughly cleaning an MR2's every visible surface, and a few that aren't, takes a bit more than a half hour visit to Washworld.

Three MR2s were pampered like never before, Anthony Markhams crowd pulling black Turbo, Ade's Supercharger and my very own Mk1 NA. The show was also the debut for our new club banner (at last something we didn't have to clean).

We originally had fears we would be cramped for space but our early arrival secured us what was possibly one of the best sites at the venue. The temperature must have made it into the thirties and the crowds searching for shelter spent a lot of time under our Oak tree so there was never a shortage of people to talk to.... even if they were of the opinion that an MR2 would make a great base for a trike!

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Cars on display - Malcolm's silver MKI NZ new, and Ade's white SC

Despite the effort put in by the owners we, like many clubs, still didn't feel confident about entering the Concours competition.... maybe next year. There was a steady stream of people wanting to join the club, most had never heard of us. Other clubs also showed an interest, in particular the Escort Club who immediately invited us along to one of their Taupo race days.

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Malcolm's pristine MKI car. It was so clean we could have entered it in the competition!

Thanks to Brad and Steve who helped with the preparations and also to those who came along for a chat. If anyone has a fine example of an MR2 for next years event, let the committee know as places are being filled already. Don't worry about all the effort I mentioned earlier as once the compliments from complete strangers start rolling in it's all worth it.

Malcolm Cambridge.