Speechless woman wins bright yellow Model A Ford
A $5 ticket won a speechless punter a 1930s hot rod at the Whangamata Beach hop.
A $5 ticket won a speechless punter a 1930s hot rod at the Whangamata Beach hop.
Michelle Phelps was in the crowd when organiser Noddy Watts called her cell to tell her she had won.
Michelle, from the South Island was given 10 seconds to choose between a black 1957 Ford Fairlane and a bright yellow 1930 Model A Ford Coupe.
She looked in her partner’s direction before declaring excitedly, “the yellow one”.
Michelle was speechless on stage and said later, “I’m still speechless! Everyone involved in building the car has done a fantastic job.
“I can’t stop smiling, not sure if I’m having some wild dream.”
The Ford Fairlane was auctioned on the spot with a $15,000 reserve, finally going under the hammer for $36,000.
On Saturday rock ‘n’ roll clubs kicked off the hop, which celebrates the 50s and 60s, by dancing down the main street.
Keen rocker, Sally Elson from Hamilton, has been twirling through Whangamata for 10 years.
“I come to the Beach Hop for the atmosphere, the cars and, of course, the rock ‘n’ roll everywhere.”
It is estimated more than 100,000 people crowded the seaside town for the grand parade of classic cars.
Hamilton student, Deanna Studer, 19, was disappointed her 1962 baby blue V dub beetle did not make the participant cut this year.
The organisers cut the event back to 1100 cars this year, with more than 80 cars from the South Island and two cars shipped from South Australia.
“Even though I wasn’t in the parade this year, I have still been cruising around town with friends.
“You get so many looks because people haven’t seen it in the parade and are excited to see any classic car,” Deanna said.
In the Retro Beauty Show, winner Amy Bowyer wowed the crowd with her white and blue sailor dress ensemble, red heels, and a full sleeve of tattoos to match.
