Media release – Visit Northern Tasmania, 18 November 2024
The 2024 National Veteran Vehicle Rally
Visit Northern Tasmania is pleased to announce the 2024 National Veteran Vehicle Rally is headed to Launceston with event attendees and their vehicles travelling around the region from 18 – 25 November. Touring vehicle clubs have strong regional dispersal beyond our major city hubs and often stay for a week or longer. They are a valuable contributor to our visitor economy.
The National Veteran Vehicle Rally is organised by the Veteran Car Club of Australia (Tasmania). It is expected around 150 motoring enthusiasts will participate in the rally and organisers have arranged several opportunities for locals to view the cars and chat to the drivers as they travel around the region.
One vehicle of note that is joining the rally this year, is the 1912 Daimler from Clarendon. Bought by a Cox family member who was residing at Clarendon in 1912, the vehicle was later taken to another Cox property in the Western District of Victoria where over the years it was used around the property and fell into a state of disrepair. A ground up restoration of the vehicle was undertaken when it was bought by Ray and Margaret Males from Cranbourne.
Following the restoration, it was reunited with the Cox family in the Western District and used regularly on club runs until Ray’s death. It was also used in a movie where Ray played the role of the Governor’s chauffeur. In 2021 Rick Thege, a VCCA (Victorian) member purchased the Daimler at auction. This year will be a special occasion when it returns to the home where it first resided 112 years ago. The 1912 Daimler will be available to view on Friday 22 November from 11.00am in Evandale and from 12.00pm in its original setting at Clarendon Estate.
Media is welcome to attend any of the vehicle displays listed below.
- Monday 18 November from 12.00pm at the Deloraine RSL and later at Rustville, Westbury
- Tuesday 19 November from 10.00am at Selbourne Hall, Selbourne and from 12.00pm to 3.00pm at Seahorse World and Platypus House in Beauty Point.
- Wednesday 20 November from 10.00am at Brickendon Estate and from 1.00pm at the Bracknell Football Club.
- On Thursday 21 November the cars will be on display at the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania, Lindsay Street Launceston from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
- Friday 22 November from 11.00am in Evandale and 12.00pm at Clarendon Estate.
- Saturday 23 November from 10.30am at Westbury RSL and from 12.00pm at Meander Hall, Main Road Meander.
Participants are keen to share their vehicles and the stories behind them with the local community, drivers will be available for a chat at all the displays.
Rally organisers have thanked Visit Northern Tasmania for assistance in raising awareness of the event and connecting them with local tourism experiences.
