The 2025 Northern Beaches Car and Bike Show roared into life at Pittwater RSL on June 28, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of spectators and revheads alike for a full-throttle celebration of motoring history and culture.
Jointly hosted by the Pittwater Motor Enthusiasts Club and the Northern Beaches Hot Rod Club, this year’s event showcased just how deep the region’s love for wheels runs – and with around 200 vehicles entered, it didn’t disappoint.
The Pittwater RSL car park was transformed into a gleaming sea of chrome, horsepower, and history. From lovingly restored classics to modern muscle, rare bikes to outrageous hot rods, the diversity on display was remarkable. Where else can you see a rare Bolwell, gleaming Porsche 911s, a brutish Pontiac GTO, an elegant Mercedes-Benz convertible, and a snarling lineup of hot rods all on the same stretch of asphalt?
The crowd, buzzing with enthusiasm and nostalgia, strolled among polished chrome, leather-trimmed interiors, and thumping engines. Amid the camaraderie and shared admiration, a handful of standout machines took home top honours in the day’s award categories.
John Carlton and his immaculate red Porsche 911 claimed the RSL Pick Award – his 911 of course being a machine that masterfully balances classic European design with timeless curb appeal. The judges were unanimous in their praise, noting the car’s originality, understated presentation, and clear dedication to preservation.
The Best Hot Rod went to John Nemcich for his stunning 1934 Ford Roadster. Built with the perfect blend of raw power and artistic flair, Nemcich’s roadster stood as a tribute to old-school rodding, complete with a deep rumble and head-turning stance that made it the darling of the show.
Over on two wheels, Tom Hall claimed Best Bike honours with his incredibly rare and visually arresting Triumph Free Engine. A conversation piece throughout the day, the Triumph’s stripped-back design and vintage grit captured both the spirit and engineering of a bygone era.
For fans of originality, Greg McStravick’s Chrysler Regal earned the Best Standard Classic title. Untouched and beautifully preserved, this Aussie cruiser won admiration for its clean lines, factory details, and showroom-quality presentation – a real snapshot of 1970s automotive charm.
In the modern classics arena, Ralf Perri’s heavily worked Holden Commodore VF GTS roared away with Best Modified Classic/Modern. With performance enhancements and a muscular road presence, it was a fitting example of how Australian performance cars still command respect on any showground.
The People’s Choice Award – which was sponsored by Retro Rides – was taken out by David Caruthers with his Jaguar XK120.
Beyond the awards, the event featured family-friendly attractions, food stalls, and live music, making it a proper day out for all ages.
As the sun dipped over the Northern Beaches, one thing was clear: the passion for cars and bikes in this community is very much alive and growling. Here’s to another successful year and the revs to come in 2026.
