WO2 Mark Bodger, NLG-T, with his pride of joy, a classic EK 1961, a Barrier Coral pink sedan with real vinyl seats and foxtails to match. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham

IF YOU are the kind of person who is thrilled by the sound of a rusting Ford then you are a good friend of the Townsville Early Holden Club.

The club's Annual All Holden Day is just around the corner and the club is gearing up for a spectacular exhibition of genuine Holden-made models from 1948 to present day. WO2 Mark Bodger, NLG - Townsville, is the president of the club. His beauty and pride of joy is a classic EK 1961, a Barrier Coral pink sedan with real vinyl seats and foxtails to match.

WO2 Bodger said it took only 10 minutes of standing at 3 Bde's front gate to realise just how many Holden enthusiast's Townsville units have.

"The club's 15th anniversary is coming up. I would love to see more fans from the area help us celebrate," WO2 Bodger said.

"We have cars coming from everywhere, Bundaberg, Mackay, Rockhampton and Cairns."

WO2 Bodger said there were 31 trophies on offer with categories including Best Stock Model, Best Modified Car, Best Commercial Vehicle and The Best Individual Display to give the boys a chance to really show off.

"The club is not only for people who own an early Holden, it is for anybody who is interested in Holdens 21 years or older.

He said that Townsville's car-related businesses also played a part in the club's success.

"Some of the local supporting businesses will be conducting trade displays on the day, it's an opportunity for the local guys to show us what they are made of and potentially what they can make of our cars."

Holden lovers of any kind are invited to be tantalised and teased by smooth vintage lines, classic colours and musty fumes of an old leaded engine and a great day out with the family and mates.

The Annual All Holden Day will rev it up at Cutheringa Park in Westend Townsville on June 9.

The Castle Hills Lions Club will be flipping burgers and there will be face painting for the little ones.

The club is the oldest car club in town with an impressive collection of 120 members and 150 cars. New members are always welcome, inquiries can be made through Mark Bodger on (07) 4771 7846.

By Cpl Belinda Mepham