By Deanne Jeffers
The fourth generation Ford Thunderbird assembled in the Wixom, Michigan plant in the USA was built to appeal to white collar executives at a price point of $6,800 USD. Compared with the lighter Mustang, which was targeted at a younger market and cost only $2,600 USD.
Peter Hill, executive officer of the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) bought his T-Bird around 18 months ago and it has been in Australia for the past 15 years. It has never been repainted or restored, having been initially purchased by a new car dealer in Illinois who parked it in his showroom as a drawcard for 20 years.
It was then sold to its second owner who rather than drive it, trailered it across the USA, winning award after award for best in class.
Peter’s 1965 Ford T-Bird will hit the road in April for the inaugural Melbourne to MOVE car rally. A procession of rare, collectible and historically significant vehicles will travel from CMV Truck and Bus in Derimut. The cavalcade will travel north through small towns and great driving roads on the way to Nagambie for lunch and then onto Shepparton for the Finish Line Festival at MOVE.
“We want to create an iconic Aussie car rally for the Goulburn Valley like the Bay to Birdwood, which sees 1,200 people annually. It’s a one-day-only festival where all people are invited to stay and explore our region,” said Peter.
MOVE will provide manned, secure parking for vehicles overnight as part of their entry fee.
Limited places are still available for those who wish to take part. Entry includes lunch in Nagambie, dinner at MOVE, and full access to the museum and the Finish Line Festival. The festival will include the run cars on display, live music, food trucks, local wine and produce, and heaps more.
There will be an overall ‘People’s Choice Award’ where entrants as well as visitors will vote for their favourite machine.
For more information and to book, visit www.moveshepparton.com.au or events.humanitix.com/melbourne-to-move-2023
