Event date: 6 October 2022

The show and shine was held in the streets of Euroa this year as the park was too wet. The streets were full with cars parked at an angle at the gutters and cars parked down the middle of the streets.  The BMW Drivers Club Melbourne was represented by 3 BMWs (700, M6 & 535is), a Trans Am (Knightrider style) and a Mercedes C320.  We also had a BMW motorcycle parked amongst the motor bike display.

Lawrence’s BMW 700 created a lot of interest especially with the engine in the rear and its window banner proclaimimg “The car that saved BMW”. Many stopped and looked and read the interesting sheet in the front windscreen about the car followed by reading the information about its role in saving BMW.

The BMW 700 is a small rear-engined car which was produced by BMW in sedan and coupe form from August 1959 to November 1965. It was the first BMW automobile with a monocoque structure. The 700 was a sales success at a time when BMW was close to financial ruin. The 700 was also successful in its class in motorsport, both in its stock form and as the basis of a racing special called the 700RS.

More than 188,000 were sold before production ended in November 1965. Upon discontinuing the 700, BMW left the economy car market.

My Mercedes C320 was parked behind Lawrence’s 700 and many peered into the two engine bays and remarking on the very obvious visual differences! I think they expected a bigger engine in each case.

There was a lot of interest in Adrian’s M6 and Danny’s 535is as well.

It took around 2 hours to walk around the show of cars looking at the many different makes and models. Holdens and Falcons came out of the barns for display along with Jaguars, Rileys, Austins, Chryslers, Customlines, and the list goes on. A very interesting display of vintage cars was also evident.

Stalls included food, car signs, flags and models, Police (including a BMW X5 Highway Patrol), SES, Ambulance to name just a few.

Overall, a lovely sunny day with gentle Zephyr (a breeze as well as the Ford) with a large crowd wandering through.

I would definitely go again.

Thanks Lawrence and Shaaron for organising the display.

Chris Allen | Member #770
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne