After a setback from Cyclone Gabrielle – Tauranga's Auto Extravaganza is set for today Sunday, March 12 at The Strand from 9am-2pm.

The vehicle festival will feature the most amazing bikes, cars, and trucks from around the country, and will kick off with one minute's silence at 9am for the volunteer firefighters and those who have lost their lives in the cyclone.

With hot wheels, hot food, good music and spot prizes there's no better way to spend a Sunday! All proceeds will be handed over to St John, and managed by the Welcome Bay Lions Club.

With a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, joint convener Neville McKay says the show will be back 'better than ever”.

'We're excited to see people come down for a good cause. Spot prizes, like Repco and Countdown vouchers, will be handed out thanks to our sponsors,” says Neville.

The brakes were put on for two years – now, the engines are about to rev up once more as Tauranga's Car, Bike & Truck Show returns to The Strand with a display of cars, trucks and bikes for petrol-heads to view, natter about and drool over.

This year there will be cars – from vintage models to hotrods – vintage tractors and bikes on display.

'Plus, we have some logging trucks parking up, some Thundercat boats to view – and even a heap of Speedway cars coming.

'There really is something for everyone to enjoy – and we hope to give out as many spot prizes as we can.”

A range of vehicles will be on show at the Tauranga Auto Extravaganza today Sunday March 12 at The Strand. Photo: John Borren.

Neville says his organising team has been to blessed to receive so much support from local Tauranga businesses, and business further afield too, so they can offer mystery spot prizes.

'The public who visit the extravaganza – they could just be walking along when they get a tap on the shoulder and get gifted a mystery spot prize.”

There will also be fun activities for kids, music, static displays, food stalls 'and people can grab food at all the nearby restaurants and eateries, which will be open while the event is on.”

Attendees can also look forward to seeing the striking ‘A Girl' 1930s Ford Model A Coupe which will be on display.

The car was built by Tauranga local Keith Sawyer for his wife, Lisa Sawyer and features tributes to Marilyn Monroe's ‘Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend'.

Keith says bringing the car along to car shows with his wife is 'a real treat”, particularly when seeing the 'genuine reactions” from people. 'It's the smiles, the waves the photos. It's really special.”

Attendees will also get the chance to view a range of other stunning vehicles, which are sure to please both curious observers and petrol heads alike.

Neville's and his two top drivers work hard to host the extravaganza for two main reasons. The first is to hold an event that supports Downtown Tauranga's economy.

'Downtown Tauranga is the very reason we host this event – it brings so many people into the CBD and supports many of the surrounding businesses.”

Secondly, and just as important, is the event raises funds for St John Tauranga. Neville himself knows how valuable St John is, receiving twice-weekly visits at one stage due to ongoing post-surgery issues.

'We are very passionate about St John and I'm giving back what they've given to me.”

Public entry to the event is gold coin donation, under-fives gain free entry, and show vehicles cost $5 each including the drive. Find more at: https://www.downtowntauranga.co.nz/tauranga-auto-extravaganza