The GSCCR Club?s Open Garage visits are certainly popular events with members, and a healthy number attended Sunday?s event at Mark and Sue McKibbin?s.?? Considering the wild wintry weather conditions we had during the preceding week, the outlook on Sunday was quite respectable with sunshine, no rain and we were adequately shielded from the blustery winds.? It was also encouraging to see partners coming along to join in the camaraderie ? the more the merrier!
Mark has a superbly designed timber garage with an insulated roof which provides a pleasant environment in both summer and winter.? The layout provides a large workshop area that houses some of Mark?s collection of vintage cars and motor bikes.? The main area has a hoist and an enclosed area that houses work benches and storage containers. There is also a mezzanine floor containing an office and storage space.? Additionally, under the shed?s roofline, there are undercover open faced parking areas for extra vehicles in Mark?s collection. Most who attended would consider this garage to be the ultimate ?Men?s Shed?.
The main reason for the visit to Mark?s garage was to view his collection of vehicles, including the superb 1927 Bugatti Type 37, the Citroens, a? 1914 T-Model Ford, the 1909 Sizaire Naudin, as well as the collection of vintage motor bikes which includes 1917 Emblem Little Giant, Triumph, 1924 & 1928 Douglas?s.
Mark and his daughter Lexie were excellent hosts providing hot refreshments and you guessed it – croissants (in keeping with Mark?s Francophile theme of his car collection). ?Mark treated his guests to a demonstration of the technique he uses to start his 1909 Sizaire Naudin ? and we were not disappointed as she started first time around.
To thank Mark for enabling club members to share Australia?s version of the ?Dream Car Garage? and for his hospitality, John Fowler presented a Club Plaque in appreciation of his efforts.
Words and pictures by Phil Barnard.
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