Golden Oldies cruise into Rochester

By Bransen Gibson

Mar 28, 2022

Grand tour: Rochester local Peter Stack with his 1929 Buick Tourer, complete with the original vintage licence plates. Photo: Bransen Gibson

The Golden Oldies vintage car tour rolled into Rochester over the weekend, with dozens of vehicles stopping in town to check out the mural festival and the painted silos.

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Over 100 people and more than 50 cars from 1921 to 1930 are on the eight-day tour, which kicked off in Wunghnu with stops in Rochester, Kyabram, Echuca, Deniliquin, Tongala, Shepparton and Castlemaine before finishing up in Bendigo.

Rochester local Peter Stack is part of this year’s tour, cruising along with the convoy in his 1929 Buick Tourer.

Mr Stack purchased the car over 20 years ago and said he had always had an affection for vintage cars.

“I have liked them since I was a kid, although they weren’t that old then,” Mr Stack said, laughing.

“I love the Golden Oldies, especially the camaraderie and the like-minded approach to the old cars.”

Old school: Margaret and John Nash next to their 1930 Nash model 490 in Rochester. Photo: Bransen Gibson

Classic cars: Arnold and Glenda Chivers sit on the bumper of their 1929 Ford Model A Tourer at the painted silos in Rochester. Photo: Bransen Gibson

He first saw the Buick at the Marong Federation Picnic and a couple of months later it was up for sale. It was the first vintage car Mr Stack had bought, and he said it had been a great experience.

The car needed some work, but since then Mr Stack said it had been smooth sailing.

“We have rebuilt the engine and checked the gearbox, but other than that it runs like a charm,” he said.

The engine required a total rebuild, which took about 12 months, with the restoration work done in Echuca.

Other than the engine and new lights, Mr Stack said the rest of the car was original, including the licence plates.

“It has the original number plates on it, they are probably worth as much as the car,” he said with a laugh.

Mr Stack said he liked to take his Buick out as often as he could and not just on special occasions.

“I try to get out as much as I can,” he said. “I give it a run at least monthly. Any little thing that warms it up and gets the oil and the grease running.”