The Story Behind the Car Taking Top Prize at Ballina Show and Shine
A rusted American panel van imported nearly two decades ago has taken Best in Show at Ballina’s Show and Shine, telling a story of patience, craftsmanship and passion.
The 1957 Chevrolet sedan delivery, owned by Queensland enthusiast Elton Walker, began life as what he described as a vehicle needing “a hell of a lot of work”.
Walker bought the van in 2007 after it was imported from the United States and began restoration the following year.
“There was a lot of rust repairs to be done,” he said.
Elton Walker behind the left-side wheel of the American classic
From wreck to award winner
Originally fitted with a 350 engine and transmission, the vehicle underwent extensive rebuilding, including body work, interior redesign and a modern performance upgrade.
Walker converted the panel van into a four-seat wagon by cutting the metal sides and installing glass, blending classic styling with contemporary features.
“It’s called a resto mod,” he said.
The finished car debuted at Rockynats in 2023, collecting multiple awards including Top Elite first place and a Top 10 finish that led to an invitation to Meguiar’s MotorEx in Melbourne.
There, the vehicle reached the final 16 superstars from hundreds of entries.
Under the bonnet now sits an LSA supercharged 6.2-litre engine — the same family used in late-model HSVs, Camaros and Corvettes.
A labour of years — and possibly the last
The project stretched across about 14 years, something Walker said he may not repeat.
“Probably to sell it on soon,” he said.
Asked about starting another build, he laughed.
How the vehicle looked when Walker started the labour of love back in 2008
“No — I’ll be divorced.”
Walker plans to keep another long-held collector car while preparing the award-winning Chevrolet for sale, with advice suggesting a reserve price around $275,000, though he indicated the build cost exceeded that.
Local favourite takes multiple prizes
One of the day’s standout local winners was well-known Alstonville business identity Candy Fitness, whose sky-blue 1954 Morris Minor tipper — affectionately named Roger — collected three awards including Mayor’s Choice, Best Ute and the Kid’s Choice prize voted on by children attending.
Candy said she only acquired the vehicle this year after its longtime owner, Roger Child, was forced to stop driving due to Parkinson’s disease.
“He developed Parkinson’s and wasn’t able to drive it,” she said.
Candy Fitness with her popular 1954 Morris
A life member of the North Coast Street Machines car club, Roger had cared for the vehicle for decades before selling it to Candy.
“He and his wife Lora knew I had loved it over many years, so they were happy for me to be its next custodian and see it go to a good home,” Candy said.
“I dedicate these awards to Roger — a true gentleman.”
The Morris Minor features a 1200 supercharged motor and quickly became a crowd favourite, drawing attention for both its charm and its story.
Hundreds of vehicles, thousands of visitors
The scale of the event matched the standout car.
About 650 cars and motorbikes spanning the early days of motoring to modern performance vehicles filled the Ballina Racecourse grounds.
Organisers estimate around 10,000 people came through the gates, including visitors travelling from interstate.
The third annual fundraiser raised about $40,000 on the day for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Senior Citizen of the Year Kenneth Brown gets a hug from the mayor.
A restored 1986 Holden Commodore, handed over by TAFE NSW Wollongbar and now set to be auctioned by Pickles, is expected to fetch up to $50,000, which could take the overall local fundraising effort toward the $100,000 mark once final totals are confirmed.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the event had become a standout community fixture.
“This event continues to go from strength to strength,” she said.
Cadwallader said its origins were deeply personal after organiser Martin Bailey survived a serious accident.
“After 38 surgeries, it was the Westpac Rescue Helicopter that actually saved his life,” she said.
Apprentices’ project handed over
A centrepiece moment was the handover of a restored 1986 Holden Commodore from TAFE NSW Wollongbar to the helicopter service.
TAFE head teacher Kirk Trease said hundreds of apprentices contributed over 15 years.
“We estimate that there’s between six and 800 apprentices across three different trades that have had a piece of work or learning that’s been part of this restoration,” he said.
The vehicle will now be auctioned through Pickles, with organisers hopeful it could raise up to $50,000 for the helicopter service.
The Lismore-based helicopter alone completed about 450 missions last year across northern NSW.
TAFE Wollongbar head teacher Kirk Trease and mayor Sharon Cadwallader
One of the oldest vehicles on display, dating back to 1903
A community effort
Organiser Michelle Bailey said the event’s success reflected the combined effort of volunteers, sponsors, car clubs and the Ballina Jockey Club.
She described the day as a powerful example of what the community could achieve together.
“It’s a wonderful community event that couldn’t be done without the sponsors, the car clubs, the volunteers and everyone involved,” she said.
