Motorsport enthusiasts know Bathurst, a good three hours west of Sydney in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, from the 'Mount Panorama' circuit, which has been held there since 1938. The 1000 km race of the national Supercars series attracts over 150,000 visitors to the otherwise tranquil little town every October, and the 12-hour race in February has also been developing magnificently for around a decade.
In addition to racing and the 'National Motor Sport Museum' located at the race track, Bathurst also has a very active 'Bathurst Historic Car Club' with around 130 members. The members keep the classic car scene alive with monthly club meetings and a rally in May. The annual highlight, however, is the 'Swap Meet', the classic car exchange, which took place again this year on the first weekend in February to coincide with the 12-hour race.
"The first weekend in February has been the date for our event for over 30 years," says Steve Crain, who organizes the bourse for the club. "The 12-hour race has changed dates a few times. But I believe that the two events can also reinforce each other." The reporter from Europe is an example of how it is possible to attend both events.
Browsing at the swap meet
The name 'Swap Meet' refers to the origin of the meeting, although nowadays Australian dollars are the preferred medium of exchange. Over the years, the range of items on offer has also expanded from car parts and automobilia to include many other collectibles and antiques. "This is a development that can be observed at most such events," says organizer Crain. "The difference, however, is that most classic car fairs have now become commercial markets with professional vendors where you have to pay for everything. Our meeting is still a club event, booths for vendors are free of charge, we only charge each visitor five dollars (about three euros or 3.6 francs) for admission. We use the proceeds to support a number of local charitable causes."
The 'Swap Meet' in Bathurst takes place on a site that is normally used for livestock trading and also includes a horse racing track. Vendors have spread out their wares on the expansive grassy areas: Lots of car parts, tools, number plates, advertising signs, some model cars, manuals, but also racing items such as flags, caps, photos and posters.
Some cars are for sale: coordinator Crain is offering an Austin A30 and a pick-up based on a Datsun 1300. Other cars are on trailers, some of which are British-made. We also see a 30-year-old Volvo 240 that still looks almost new.
However, the majority of the items on offer are smaller items of various kinds, with the flea market character predominating. "Many people take the opportunity to clear out their cellar or attic, but most of them end up taking their things back with them. Maybe it goes to the bulky waste. Or you might see them at another vendor the following year," says one of the visitors. "But you don't have to buy anything, it's fun to just walk around and rummage."
Familiar character
This year's event featured around 200 vendors. Organizer Steve Crain: "We don't have an exact number, as everyone can choose a place and we don't keep a list. The only thing we know is that there were about 2,000 visitors, because we took in around 10,000 dollars." This makes the Bathurst bourse by far the number one in the region. "You won't find a bigger event like this within 500 miles, not even in Sydney," says Crain. "There's a bourse there too, but much smaller and very commercial. Everything there costs money. Here, the family character prevails, which is our strength."
Only one thing is uncertain: "Nobody knows exactly when the 'Swap Meet' first took place. We say that this year's edition was the 32nd, but it could have been 33. But it doesn't really matter. People come, and they like coming. Next year, the swap meet will be back on the first weekend in February!"
