The 1997 Muster was held in Parkes, in central western NSW. Parkes is home to a major radio telescope which featured in the film “The Dish” about the first moon landing.
Some 50 years ago, the first production 4CVs found their way to a car starved French public. 10 years ago the 4CV Register of Australia was formed. The Muster at Parkes celebrates both.
Participants arrived from all directions, from Adelaide, Cairns, Melbourne and the usual crows from Queensland. The gathering also alerted the boys in blue, as they set up breathalysing and licence checks over the weekend. There was a strong suspicion that interest in our cars was the main motivation.
Saturday morning was an assembly at a forecourt of a garage in central Parkes. There, a ferocious looking 4CV based R16TS powered speedway car joined in as well as several ‘new’ 4CV enthusiasts.
The beast
In convoy, the group then proceeded to Rex’s shed (a big thing similar to a Gothic cathedral). After admiring the shed and its content, lunch was on, back in Parkes.
The afternoon was spent at an ostrich farm where not only kids were entertained but also the birds. They (the birds) seemed to become over-excited when they saw more than a few 4CVs.
Thirsty crowd
After the official part of dinner, we were treated to a talk by guest speaker Rupert Machett who used to campaign 4CVs in motorsport events. Rupert also presented a small trophy to Chris Smalley for him being the furthest travelled 4CV. Chris drove his 4CV all the way from Townsville.
Sunday brought a trip to the telescope. No trip or gathering at Parkes is complete without a visit to the telescope, made famous by the important part in the communication during the moon landing and then the file The Dish. And of course, more photos were taken.
Talking to the moon
This brought the muster to an end with farewells being said on Monday, and see you in 1999 in Stanthorpe.
The muster showed off 17 4CVs and a lovely Floride. The biggest number of 4CVs on a muster yet.
The assembly