Buick drinks heavily

• Buick CX1915 '25
• Buick CX1915 '25

• Buick CX1915 '25
• Buick CX1915 '25

As fuel prices rise, think of a car enthusiast with a thirsty vintage or veteran car. So does retired schoolteacher Kevin Brooks, 67, from Alderley, north Brisbane, whose veteran open-body 1915 Buick CX25 consumes just 13.8 liters per 100km, about the same as a modern V8.

But its 2.7-liter four-cylinder Buick gets about 10 percent of the V8's power and has a top speed of about 100 km/h at a "comfortable cruising speed" of 80 km/h.

"He's a pretty tough little bugger," Mr. Brooks said.

"I try not to worry about things like fuel prices."

However, he bought a Buick in 1991 at a bargain price because fuel was so cheap back then.

“A friend brought the remains home from Texas, Queensland and I bought them back from him with the cost of his fuel. It was only about $20,” he said.

However, restoring a veteran car can be expensive.

“I have no idea how much it cost me. I try not to keep track of costs; I'd rather not know," he said. “I do my own spray paint, panels and woodwork, while my wife Joyce did the upholstery and hood.

“I could never afford to buy a car ready-made. If I had not been a handy person who could restore at minimal cost, this would not have been possible.

The most expensive parts were the tires, each costing $400.

However, he pays just $170 a year for a discounted registration that allows him to "test" the car within 15km of his home or compete in rallies such as the RACQ MotorFest at Eagle Farm Racecourse on Sunday, June 29th.

"That means I can't use it to pick bread and it's only good for about 300 miles (482 km) a year, so the rego isn't all that cheap after all," he said.

"Veteran cars should get free reuse, like many states in the US and New Zealand, because they are our national treasure."

This year's MotorFest will feature a lot of Australian and international automotive heritage.

The organizers expect more than 600 veterans, vintage and classic cars to participate in the event.

Among the many changes at MotorFest, including a new venue, cars will be presented according to their country of origin.

In addition, Queenslanders will be able to experience Active Collision Avoidance technology for the first time with the Electronic Stability Control Simulator.

Other attractions include fashion shows, gourmet food and wine, itinerant musicians, circus performers and dancers, and a Kids' Corner with carnival rides and face painting.

RACQ and RACQ Insurance will showcase their products and services, as well as information booths from organizations such as the Queensland Police and the Highway Authority.