Main Street Maldon was treated to an informal parade of early Ford Falcons on Saturday, as a stream of gleaming colour glided through town.
The 23rd Early Falcon Nationals, an Australia-wide classic car enthusiasts club event, took place over the weekend in Bendigo with a day drive to Maldon for lunch. Around 100 vehicles parked in town while their occupants dined and enjoyed the sunny shopping weather. Many were hunting for attire or accessories in a hue of gold, to suit the theme of the planned Saturday dinner. It was a congenial bunch of proud car enthusiasts and a joy to have them visit Maldon. When asked whether the club members connect about topics other than vehicles and maintenance, one visitor cheerfully retorted: “We just talk about cars”¦ maintenance? They’re Fords, they don’t need any!”
Going home in a divi van!
Kevin and Ann Diener had travelled from Meadows in the Adelaide Hills to attend the Early Falcon Nationals event”¦ in their own 1964 police divisional van, originally used to carry prisoners or offenders. Kevin was proud to be photographed with the van in Main Street, and explained that it was one of multiple Fords in his collection.
“It’s a genuine ex-Victorian police vehicle that I bought 25 years ago and I believe it’s the only original one remaining in existence,” he said.
Despite being a Russell Street original that would not be out of place in the iconic 1960s/70s TV show, Homicide, Kevin said the car has not often been used for film and television appearances. It can only be seen on screen in a 2020 production.
“It was used in the movie Escape from Pretoria. Daniel Radcliffe has been in the car; Harry Potter!” Kevin exclaimed.
Kevin and Ann said it was a lovely drive from South Australia, describing it as a “comfortable cruise” in their quirky old car. Most people who have experienced a drive in a divi – or divvy – van did not do so by choice, but Kevin said he could not resist the opportunity to own this one.
“I love the old falcons, they have been a passion of mine for a long time,” he said. “And when this came up I just had to have it!”
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 18 October 2024.
