PORTLAND’S show ‘n’ shine February continues on Saturday as the popular Classics by the Bay returns to the foreshore.

Two weeks after the Portland Classic Auto Club ran its inaugural Show Us Your Ride, Portland Bay Classic Vehicles is hosting the eight version of Classics by the Bay.

Portland Bay Classic Vehicles president Craig Dennert has been the face of Classics by the Bay since its inception and said a bumper Saturday was planned, weather permitting of course.

“We’re expecting a big turn up of vehicles this year,” he said.

“There’ll be cars and motorbikes (utes and vans are also welcome) and maybe a few tractors.

“If we can get around 300-350 like we normally get that would be good, maybe a few more but you never know.

“I reckon we can squeeze 500 in here, that’s the aim one day.”

The featured vehicle this year will be the venerable Ford Falcon, following on from Holdens last year (and Valiants planned in 2024).

There’ll also be a turnout of another great make.

“We’ve got 20-odd Cadillacs coming from all over Victoria,” Mr Dennert said.

“They rang me and said ‘we’re doing a tour for a week ‘ and they put it in to be here at this time.”

There’ll be plenty of other attractions too – the Shannon’s rig with the popular Gogomobile, live music, barbecue food and drinks among the stalls and a huge variety of vehicles – anyone wanting to bring their car, van, ute or motorbike down can do so on the day.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Classics by the Bay without another old favourite – Fletch from the television show Classic Restos.

“He’s looking forward to it as always,” Mr Dennert said.

“He loves coming down here, loves the venue and loves the town.”

Fletch is also credited with bringing the show ‘n’ shine to a wider audience – as has word of mouth.

Club member Jimmy Samson said a group of hot rodders from Geelong would be visiting, heading back home the next day for a Ford show – their numbers had been growing as they spread the word about the Portland show.

Mr Dennert agreed.

“The more that come here and go home and tell their friends or their clubs, the better,” he said.

“It’s getting to be a more well-known show thanks to Fletch as well.”

Gates open to the public at 10am, with the vehicles one hour earlier – entry is $5.

For more information call Craig Dennert on 0408 554 069.