COLERAINE’S Michael McCombe has for the fifth time taken out the prestigious first place in the Victorian Monaro State Titles at Seymour for his 1978 HZ GTS in the ‘Factory Authentic’ Class last weekend.

Mr McCombe was thrilled to win again.

“It’s not bad for an old car I bought 37 years ago,” he said.

“It was a really great weekend - I think there were around 120 cars entered.

“We enter every second year, because the nationals are held every second year - and I won that in Queensland last year too - and on the alternate year, each state holds its own State Titles - so for the last 10 years I’ve held the title.

“This year we went across to Adelaide for the South Australian State Title and I won that too, so presently I hold the Victorian, national and South Australia titles.”

Mr McCombe took the opportunity to thank his family, his wife and three daughters for being supportive of his passion for Monaros plus his mechanic in Coleraine, Ritchie Benson of R & A Benson.

Mr McCombe said if he thinks back to when he entered 25 years ago the standard and quality of cars has increased significantly.

“It’s surprising - the quality of car - has just gone up so much,” he said.

“Back in 1998 and 2002 we got third but since then the standard has just gone out of control.

“Since COVID there’s been a lot of cars come out.

“People have realised that that old thing gathering dust out in the shed is actually worth something.”

Monaros Out West group is an informal group of local Monaro enthusiasts who entered several cars in the titles.

Group spokesperson Jody Golding paid tribute to Mr McCombe’s win.

“His is such a spectacular accomplishment,” she said.

“This is the fifth time he’s won it - it’s a grand achievement.”

Other Monaros Out West members who also took out awards at the State Titles included Hamilton’s John Hatherell who won in the HX ‘Factory Authentic’ Class - a title he has now held for the last eight years.

Hamilton’s Doug Tierney also claimed first for his HG in the ‘Street Modified’ class and Jody Golding took out second place for her HK in the ‘Factory Improved’ category.

Victorian Monaro State Titles committee member and spokesperson, Joanne Sedgeway, said the event was a highly anticipated competition for Monaro car owners.

She said it attracted participants from various clubs, groups and individuals across the region, all vying for the coveted titles and recognition, and that the entrants were very competitive.

In particular, she singled out the Monaros Out West group, who are well known for their love of Monaro cars and strong community spirit.

“(They), made a significant impact at the event,” Ms Sedgeman said.

“Their members displayed an impressive array of beautifully restored and modified Monaros, catching the attention of both judges and fellow enthusiasts.

“Not only did the Monaros Out West group make a strong visual impression, but they also excelled in the competitive aspect of the event. Several members of the group secured top positions in various categories.

“The success of the Monaros Out West group at the Monaro State Titles is a testament to their passion, hard work, and dedication to preserving and showcasing the beauty of Monaro cars.”

Ms Sedgeman said their achievements not only brought pride to the group but also highlighted the talent and expertise within the Monaro car community.

“The Monaros Out West group’s participation in the Monaro Club of Victoria State Titles serves as an inspiration to other Monaro enthusiasts and car groups,” she said.

“Their success encourages others to strive for excellence and continue the legacy of the iconic Monaro brand.”