22 October 2025

Father and son’s Ford legacy set to shine at Jamberoo Car Show

| By Kellie O'Brien
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Warren and Eric with the GT and Fairlane

Warren and Eric Waples with the GT and Fairlane. Photo: Supplied.

When Albion Park’s Eric Waples lifts the cover off his 1964 Ford Fairlane FD, it’s more than just a pristine classic — it’s a family heirloom.

The car his late father bought “brand new” six decades ago has been lovingly preserved ever since, still gleaming as if it just rolled off the showroom floor.

When he puts it on display at the Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day on Sunday (26 October), it will sit alongside his son Warren’s car — one of the last Ford GT models produced in the 2000s.

Bought during an era of strong brand loyalty between Ford and Holden enthusiasts, the Fairlane was the last of the “compact” Fairlane series and represents more than just transportation for Eric, but a testament to family memories.

“He loved Henry Ford’s products, so prior to that he had a 1936, 1940 and 1952 Ford sedan,” Eric said of his father.

“This was the only new one he ever had and that was July 1964.

“He had a bit of engineering knowledge and knew Henry’s products were pretty durable.

“We’ve had brand allegiance to Ford for three generations.”

However, his father would only get to enjoy the car for a few weeks before he passed away.

“Years ago, I don’t think anybody got their blood pressure taken,” he said.

“My dad smoked heavily for most of his life, was a bit overweight, had two stressful jobs, and in the end, it took him out.

“These problems were found too late, so he only had the car for a few weeks.”

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Eric recalls the first time he was shown the car and how his dad was “highly impressive with it”.

After his father’s passing, the Fairlane became his mother’s car, used for trips to bowls and occasional journeys to Adelaide.

Now, Eric carefully preserves the vehicle, which remarkably still carries its original black and white registration plates and has never been out of registration.

He said it was rare to see one of these compact Fairlanes on the road.

“I think they were brought out in kit form from Canada due to Commonwealth Government regulations,” he said.

“It was cheaper for Ford to bring them out from Canada than the US, so they were quite popular, but there wasn’t a great many sold, and there’s even less on the road now.”

He said the car continued to draw attention wherever it went, often receiving a thumbs up from other drivers when they saw the well-maintained classic.

“People ask, ‘Do you want to sell it?’, while I’m sitting at the traffic lights,” he said, laughing.

“There was one guy who had an old Corolla that looked like it was on its last legs and he wanted to do a swap.”

Joining Eric at the car show will be his son’s 2007 Ford GT, creating a generational display of Ford automotive history.

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“He’s had that since new and it’s a gem,” he said.

“They’re worlds apart, obviously. But surprisingly, the GT, even though it’s a large car, it doesn’t feel like a big car. Even on twisty, narrow roads, it’s a beautiful car to drive.”

Eric said he had been showing the Fairlane at the Jamberoo Car Show for the past five years.

Committee president Dave Wiggins said this Sunday’s event, hosted by the Jamberoo Valley Classic Vehicles Club, was set to be its biggest car show yet.

Dave said the show had grown since starting in about 2016, from a modest 100-car gathering to a major family-friendly attraction that last year featured 600 classic cars, hot rods and rattlers.

“Traditionally, car shows have been a bit of a ‘blokey’ thing, so the ladies don’t necessarily like to come along,” he said.

“From the start, we’ve tried to encourage everyone by having things there for the kids and ladies.”

Attractions will include a petting zoo, Navy flight simulators, Girl Guides activity tent, children’s entertainment, a Transformer Bumblebee and a tea room run by the Jamberoo CWA ladies. Jamberoo markets are also on the same day.

Dave said the event raised funds for the Jamberoo Rural Fire Service, with last year’s show generating a $30,000 donation to help purchase additional equipment.

He said the fire service was also integral to the operation of the event, helping with car parking and logistics.

Jamberoo Car Show and Family Day will be held at Keith Walsh Oval in Jamberoo on Sunday (26 October) from 9 am. Adults are $5 each and a family is $10.

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