The first Hupmobile rolled off the assembly line in Detroit 100 years ago and Cessnock has won the bid to stage this special centenary week of celebrations.

Rallies are held every two years and normally take place over a weekend, but this year, Cessnock area people will get the chance to watch them pass by and inspect them at the event headquarters, Potters Brewery.

Rally director is Nulkaba resident, John Burke who is also chairman of the Newcastle Branch of the Veteran Car Club that is hosting the event.

Forty cars, the oldest a 1910 model and the newest, built in 1938 will arrive on Sunday and remain in the area until September 26. There will be a public viewing at Potters Brewery on September 24 from 3pm to 5pm.

All up there will be 40 vehicles taking part in the rally with the majority from the eastern states, but also visitors from Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia,

There will be 10 international guests from New Zealand, the U.S. and Canada and they will join in as passengers.

Sunday, September 21 will be a meet and greet and registration day, while on Monday, September 22 the vehicles will travel along Vincent Street, through to Kitchener and Quorrobolong, finishing at historic Wollombi for lunch and an inspection of the museum.

A visit to Wyndham Estate is planned for September 23 and on Wednesday, September 24 the rally will move to Hunter Valley Gardens where visitors will have free time to visit the area’s many attractions.

The rally will visit Singleton Army Camp on the Thursday and Tocal Homestead and Morpeth the following day.

Mr. Burke said about 130 people will be taking part in activities and most are staying at Potters who have been most so-operative with the arrangements. He added that most of the material including memorabilia has been made locally.

The vehicles are valued between $25,000 and $80,000.