Ivan Shannon's Custom Rolls-Royce Steals Show at Autorama

Te Puke's Autorama Sand n Surf event drew around 450 vehicles to Pukehinā School last Saturday, but one custom-built car stood out from the crowd. Ivan Shannon brought his remarkable Rolls-Royce Roadster, powered by a 12-litre V12 Rolls Royce Meteor engine originally from a Centurion tank. Shannon, a woodturner, spent eight years constructing the distinctive rear of the car from wood straps with help from friends.

The Meteor engine was adapted from the famous Merlin engine used in Spitfires and other World War II aircraft. Shannon owns two additional Meteor engines to ensure a supply of spare parts for the project. This was the car's first appearance at Autorama, and Shannon primarily uses the road-legal vehicle for Sunday outings to local coffee shops.

The event, held at Pukehinā School for the third time, featured a revised layout that organisers said worked well for visitors and vehicle movements. Organising committee member Kirsty Garrett praised the smooth execution and noted that the event will support five local organisations including Pukehinā Surf Rescue, Pukehinā Volunteer Fire Brigade, Youth Encounter, Inspire Kindergarten, and the fishing club.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.