CROWDS flocked to Jim Leithhead's Pomonal home on Good Friday, where he opened his collection of Lincoln cars and memorabilia to the public.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Entry was charged at $10 per person and all of the takings would be donated to the Royal Children's Hospital as part of the Good Friday Appeal.
Mr Leithhead said he got hooked on Lincolns at a young age.
"I have had a Lincoln since I was 18," he said.
"I bought my first one then.
"My uncle had one when I was a little kid and I was in awe - that must be what started me."
The collection was housed in an enormous garage on Mr Leithhead's property, which includes about 35 cars.
However, it should be noted that the word 'garage' did not do justice to the effort Mr Leithhead put into the space the cars were stored in.
From the carpeted and linoleum floors to special rooms dedicated to tiny model cars with their own showcase lighting, and 1950s memorabilia, it was a wonderland for any vintage car enthusiast.
The small model diner lacked only a waitress in a striped apron - the jars on the counter even had brightly coloured straws ready to be popped into a big milkshake.
Glenn Halden, a St Arnaud resident with his own vintage car collection, said he was thrilled to be able to wander through the collection.
"I'm a collector - I have eight myself," he said.
"It's nowhere near the number and presentation of this."
Stawell residents Nev Nitschke, Colin Rethus, and Ivan McDonald also went to enjoy the cars and get behind the cause.
"It's for a good cause," Mr McDonald said.
"It's a credit to him for opening the place up and letting us all have a look."
Mr Leithhead said it took a bit of work to get everything prepared.
"I've been out here a solid week, washing cars," he said.
Chris Phipps brought her grandsons, visiting from Melbourne for Easter, to have a look.
"It's just amazing," she said.
"I just thought I would bring them along, and we also came to support the cause because both boys are asthmatic."
The takings from the gate would be tallied up at the end of the day, though at the start of the day Mr Leithhead said he had no idea how many to expect.
"I think there will be a few, and the car clubs along too but I'm not sure," he said.
However, by 11am, just an hour after opening the doors, the place was full.
Doors will remain open until to 3pm, and the address is 254 Tunnel Road, Pomonal.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.