PREVIEW – 2025 MIDSTATE MOPARS - JUST CARS

PREVIEW – 2025 Midstate Mopars

Photos: Erin Nicol Photography

This year’s Midstate Mopars is not too far away. The second-largest Chrysler show in Australia will be held on 7 and 8 June (King’s Birthday long weekend) in Bendigo.

Presented by the Central Victorian Chrysler Club Inc., Midstate Mopars welcomes all Chrysler vehicles made in Australia and the US, including Plymouth, Dodge, Imperial and DeSoto. Mopar-powered marques and those with a Mopar connection, like AMC/Rambler, Simca and the Rootes Group are also welcome, as well as Chryslers based on Japanese models.

Fins and Footwork

For the 18th edition of this all-Chrysler event, Midstate Mopars is celebrating ‘fins’ – from the biggest to the smallest and all sorts of interpretations in between. The history and significance of Bendigo’s Chinese community will also be recognised this year, with traditional lion dancers performing at the Show n Shine.

The Show n Shine is held on the second day of this annual event, where streets are blocked off to allow hundreds of Chrysler vehicles to go on display. The first day is devoted to a cruise for Mopar owners, which this year goes to Castlemaine.

Sponsored by local Bendigo businesses, as well as state and national companies, Midstate Mopars gives back to the Bendigo community, with funds raised going to organisations in the region.

Saturday Cruise – 7 June

Sponsored by Clark Metal Roofing, the Saturday cruise leaves the Lake Weeroona Rowing Club carpark at 1:00PM for a 40-minute (approx.) run to ‘The Mill’ at Castlemaine. This former woollen mill houses many businesses, from a brewery, café, chocolate shop, cheese and smallgoods providers, to a range of artisan makers at the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar.

Upon return to Bendigo, entrants are invited to gather at the All Seasons Bendigo (at 6:00PM) for dinner and a raffle of prizes donated by local businesses. Approximately 100 seats are available for the dinner.

SUNDAY SHOW 'N' SHINE

Sunday’s Show ‘n Shine takes over several streets around Bendigo’s Town Hall, with more than 300 Mopar cars, utes and commercial vehicles expected.

Entry to the Show ‘n’ Shine is $35 per vehicle (pre-pay or pay on the day), with a goodie bag for the first 300 entrants. Spectator entry is free.

The Show ‘n’ Shine opens at 8:00AM for entrants, with judging commencing at 10:00AM and trophy presentation at 2:00PM. Judging covers multiple categories for US, Aussie and Euro/Japanese Chryslers – Q/R/S Series, Charger, AP5/6, Galant/Sigma, B Body, E Body, etc. Other categories include pre-1948, commercial vehicles, competition car, unrestored/survivor, councillor’s choice and more.

Swap Meet and Merch

In the same precinct as the Show ‘n’ Shine, a Swap Meet will present all manner of spare parts, Mopar-themed collectables, memorabilia, man cave decorations and more.
Local food vendors will be on site, with no shortage of other food and drink options nearby, too.

Event merchandise will be available from the Central Victorian Chrysler Club, along with raffle tickets to win a selection of prizes donated by local businesses.