REPORT - 2024 Chryslers by the Bay
Words and Photos: Mike Ryan
For its second year back after a COVID-enforced layoff, Chryslers by the Bay once again welcomed all members of the Mopar family, from Chrysler and Dodge to Plymouth, Imperial and DeSoto, as well as Jeep, AMC and Chrysler’s European and British in-laws.
The weather was hot for this year’s show, but the cars were cool!
Forecast temperatures in the high 30s for the March show understandably kept some away, but hardcore Mopar members are a hardy bunch, so around 100 cars still made the journey to Geelong Baptist College in Lovely Banks, which also hosted Chryslers by the Bay last year and in 2020.
Cloud cover made the conditions bearable throughout the morning, but once that sun broke through early in the afternoon, it was brutal, so credit must go to the event organisers, the Bay City Chrysler Car Club Inc., who had the common sense to wrap things up early once things really started to heat up.
A Weekend by the Bay
This year’s 26th edition of Chryslers by the Bay followed the same format as previous editions, with a cruise around the Bellarine Peninsula on Saturday, 9 March, followed by the show ‘n’ shine on Sunday 10 March.
Complementing the show ‘n’ shine was a swap meet and stallholders providing Mopar parts and collectables, as well as items for the man cave. There were also food and drink vendors on site to keep everyone refreshed.
This event regularly attracts interstate attendees, who often “double up” by attending Chryslers by the Bay and Chryslers on the Murray, which usually takes place a week or two later.
Sponsors this year were led by Dontex Automotive Performance and included Shannons, Mawson Motors, Moolap Tyres, Local Waste and many other Geelong businesses. Local branches of Repco, Auto One and Burson Auto Parts also came on board, providing products for the raffle held at the show ‘n’ shine. Proceeds from the raffle, along with the entry fees, went to Hope in a Suitcase; a Geelong charity supporting children in care by providing them with new belongings.
A Diverse Selection
In the early days of Chryslers by the Bay, it would be fair to say that Aussie Valiants and American Mopar muscle from the 1960s accounted for the bulk of the display vehicles, but in recent years, that has shifted. This year, there was a strong representation of Chrysler 300s, as well as RAM pickups and a few Jeeps, reflecting the “modern” face of Mopar enthusiasm. Additionally, those occasional exchange rate equalisations between Australia and the US has seen more unusual Mopars reach our shores. Where once Dodge Chargers and Challengers, Plymouth Barracudas and chrome-laden Chryslers from the 1950s were the norm, you’re just as likely to see a Plymouth Duster, ‘60s Chrysler Newport or Dodge 880 at a Chryslers by the Bay show these days, along with Chrysler-powered vehicles like a Jensen Interceptor.
The reduction in overall numbers this year meant variety was down compared to past editions, but there was still plenty for Mopar enthusiasts to admire at the show ‘n’ shine. What’s presented here is a snapshot of what was on offer.
2025 Locked In
The 27th edition of Chryslers by the Bay has already been confirmed, with the Bay City Chrysler Car Club announcing next year’s event will be held on Sunday, 9 March, 2025. Check out the Bay City Chrysler Car Club’s Facebook page for more details, as well as the event listings at justcars.com.au as the 2025 event draws nearer.
