Pontiacs rev up for Rochy

“I currently have just one Pontiac, a 1977 Trans-Am. Just like the car Burt Reynolds drove in Smokey and the Bandit,” Mr Heaslip said.

“l also have a late ’70s Cadillac Eldorado and Lincoln Continental, both affectionately referred to as ‘land yachts’ due to their huge proportions.”

While Pontiac was known for its designs through a number of eras, the 1970s included many mid-sized Pontiac coupes sporting a mammoth 7.5-litre V8 engine.

It was one of the features that attracted Mr Heaslip to the car as a child in the 1960s.

“When I was in primary school, the ‘rich kid’s’ dad had a big Pontiac. I never forgot that car. When I turned 21, I finally bought that same 1966 model,” he said.

While Mr Heaslip is an enthusiast of older cars, he also founded the club to honour the legacy of muscle cars.

“I have been in the Pontiac Car Club of Australia since we started in 1988, but I am also in the Cadillac Car Club,” he said.

Mr Heaslip said driving a classic car meant forgoing some modern comforts.

“A standard Pontiac among our group this weekend probably means we have no air-conditioning, old drum brakes and a bench seat,” Mr Heaslip said.

“They are a ‘passion’ and a weekend cruiser just for the thrill — and the odd bit of attention here and there. They are a great conversation starter wherever we go.”