The pair, along with Chris’ son Jackson, were exhibitors in Saturday’s Rochester Hotel Motors and Music Fest — the two-day event that attracts hundreds of car, bike and truck enthusiasts to the overflowing car park of the watering hold on an annual basis.
The Hillmans were among the many interesting stories at the event, which also attracted members of several Victorian car clubs, including the Rochester Car Club.
President Merv Wild was there with his 2013 Harley Davidson, complete with wine-barrel trailer, and a variety of other members had their vehicles on display.
For Andrew, Greg, and to a lesser extent Kyabram P-12 student Jackson, the event allows them to show off their work and, on occasion, add a trophy to the cabinet.
Last year a Honda Fury that Andrew had worked on for Chris won the best bike of the show.
This year the entry was a 2016 Harley Davidson Breakout, which had been customised to the maximum amount.
New handle bars, wheels, additions to the motor and exhaust systems gave it a completely different look to the exact same showroom model only a couple of metres away.
Andrew bought his first Harley 15 years ago and has just returned from a Brisbane on the motorcycle.
Next year he is planning to complete a trip around Australia on the Harley.
Jackson was proud to explain he had ridden on the back of both of them.
Andrew and Chris are either in their trucks, completing the route from Shepparton to Sydney, or on their bikes
Andrew’s other son, Matt, is into bikes as well and all six grandkids have a strong interest in motocross.
∎ David McDonald was 19 years old when he purchased his first Holden Sandman.
He admits he is much older, and wiser, now but is no less passionate about the famous panel vans.
He has a pair of 1975 Sandmans, one which was on show at the Rochester event on Saturday
“I bought this one 15 years ago. It had a fair bit of rust, but it has come up well,” the Maryborough Holden fanatic said.
His green sandman, complete with artwork on the rear, is part of his collection. He also has a red Sandman panel van, also a 1975 model and a Blue Sandman utility.
The cleaning business owner, and former railways worker, has a scene from Stawell’s Lakes Fynes on the rear of his green panel van.
“It was where we used to holiday as kids,” he said.
David said the money he paid for his panel vans could realise a solid return.
“I thought they were a good investment, better than money in the bank,” he said.
Sandmans of a similar vintage have been valued at up to $120,000.
“I paid $4000 for this one, but it probably owes me $30,000,” he said.
David said meeting fellow car lovers and listening to people’s Sandman stories were the highlights of his car show experiences, along with people’s enthusiasm for his restoration concepts.
“The red Sandman has has a beer fridge and TV in the back,” he said.
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