For many entrants, getting to the Deni Ute Muster is an achievement in itself.
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For Chris Cartledge, the journey was the culmination of two years of hard work bringing a classic Holden HQ back to life.
Travelling 881km from Medowie, Mr Cartledge arrived at the Muster in a vehicle that was once little more than a paddock find.
The trek also earned him the Show n Shine prize for the ute that had travelled the furthest, after a few Queensland-based entrants pulled out.
Mr Cartledge’s HQ was pulled from a paddock before undergoing a painstaking two-year build, transforming it into a roadworthy cruiser capable of making the long trek to Deniliquin.
Rather than loading the vehicle onto a trailer, he put the car to the test.
With just the one “shakedown run” to build confidence in its reliability, he hit the road for the iconic festival.
The preparation paid off, with the HQ making it all the way to the Muster gates.
But, as it turns out, the ute didn’t make it much further than that.
“She died just past the Muster gates,” Mr Cartledge said with a laugh.
“I’d asked her to take me to the Muster, and she did, but not much further.”
The car was able to be repaired roadside, with a few friendly Mustergoers lending a hand.
Mr Cartledge said the ute “drives beautifully” despite retaining some old-school features that have largely disappeared from modern vehicles, including a high and low beam switch mounted on the floor.
With much of the rust and patina still on the bodywork, Mr Cartledge said he got more than one funny look as he drove through towns on the way to Deni.
Chris Cartledge was all smiles after his Show n Shine prize win.
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