Car enthusiasts and surfers will have the opportunity to view and appreciate some of the ‘old classics’ as well as the latest models during the Salt Village Surf Vehicle Rally to be held as part of Australia’s premier longboard surfing event, the Hyundai Malfunction (22 – 27 April 2008).

A wide range of ‘surfers vehicles’ including the traditional Kombi vans and vintage pick-ups will meet at Salt Central Park on Saturday morning, April 26.  The cars will then tour through Casuarina Beach and along the New Tweed Coast before coming to rest in the carpark next to Cudgen Headlands SLSC in Marine Parade where spectators can take a closer look until mid-afternoon.

Hyundai Malfunction event organiser, Sean McKeown, said the festival was about celebrating all the different facets of surfing life including the beach, music, food and of course transport.

“Surfing offers a unique lifestyle and is all about having a good time with friends and family while searching for the elusive wave, so all the activities planned during the week will celebrate this uniqueness,” he explained.

Sean said over the years surfers have used a range of different vehicles to get them to the best beach breaks around Australia.

“Vehicles such as the '38 Ford’s, to the Woody, a 64 EH Holden, to mum’s taxi and now new SUV’s like the Hyundai Santa Fe, are all symbols of surf transportation,” he said.

“Cars are a very important part of surfing life and can become a second home to those on long surfing trips.

“We are hoping to attract a limited number of surf vehicles to participate in the rally, from the old to the new.”

Surfer and car fanatic, Gary ‘Wal’ Jones, has spent the last four years working on his 48 Chevrolet pick-up to get it ready for its official unveiling at the Malfunction event.

“I have had to import all the genuine parts from America so it has been a slow process but it will be well worth the time and effort,” he said.

“Originally it was an old farm truck carrying hay and timber so it will carry a much lighter load these days with only surf boards being put in the back”.

Gary said he is also looking forward to surfing in the event for his eighth time.

“I can’t believe it’s been eight years since I first surfed in the Malfunction, time goes so quickly,” he said.

“There is a great range of activities planned and the Malfunction always attracts a fun, relaxed bunch of competitors and spectators so it is one of my favourite events.”

As a fellow surfer and car enthusiast, Kombi Club president, Roy Hodkinson is looking to this year’s event.

"It was a pleasure to be involved in last year's event, and with the move to Kingscliff this year, it will give us the opportunity to put on an even better display of vehicles,” he said.

“The humble Kombi will always have a close association with Surfing, all around the world, whether it’s a quick dawn surf or a prolonged 'Surfari'.

“The old Kombi comradery still exists, if you see two kombis pass on the road, you will probably see the 'Kombi Wave’, either the lifting of a finger, the peace sign or a full on frantic wave of total exhilaration.”

The Hyundai Malfunction will attract surfers from around the world and will encompass a number of open amateur and aged divisions for traditional surfers, a leg of the ASP World Longboard Qualifying Series, the Surftech Pro for Men & Women, a Retro division for boards constructed prior to 1981, and the new craze of Stand up Paddle Surfing

In addition, there will also be several events staged out of the water including the Domain Casuarina Beach Resort Art Exhibition, a Von Weirdos Surf Memorabilia Auction and a Luau Dinner to be held at Casuarina Beach.

For registration and further event details please visit www.malfunction.com.au