Aussie muscle cars help raise funds in Kyneton

Phil Walters and Michael Pratt with their 1970 Mach 1 Mustang. Picture: Luke Hemer)

Muscle cars from the Australian auto industry’s heyday of 1963-77 were among those that lined up in Kyneton last Wednesday as part of a statewide rally raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Sunbury car enthusiast and cancer survivor Steve Sawyer had intended to take part, but was forced to withdraw due to mechanical problems with the 1967 Ford Mustang he’d lined up for the seven-day event.

He went along for the ride anyway, helping raise money for a centre that will provide a home away from home for regional families affected by blood cancer.

‘‘It’s been great to still be a part of it,’’ Mr Sawyer said. ‘‘The car had some issues, which, being old cars, they often do.

‘‘But it will all be ironed out in time for next year.’’

As reported by Star Weekly, Mr Sawyer had a stem-cell transplant after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and multiple myeloma in 2012.

Now two years cancer-free, he is encouraging people to donate online at www.aussiemusclecarrun.com