With summer right around the corner and restrictions finally easing in many parts of the country, we’re all chomping at the bit to get out there, have a cruise and catch up with our car-loving mates.

The lucky ducks in South Australia got to enjoy a taste over the weekend at the Drivin’ with Dixon and The Iron Empire spring meet held in Woodville North, SA.

Organisers and automotive YouTubers Charlie Dixon (Drivin’ with Dixon) and Mark (The Iron Empire) were impressed by the turnout, with 100s of cars and people showing up to their workshop for the meet and greet.

“We’re still blown away with the turnout, there [were] 100s of cars and probably 400-500 people there – to be honest we were a bit overwhelmed,” said Charlie.

“The calibre of cars was killer, we had the food truck and coffee vans there, sold a bunch of merch and just had a really good time – and everyone was super well behaved,” said Charlie.

One of those cars was Jay Duca’s 13B-swapped VN Commodore, and our offside Paul ‘Gus’ Cronin was chucked the keys to bring it out to the event. “It’s just such an unorthodox thing, but super funny,” added Charlie.

“It was really great event,” said Gus. “I don’t get out that often, but it was a really cool vibe, with lots of families and lots of different cars.”

Jason Waye, from Muscle Garage, bought along his Tuff Mounts VH Commodore Group C replica – which, along with the VN, stole a large portion of the show.

We also spotted Gavin Blowes’ beautifully presented HG sedan, which is fresh from winning the People’s Choice Award at Red CentreNATS this year. It packs a stroker 383-cube LS, with a cross-ram intake sucking through a pair of LSA throttle bodies.

The meet is just the second event Charlie and Mark have put on this year, but they have big plans going forward.

“Both Mark and I have spoken about getting some racing back in SA, particularly some grass roots drag racing. There’s nothing going on here right now, so we want to change that,” he said.

“I’ve spotted an airstrip I’m hoping we can turn into South Australia’s version of Cootamundra Airport with some drag racing events, because people are just screaming to go racing here and use their cars,” Charlie said.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on what both events both Charlie and Mark will be planning in the future, so watch this space.