Big Boys Toys exhibition at Exhibition Park set to give thrills

The first of its kind in the national capital, the Big Boys Toys Expo boasts everything from wonderful sets of wheels and flying machines to state-of-the-art equipment for a range of sports and hobbies.

Car aficionados are in for a real thrill, with the collection including imported American classics, a 1928 Ford Model A and several hot rods.

Steven Farmer, business development manager for Shannons Insurance ACT, found it impossible to pick the best vehicle from the selection.

"It's pretty much an amalgamation of a whole range of favourites," he said.

"This is a good opportunity to showcase some of the really cool stuff we deal with on a daily basis."

Mr Farmer delighted in unleashing the drag car's roars and he said the purpose-built promo truck was also interesting, with its trailer folding out to become a viewing deck.

Drawn to the expo through his links with the amateur motor enthusiast community, he said he approved of the support given to Menslink, the official charity partner.

"The motoring scene is a good way for men to stay socially active throughout their lives," Mr Farmer said.

Chief executive of Menslink, Martin Fisk, agreed with the sentiment and said men bonded through shared activities.

The organisation has been supporting young men in the Canberra region for more than 10 years, offering free counselling, volunteer mentoring and schools' initiatives.

Program co-ordinator Des Linehan was among the group's volunteers talking about the Mentoring Young Men program and handing out information pamphlets.

The expo was one of several ideas that played in event manager Emma Pieper's head for ages.

"And then one day two years ago in October, I went on a jet ski for the first time," she said. "And I knew from that moment on, it had to be Big Boys Toys."

The expo will be open from 10am to 5pm on Sunday at Exhibition Park.