20/09/2026
Before she became Rainbow Exhaust, out brightly painted Lunchbox Rally car had a whole other life and we recently learned a little more about her story. ❤️
Around three years ago Leanne purchased the “Classic” C180 Mercedes from her son, Peter. He had planned to sport her up but changed his mind, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
Leanne had recently recovered enough to return to work after breaking her hip and was working two jobs with NSW Health and as a support worker. Her old GQ Patrol was rough and thirsty, so the Mercedes became her everyday car.
Some of her favourite memories were taking clients out for drives. One was a German gentleman who was almost blind but loved riding in the Mercedes, simply listening to the car and enjoying the journey.
Then there was the day on the M1 near Brunswick Heads when Leanne spotted sparks flying from the back of a car carrier. After flashing her lights and hazards, she managed to get the driver to pull over — only to discover the chains from the loading ramps were dragging along the road!
There’s another part of Leanne’s story that makes where the Classic has ended up even more meaningful.
During an unrelated GP appointment, Leanne had a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) picked up and eventually removed by a specialist. It was an unexpected reminder of just how important early detection can be — and it makes us love the fact that this same old Mercedes is now helping us raise money for Cancer Council. ❤️
Eventually, keeping two cars became too difficult, and the Mercedes was put up for sale as Leanne moved on to a Prado and plans for weekends away.
And that’s where our chapter began. 🌈
The 26 year old Mercedes found her way to our family, where a sensible retirement was absolutely NOT on the cards.
Instead, she became Rainbow Exhaust; our high-kilometre, rainbow-smoking Mercedes, ready to tackle the Lunchbox Rally and help us raise money for Cancer Council Australia.
Knowing how much she meant to Leanne makes her even more special to us. She had already spent years carrying people, creating memories and bringing a little happiness to those who rode in her. Now she gets to keep doing exactly that — just with a lot more rainbows.
The Classic’s story is far from over.
If you would like to make a donation to the Cancer Council please click onto the link: https://2026.lunchboxrally.com.au/rainbow-exhaust
