ACCOMMODATION was at a premium as Ballarat was transformed into motor city over the Easter weekend. Thousands of car enthusiasts and more than 600 classic cars converged on the city yesterday for two major motoring events.On Saturday, the Studebaker Car Club of Australia held its 18th National Studebaker Meet at North Gardens. Yesterday it was the muscle cars' turn to put on a show at the 2009 Mustang Nationals at City Oval.Ballarat Tourist Association chair Craig Holloway said finding a bed for the night was a difficult task on Saturday, with many operators booked out for the night because of the events. Visitors from Melbourne, interstate and overseas packed out the city's motels, hotels and accommodation facilities on the weekend."Accommodation was quite heavily booked over the weekend and people were struggling to find a room on Saturday night," Mr Holloway said. The local tourist industry had held up well in the face of difficult economic times compared with other sectors."I think Ballarat's got an advantage in that it has a lot of activities on (that are) spread out throughout the year.""Those car club rallies bring people into town that wouldn't normally be here for a one-off event."Bell Tower Inn general manager Shane Madden said the motel had hosted 140 visitors to the Studebaker meet. He said other motels nearby had also been busy because of the meet."There is peace of mind knowing we're going to be full for the weekend and it gives you the opportunity to plan for everything," Mr Madden said.And from what he had seen, the visitors would drive away happy."The weather's been great for them, they loved it and they think Ballarat is a great place for it. Ballarat City Council bid for and won the rights to host the two major car events three years ago.