Country school in the 90's. They had them but it was mainly about the girls getting dolled up and getting attention. Cars never played a part then. As has been said, that's a recent thing brought about by the selfish current "want everything bigger and better" generation. City schools tend to be more into the "Formal" which is just a fancy school dance whereas the country style "Debutante Ball" is almost a right of passage into womanhood. Attendees at the Deb Ball are generally parents and Grandparents, respected members of the community etc. Yes, there's generally a good piss up afterwards but it's not part of the ball and that's just how the country folk roll.

I never attended a deb ball. You basically needed a girl to request you "escort them". Being the kid with the bright red v8 panelvan perhaps I wasn't seen as a suitable escort by the girls mothers.