Held on 16th October
By the time we got our entry in for the 2022 Bay to Birdwood, the post 1950 category was already fully booked. So, we did some investigation and found that our Austin A40 ute actually rolled off the assembly line end of October 1949. So, we qualified as pre-1950 (Happy 73rd Birthday, Ute).
We elected to start from Modbury to eliminate the stress and strain driving through Adelaide CBD, our son Gareth had entered their 1974 Volvo 124 and they joined us along with many other cars.
The organisation of the event was well done. As soon as the cars that had started from West Beach arrived, we were sent off in groups. Our group was led by two Model T Fords, so we had a slow leisurely drive up the hill enabling us to respond to the many many spectators lining the streets.
Of interest was that there were as many old cars and classics among the spectators as there were on the run.
There was not sufficient hard parking for the 1500 cars participating, and we were directed onto a grassy section. The Model T’s with their skinny wheels cut deep ruts into the soggy ground and bogged.
They were moved to firmer ground. After some minor loss of traction, we parked up and went about looking at some of the fantastic vehicles on display, as well as enjoying the atmosphere and the good food on offer.
Fashions on the Field was for costumes themed with their vehicle. So, our A40 canopied ute became a delivery vehicle for “TUBB’S BUTCHERY – delivering fine Meats to the Gentry”.
I kept getting requests for a pound of snags, but as nobody could produce their ration cards they were refused (after all the war had only ended 4 years ago).
We encountered a few old friends from the Vic A40 club, as well as some of our RVCCC members.
Another couple from the Club were there with their Vauxhall looking immaculate.
The little Austin ran like dream. It even held a straight line and didn’t deviate when the brakes were applied.
Until, just outside of Waikerie on our return trip, the exhaust system fell off.
The cars immediately behind us had no problem avoiding it, but a flash Lexus drove straight over it and trashed it. So we were unable to converse for the rest of the journey – although the roar of the exhaust did drown out all the little rattles and squeaks.
So – with a new exhaust now fitted we are ready for Queensland and Austins over Australia next year.
Kathleen and Malcolm
