ausauto News Article

Countdown to Birdwood

The clock is well and truly counting down towards the start of the famous Bay to Birdwood Run, which will be held on Sunday 28 September.

Over 1200 vintage or veteran cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles manufactured before 31 December 1955 have entered this year from across the country.   

Vehicle entrants are already busy fine-tuning their beloved vehicles' motors, buffing paintwork, or making adjustments to their vintage costumes.   

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the route to watch the cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles travel from Barratt Reserve, Adelaide Shores, to the post-event party at the renowned National Motor Museum in the Adelaide Hills town of Birdwood.  

Several thousand people are then expected at the after-party to see the vehicles and fashions up close.  

Entertainment will include live bands performing the great music from the 1940s and 50s, free kids' entertainment and craft activities, regional food and wines, all from 10am - 5pm.  

Tickets to the party also include entry into the National Motor Museum.

Those joining the party at the Museum are asked to travel along the South-Eastern Freeway.  

Take the Hahndorf exit and follow the signs to the National Motor Museum in Birdwood.  

This reduces traffic congestion along the event route and doesn't jeopardise the ambience of the event by having too many current vehicles among the vintage and veterans.

According to Kym Hulme, the event's chairman, this year the 1908 Talbot which has just returned from a 51-day journey from Adelaide to Darwin will have the honour of leading the rally from Adelaide Shores.  

"It will then be displayed in the related travelling exhibition Off the Beaten Track: A Journey Across the Nation in the museum grounds at the post event party," he said.

Legendary motor racing personality ‘Stormin' Norm Beechey has entered his 1952 Hudson Hornet Hollywood coupe.  

Whilst Hudsons were as successful at motor racing in America as Norm was with other makes here in Australia, Norm's Hollywood coupe is not a racecar but a glamorous example of American styling at its very best.  

Norm is renowned for competing at the leading edge of Australian Touring Car Racing over a sixteen-year period.  

He won his first ever race, the KLG Trophy, at the Olympic Games Albert Park meeting in 1956, and his last, the West Australian Touring Car Championship in 1972.  

He competed in 27 different cars and was supported by Australia's leading car companies including GMH, Chrysler and Ford.

Generations of South Australians have jostled for the best spots along the route to watch this exciting event. 

Since starting in 1980, the event has established itself as Australia's premier historic motoring event and has earned Australia-wide recognition.

Visit www.baytobirdwood.com.au for further details.