Run to Mannum, SA

Thursday 4th October - 2018

Today’s live report covering the run to the historic Murray River port of Mannum will be short & sweet because Peter & myself are due to board the period-style Captain Proud Paddle Wheeler this evening for a 3-hour dinner cruise on the “MIGHTY” Murray River.

Sartorial elegance; mustering prior to the Rally today.

Do you recognise the SQUIRE from the SHIRE !!! This photo [above] was taken while preparing for the day's tour at the muster point at Meet Headquarters Unity College at 0830 this morning.

One hundred and fifty Model A Fords gather for
morning tea on a local football/cricket oval

Today’s drive was a leisurely tour winding through the beautiful countryside north of Murray Bridge, covering 140 delightful kilometres finishing up in Mannum. About 80 kms from Adelaide, Mannum is peaceful river community that supports a population of around 2,300 people. 

Aboard the Mannum ferry crossing the mighty Murray River

Located on the Willow and Gum tree-lined broad banks of the Murray River, Mannum is where 150 Model A Fords & their passengers gathered to enjoy an pleasurable lunch on the lawns of delightful Mary Ann Reserve.

Mary Ann Reserve is adjacent to the town's business centre and provides 350 metres of lawned area and recreational facilities right next to the expansive banks of the Murray River.

About to roll onto the car ferry at the Mannum Ferry Terminal

How impressive do the 150 Model A Fords look parked on the football oval taking a break for morning tea. We then returned to head back to our base of Murray Bridge by crossing the “MIGHTY” Murray River on the free Ferry.

Gotta go.

Cheers
Warbo

25th Model A Ford National Rally

Tuesday 2nd October -2018

The 25th Model A Ford National Rally here in Murray Bridge, South Australia has attracted 206 entrants, 178 Model A Fords, 400 Adults & 19 children.

At this afternoon's opening 'Nibble & Natter' get-together, it was a chance to rekindle old friendships & make some new ones & keep those Model A’s alive in their 90th year.

Model A Fords lined up in the car park this 
afternoon for the welcoming Nibble & Natter.

It is so nice to see this event so widely attended by Model A Ford enthusiasts from all over Australia & New Zealand.

The unique auto-themed podium on the presentation stand at
tonight's Nibble & Natter welcome and opening of the Rally

This event is proudly presented by the Model A Ford Club of South Australia. Over the course of the following 6-days, each day we have a Program with various events including:

Vehicle Judging, a choice of Optional Runs, breakfast, lunch or dinner Cruise on Captain Proud Paddle Boat on the mighty Murray River, Mandatory Run to Mannum on Thursday which is an easy drive with a couple of hills, windy in parts & one steep descent. Approximate distance for round trip 140 kms.

Technical talks by Guest Presenter, Mentor & Trainer - Mr. Allan Bergman M.Eng.(Dip) M.I.M.I on the Model A Ford Carby (Zenith) & a recap in Overview of Engine & How it Works in relation to Ignition & Distributors. Hubley practice & Heats, trading tables, craft Demonstrations. 

Two Model A Fords with their teardrop caravans

As you can see we definitely will not be bored.

Saturday evening is the Presentation Dinner, finishing off on Sunday morning with a farewell Breakfast. Then it is time once again to head back home & prepare your self for your next adventure in your Model A Ford. Where ever that may be.

Part of today's line-up of Model A fords for the
Rally's welcome and opening ceremony

We are looking forward to the following few days of excitement here in Murray Brisdge, South Australia.

To be continued.
Cheers
Warbo

Day 3 - Visit to the National Motor Museum

Day 3 - Sunday 30th September - 2018

The National Motor Museum is located in Birdwood, South Australia. 

What an absolute stunning surprise this was. Every motor enthusiast in the country needs to visit this magnificent collection of vehicles and motorcycles, presented in such a huge facility and extremely well laid out. 

It stands as a tribute to all those involved in the creation of this superb and enormously varied presentation. If you love cars more then you may love wine, then this museum may take precedence over all the local wineries you may visit. Well priced and situated in a lovely town, including scenic drive to and from.

This 1935 Chevrolet Delivery Van made confectionery deliveries 
for the Allen's sweets company which started in 
Melbourne in 1891

The Museum has successfully collected and refurbished, rebuilt and restored cars, trucks, bicycles and motorcycles either powered by an internal combustion engine or by muscles of humans. The collection speaks for itself. It boast of the development of motor cars from a century ago to the present day fast and furious, beautiful and luxurious types.

It is an educational tour to complete. Totally a day invested to learn and appreciate the genius of the man and the machines he has created.

Australians have embraced motoring as a fundamental part of our lives,
and for many, it has been an obsession.

A 1920's era replica garage complete
with a fully stripped Model T Ford chassis

Old engine tuning equipment

Learn more: The National Motor Museum

Day 3 - Bay to Birdwood Run

Day 3 - Sunday 30th September - 2018.

The Bay to Birdwood run is one of the World’s Great Historic Motoring Events with a proud 38-year history of bringing together motoring heritage lovers & collectors to celebrate the role that motoring has played in shaping our modern world. 

An impressive amount of cars gather for the start of
the 2018 Bay to Birdwood run.

There are over 1,000 vehicles on Parade as they drive the 70 kms (50 miles) official route from West Beach, through Adelaide & onto the Adelaide Hills township of Birdwood.

The official start of the Bay to Birdwood Run

The cars consist of several classes: Veteran (pre-1919), Vintage (1919-1945), Post War/ Early Classic (1946-1959).

Our Sunday started early once again, all entries were requested to muster at Barrett Reserve, West Beach Road by 0700. This year’s Bay to Birdwood coincides with the 25th Model A Ford National Meet, which is being held in the regional South Australian city of Murray Bridge. 

A wide variety of vehicles head across the start line 
in bayside Glenelg in Adelaide

This Bay to Birdwood is a wonderful opportunity for Historic Vehicle enthusiasts & spectators to experience South Australia’s Premium food & wine at their award winning vineyards, cellar doors & restaurants along the spectacular 70 kms (50 mile) course.

Plenty of entertainment and sideshows to add
colour and flavour to the event

The Parade departed on time at 0830 with thousands of spectators waving us off from the Barrett Reserve. First vehicles to leave were the Concours d’Elegance entered vehicles followed by the Model A Fords, Commercials, motorcycles, Veteran, Vintage, postwar/early classics.

Me with the starting line officials

For most of the journey from the Bay [Glenelg] to Birdwood there were people lining the streets waving & cheering as we drove by them, l have experienced many Rallies & Parades in my life through out the world, however I would put this experience at the top of the tree.

The weather was magnificent, once we arrived at Birdwood there were people & vehicles every where, we soaked up the festive atmosphere of the past & present.

Plenty of participants captured the mood nicely
by dressing in period costumes 

If you are visiting this region of Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills, then the National Motor Museum is definitely a wonderful experience which I highly recommend.

Plenty of fun and frivolity for the large crowd that came to
 view the over 1,000 cars that took part in the Birdwood event.

Peter & I departed Birdwood late in the afternoon after a wonderful day for the 90-minute drive back to our Motel in Glenelg to prepare ourselves for the Rugby League Grand Final between the Melbourne Storm & the Sydney Roosters.

Cheers
Warbo

The 2018 Bay to Birdwood route map

[Below] Bay to Birdwood clip from Channel 7 News, Adelaide

Days 1 & 2: South Australia Trip

Day 1 - Friday 28th September - 2018

We are headed for the 25th Australian National Model A Ford Meet at Murray Bridge, SA from Oct 2nd-7th - 2018. 

The Ford National meet coincides with the Classic Bay to Birdwood Run for vintage and heritage vehicles. It is one of the largest gatherings of its type - anywhere in the world. So our goal is to participate in both events.

My travelling companion for the South Australia trip
is Peter Deane. We did our motor mechanic apprenticeships
together 55-years ago.

Our adventure started in Sydney, in the early hours of Friday morning, I picked up my travelling mate Peter Deane from his residence in Loftus at 0400 so that we could knock off some kilometres before dawn & beat the traffic out of the “SHIRE”.

Our first stop was at Sutton’s Forest for a quick break & coffee, then onwards & upwards as there was no time to waste because today’s drive would be 12-hours behind the wheel of the Model A Ford before arriving in the township of Hay, NSW, with a total of 455 miles or 732 kms on the clock.

My 1931 Model A Ford holed up at
a country motel along the way

We drove into a strong head wind for most of the day before eventually being totally bored stiff driving along the Hay Plains, I kept Peter busy along the way counting the countless abundance of Toyota Prados and mile after mile of dead road kill consisting of Kangaroos, Emu’s, Wombats, Foxes, Hares, Lizards.

I never realised how many Toyota Prados that are on the road, 85 - 90% of all caravans - trailers - horse floats are being towed by a Toyota Prado. I have assigned Peter the duty of counting how many Toyota Prados we pass on our return journey to Sydney in a week's time.

The iconic Commercial Hotel in Hay

Arrived at the Motel in Hay, NSW at 1600, we decided to enjoy a couple of schooners at the local pub & grab a quick bite to eat at their snack bar before returning to our Motel to watch TV & hit the sack about 2200.

Day 2 - Saturday 29th September - 2018

After our first overnight stop, we started off Saturday, day two early once again, we were on the bitumen at 0600 ready for another HUGE day. Our journey today would take us through another two States; Victoria & South Australia before arriving at our destination at Glenelg. 

We finally arrive in our destination of Glenelg an Adelaide beach-side
suburb where the Bay to Birdwood run will commence tomorrow.

Today’s distance was 50 miles (80 kms) shorter than yesterday’s drive through NSW. I was very happy to arrive at our Airport City Motel in Glenelg to enjoy a break from the driving.

In the 48-hours since departure from the “SHIRE” we had covered a distance of 855 miles (1,376 kms), & been behind the wheel of the Model A Ford for a combined total of 23-hours.

Only two of the interlopers you need to keep an eye out for
on the roads heading across to South Australia.

By comparison, when I think back to the Dutch Couple (Dirk & Trudy Regter) that were circumnavigating the world in their 1915 Model “T” Ford I must take my hat off to them.

What a constitution they must have, day in, day out, for months & months on end they would hit the road again with only a very short overnight rest before moving onto the next town.

Peter & myself were travelling in luxury in our 1931 Model A Ford compared to them in their 1915 Model “T” Ford.

Useless statistical information from Sydney - Adelaide, SA:

Toyota Prado - thousands...
Kangaroos (dead) - 310, wombats (dead) - 15, Foxes (dead) - 4, Emu’s (dead) - 2, (alive) - 3, Hares (dead) - 2, Blue tongue lizards (dead) - 2.
Distance: Sydney - Adelaide. 855 miles (1,376 kms)
98 octane petrol - 12 mpg.
Cost: $460.00. 

Cheers
Warbo

2018 Chrysler Restorers Club of Australia Spring Tour - Part II

Monday 24th September - 2018

2018 Chrysler Restorers Club of Australia Spring Tour - Part II

After over-nighting in Yass, it was now time to hit the road again for another day of adventure driving through the magnificent Riverina countryside of NSW.

My '63 Valiant Regal Sedan among the
vibrant countryside of NSW's Riverina district.

Considering that the eastern states of Australia are experiencing the worst drought conditions for more than 100-years I was very surprised to see that the countryside we drove through today is still holding up quite well.

The Riverina is one of the most agriculturally diverse areas of Australia. It sits in the South-West region of NSW. The dams were still half full, the paddocks were green & the cattle & sheep all had their heads down munching away on the grass. 

Although I am lead to believe that after talking to the locals here last night at the Red Cow Hotel here in Junee where I managed to sink a few schooners, that once you travel west from here towards Narrandera & further west to Hay the countryside changers dramatically for the worst unfortunately.

The Red Cow Hotel in Junee

During the journey yesterday our first stop was at a little place called Binalong to visit Peter Minson Art Glass and see Peter, a third-generation glass blower, perform the skillful art of glass blowing.

Once we departed Binalong heading towards Murrumburrah & Cootamundera the paddocks were full of these sun flower seed crops.

We visited the Monte Cristo Homestead
reported to be one of the most haunted houses in Australia

We arrived into Junee early afternoon & I decided to visit the Monte Cristo Historic House that was originally built in 1876. It's a charming Victorian design, of pleasing line and proportion. Unchanged since the Colonial days, when it was renowned as one of the region's social centres, where grand balls were held and the local gentry idled their time away playing tennis or golf one the region's first golf courses. 

Monte Cristo Homestead, Junee, NSW

Parked outside this residence were fellow Chrysler Club member motor vehicles [below] also viewing this Historic House.

This magnificently restored 1932 DeSoto Airstream
has joined our group of Chrsyler products on this tour.

The most impressive vehicle (love them or hate them) was this beautifully restored 1932 DeSoto Airstream, WOW !!! what an impressive automobile. If you do not know any thing about these vehicles they were way ahead of their time back in the early ‘30s.

In the back ground you can see other Chrysler products from our club parked in the car park.

A wide variety of Chrysler product
joining in for the Spring Tour.

Today being Day 3 of our Spring Tour here in Junee our road tour takes us to the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, then afterwards we visit the Roundhouse Rail Museum.

The Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory features a
'39 Chevy Delivery van as part of their artifacts on display

Unfortunately today will be my last day on the Spring Tour with my fellow Chrysler Restorers Club members, early tomorrow morning I will be heading back home to Sydney to prepare for my journey to Adelaide in my 1931 Model A Ford 2 Door Tudor Sedan for the National meet in Murray Bridge.

I will be departing Sydney for Adelaide, South Australia accompanied by an old mate of mine (Peter Deane, we did our Motor Mechanics's apprenticeships together 55-years ago) in the early hours of Friday morning, over-nighting in Hay, NSW & then onto Glenelg, South Australia to meet up with another 1,500 Historic Vehicles to compete in the Bay to Birdwood Run on Sunday the 30th September.

So until I hit the road to Adelaide, keep smiling & safe travels.

 
Cheers for now.
Warbo.

2018 Chrysler Restorers Club of Australia Spring Tour - Part I

Sunday 23rd September - 2018

2018 Chrysler Restorers Club of Australia Spring Tour - Part I

This 7-day tour heads to southern NSW and in the later part, takes us down along Australia's longest river; the Murray River, which forms the natural border between the states of NSW and Victoria. We will be exploring & visiting places on either side of the river.

For this tour, I am taking my '63 Valiant Regal, 4-door sedan - in complete original condition.

My '63 Valiant Regal 4-door Sedan
First stop; visiting the Tulip Top Gardens at Sutton, NSW

For the first stage of the journey tonight I am here in Yass holed up at the Motel after a very enjoyable drive from Cronulla to Camden where 38 members of our Chrysler Club including 23 vehicles gathered to receive our instructions for the following 7-days of the Spring tour.

Magnificent Tulip beds and blossom trees at Tulip Top Gardens 

Today’s journey once we departed the Curry Reserve in Camden took us winding through the Southern Highlands to Bowral, Moss Vale, Marulan, Gunning, Goulburn.

We visited the Tulip Top Gardens at Sutton, which are located on the Federal Highway about 20kms north of the nation's capital, Canberra  It's a 10-acre garden, full of stately flower beds of tulips and other Spring flowers and shrubs. It offers a bursting kaleidoscope of colours in a tranquil setting of grassy lawns and shady trees.

It's all nicely tucked away in a hidden valley full of hundreds of blossom trees and bursting flowers beds. Classical music is piped over loudspeakers as you casually meander down a pathway that leads to a waterfall and a beautiful watercourse.

Tulip Top Gardens

As you can see by these photos it was well worth the visit, helped of course by a truly brilliant day with the sun streaming down on all the Tulips & Cherry Blossoms.

Yesterday I drove 219 miles (352.45 kms). Fuel consumption was 11 gallons or 41.93 ltrs. Averaging just on 20 mpg.

My '63 Chrysler Valiant outside the Yass Motel, in Yass, NSW

Tomorrow, Stage 2 of our journey takes us further south to Junee via Binalong, Harden, Cootamundra. Only a relatively short driving distance for the day of 154 km’s/95 miles.

To be continued...

Cheers 
Ken.

2018 Concours d'Elegance

Sunday 9th September - 2018

The Porsche Club of New South Wales hosted the 2018 Concours d'Elegance / 70 Year Celebration of Porsche in the Don Lucas Reserve, Wanda Beach, Cronulla today.

On a beautiful Spring morning at Wanda Beach in Cronulla
I displayed my yellow 1977 2.7 Porsche Coupe
The residential high-rise buildings of Cronulla Beach in the backdrop.

On a magnificent Spring Sunday morning here in Cronulla I joined 300+ other Porsche owners as it gave me the perfect platform to display my 1977 2.7 Porsche Coupe. 

l purchased my Porsche way back in 1979 from the original owner Dr. Robert Cannon who purchased the vehicle on 23/03/77 from Hamilton's of South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria.

After 39-years of owning my Porsche, this is the first time I have ever
put it on display at a car show. Licence plate KW 911.

l have owned this beautiful Porsche for 39-years, so l decided for the 1st time in all those years to proudly participate / show my vehicle in recognition of celebrating 70-years of Porsche sports cars.

More Porsches on display in all their glory that were 

entered in the Open Concours category.

My vehicle is now 41-years-old, last year the paint work was starting to look very tired so l decided to give the vehicle a face lift, we completely stripped the paint back to bare metal & resprayed the vehicle to its original colour. The vehicle now looks better than when it rolled off the production line in Germany all those years ago.

In those 41-years the speedo reading shows only 174,000 klms. (4,243 klms or 2,636 miles per year). Definitely genuine mileage. 

2018 Concours D'Elegance Judges huddled together discussing
the results of the various categories.

Don Lucas Reserve in Cronulla offers a lush parkland setting with a gorgeous backdrop (as you can witness in the photographs) located on one of Sydney's iconic beaches to show off your car.

Throughout the day there was a roving commentator interviewing participants & asking questions relating to their car & its history. 

A future Porsche owner enjoying the Porsche Diesel (Standard) tractor.

At one point he mentioned the similarity between this event & the Concours d'Elegance held at Pebble Beach,California. Never having been to that event at Pebble Beach in California l really can not comment. However it would want to be excellent to even come any where near the showpiece setting here in Cronulla.

Mean looking Gun metal Grey Porsche 930 with HUGE picnic tray.

This years event was held in conjunction with Porsche Cars Australia, at a guess l would say there were close to 300 Porsches dating back to the 1956 Porsche 356 to the latest Porsche GT3RS, plus very special & increasingly rare cars proudly on display in the Reserve.

The event was designed to accommodate all Porsche enthusiasts from the hard core Open Concours entry, Wash & Polish entry as well as the Porsche owner who simply wants to put his car on the grass and enjoy the day.

Latest Porsche GT3RS on display yesterday.

Not to mention all the Porsches that were parked in surrounding & nearby streets, l suppose that these Porsche owners did not want to pay the $40.00 Park up Display fee for guests with a Porsche.

White Coupe, another fine example of the 1956 (356 Porsche)

All participating cars were given a special commemorative 70th Year celebration Grill Badge supplied by Porsche for the once in a lifetime opportunity, 

Please enjoy the few photographs that l took at yesterdays event.

Cheers for now

Warbo

Goodguys Rat Day at Wanda Beach

Sunday 2nd September - 2018

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Club held their 18th Annual Rat Rod Day on Father's Day at a new venue [for them], at Wanda Beach in my home town of Cronulla.

My '57 Chevy sandwiched between two T-bucket 
hot rods with a gloomy Pacific Ocean in the background

In recent years hundreds of hot rods, rat rods, customs, street machines, VWs and bikes have cruised in for their traditional Father's Day event. With a wide variety of cars turning up, you never know what you are going to see.

My '57 Chevy picked up the 'Top Shiny'
Award on the day

For the first weekend of Spring this morning, under overcast skies, light rain showers and cool south-easterly wind blowing in off the Pacific Ocean, I braved the elements to turn up and show my ‘57 Chevy 2-door pillarless Bel-Air Sedan at the annual Goodguys Rat Day Car show at Wanda Beach in Cronulla.

A classic no airbag statement...
Airbags were introduced as standard equipment in 1997

I was pleasantly surprised that my Classic ‘57 Chevy won the trophy for the ‘Top Shiny’ category out of all the other Hot Rod participants that were entered.

My '57 Chevy picked up the 'Top Shiny'
Award on the day

And why the name Goodguys? No, they are not sponsored by the electrical goods retailer of the same name. Founded 35-years by Gary Meadors who was from Cave Creek, in Phoneix, Arizona [very close to where I have my place in Phoenix] thought that all of the club's car owners were just good guys - simply out having fun with their cars and not doing any harm in society. Hence the name - Goodguys.

Needless to say I am a very “Happy Chappy”.

Cheers
Warbo

Boeing 707 Reunion

Saturday 1st September - 2018

Today there was a 50th Year Anniversary for all those lucky Trolly-Dolly’s that flew on the Boeing 707 Aircraft for Qantas.

Flight Service Director Andrew Heath & his loyal Customer 
Service Supervisor Ken Warburton posing in front of the Classic ‘57 
Chevy parked near Darling Street, Balmain.

So to get us both in the mood I decided to drive my ‘57 Chevy to the Cricketers Arms Hotel in Balmain to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Balmain, an inner Sydney suburb will charm you with its heritage pubs, beautifully restored sandstone cottages and terrace houses.

Some of Australia's best-known writers, actors, film directors, musicians and artists call Balmain home. A casual stroll along the streets will reveal Balmain’s colonial heritage, from its working-class roots to the many restored Georgian and Regency buildings and some of the harbour city’s oldest pubs.

The Cricketers Arms Hotel

in Balmain

In the top photo: Flight Service Director Andrew Heath & his loyal Customer Service Supervisor Ken Warburton posing in front of the Classic ‘57 Chevy parked near Darling Street Balmain.

Qantas entered the jet age in 1959 with delivery of its first Boeing 707.
It flew until March 1979 with Qantas.

Balmain was the perfect location to celebrate the great memories of the early nostalgic jet age years flying and working onboard this iconic Qantas aircraft.

Cheers
Warbo.