With a record entry list, a colourful pre- and post-1960s theme, and more than 100,000 spectators, this year’s Bay to Birdwood cruise in South Australia on 25 September could well be the best yet.
More than 1700 classics will take part in the 31st run from the start at Adelaide Shores to the National Motor Museum in Birdwood.
For this year, entry to the annual road rally is limited to cars built between 1956 and 1977 – with everything from Minis, Chevrolet Corvettes and Ferraris signed up, along with a locally-built Goggomobil Dart.
The one-day drive is the climax of a week of classic cruises around South Australia and organisers are calling for entrants and the thousands of spectators lining the route to join in the fun by donning suitably colourful, period outfits.
Cars will begin the 70km run from 9am, with enthusiasts encouraged to join in the start preparations with breakfast at Barratt Reserve West Beach, where the cars will be flagged away by Adelaide Grand starter Glen Dix, before continuing on to the finish at the National Motor Museum.
The route will take in the Anzac Highway and Greenhill Road – along with the North East Road at Inglewood or Gumeracha – all popular vantage points for spectators.
This year’s event is being run in aid of charity, with many entrants expected to adorn their classics with pink, yellow and blue ribbons to support event partner Flinders Medical Research Foundation’s work in fighting cancer.
Event chairman, Martin Haese, is upbeat about this year’s Bay to Birdwood and its role in promoting the classic hobby: “The Bay to Birdwood was founded 31 years ago with its mission to inform, educate and encourage the appreciation of classic, vintage and veteran vehicles. Most importantly, it’s also a great fun day out for everyone.”
See Bay to Birdwood for more.
Graeme Hurst