The inaugural Australia Classic got off to a flying start last on 30 June – 1 July with 33 vehicles taking part in the new regularity event.
The rally was based at the 5-star Shangri-La hotel and took in 600km of roads around Cairns, in Queensland, including fantastic coastal routes and challenging mountain ranges.
Organised by local enthusiast Zoltan Vandulek, the tour included ‘1/100 coordination stages’ that needed to be completed to an accuracy of one-hundredth of a second. Timing was taken using the TAG Heuer photocell system, with points deducted for being too fast or too slow.
First place went to, Andrew Chand and Luke Olholm, in a Cobra replica. They finished ahead of father-and-son team, Alan and Griffan Wallish, in a 1951 MG TD roadster. Third place went to another father-son pairing, Paul and Weston Wright, in their Mercedes-Benz 350SLC.
Meanwhile, a rare 1934 MG PA, complete with period-dressed occupants Tony Basham and Robert Schutte, proved popular with the crowds.
Organisers hope to attract 100 cars to next year’s meet. To find out more click here.
