BAY TO BIRDWOOD - Media Releases

Classic Success for Bay to Birdwood

This year’s Bay to Birdwood Classic held on Sunday September 25 was hailed as a great success by organisers of the event. A record field of 1760 vehicles built between 1955 and 1975 turned out in style for the historic motoring parade. Despite overcast conditions and threatening rain in the morning, the first vehicles began arriving at Adelaide Shores just after 5am.

A large crowd gathered at the start for “breakfast with the cars” and music, entertainment, and a scrumptious breakfast were the order of the day. Glen Dix waved off the first vehicle at 9am and the colourful convoy began its 70 km journey to the National Motor Museum. Tens of thousands of onlookers complete with picnic hampers; barbecues and deck chairs lined the entire route to Birdwood.

A popular vantage point for eager onlookers this year was Victoria Square, which formed part of the new route through the city. Here the spectators had a treat with entertainment, a close up view of the cavalcade and interviews with some of the entrants.

At the National Motor Museum at Birdwood thousands enjoyed the music, dancing, children’s entertainment, food and wine whilst wandering amongst the hundreds of historic vehicles.

A very popular attraction was the 5AA Fashions in the Field and the crowd enjoyed reliving a little of the past through some of the wonderful fashions on display.

The winner of the 2005 Bay to Birdwood Classic Concours d’Elegance trophy was Lyell and Julie Blackman from Clare with their stunning 1956 MG A Roadster. This trophy is awarded to the entrant whose vehicle meets the eligibility standards and is judged to be the combination of vehicle and occupants “that best reflects the spirit of the era and the day”.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award presented by racing legend Vern Schupann was Peter Ninnis from Swan Hill in Victoria. His vehicle is a 1961 Ford Fairlane sedan.

Chairman of the 2005 Bay to Birdwood Classic Mr Robert Gell said the organising committee was delighted with the exceptional increase in interstate entries this year. He said about 20 percent of the field was from interstate and this endorses the fact that the Bay to Birdwood is now a nationally recognised annual event, one in which we can be very proud of.

For more information about this press release or photographs contact June Taylor, Publicity Officer, Birdwood Classic on 0414 359 429 or e-mail jtaylor@micronet.net.au