Big crowd turns out for world class event

Despite the blustery and wet windy weather conditions, tens of thousands of spectators lined the 70-kilometre route from Adelaide Shores to Birdwood to enjoy the world’s largest cavalcade of motoring history pass them by.

The 14th biennial Bay to Birdwood Run (for vehicles pre-1956) held on Sunday September 24 was described as a huge success by organisers of this world class event.

Over 1500 vintage and veteran, and pre 1956 vehicles – some of the finest in the world – left Barratt Reserve at Adelaide Shores and made the long journey to the National Motor Museum in the beautiful Adelaide Hills amid the cheers and waves from the excited crowd all along the way. This year’s Bay to Birdwood Run was the largest entry field since the bicentenary Run in 1986.

Thousands of motoring enthusiasts enjoyed breakfast with the cars at the start of the Run while huge crowds soaked up the atmosphere of an old-fashioned picnic and fun day at Birdwood. Entertainment, music, dancing, fashions parades, and plenty to eat and drink was the order of the day at both the start and finish of the event.

The Concours d’Elegance prestigious Bay to Birdwood trophy was awarded to John and Robyn Whittaker and their vehicle was a 1952 Mercedes Benz which truly depicted the spirit of the era and of the day.

The very popular “People’s Choice” category was won by Robert Bergin riding a 1944 Indian Chief motor cycle.

The inaugural award for the “Best Presented Motor Cycle” was won by David and Susan Shannon and their vehicle was a 1956 Ariel 4G MKII.

Chairman of the Bay to Birdwood Committee Mr Bob Gell, hailed the event as a huge success saying “Despite the poor weather conditions at the start, the day went well and was enjoyed by not just motoring enthusiasts, but the community as a whole. He said “This event is one the people of South Australia look forward to each year and this was reflected by the number of people who turned out to watch the spectacle.”

Mr Gell was extremely pleased with the amount of interstate entrants this year and he said the Committee is expecting a huge contingent next year for the 2007 Bay to Birdwood Classic which will take place on Sunday September 30.

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

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