Words by Kathryn Robertson
The Adelaide Hills came alive on Sunday, as up to 1,000 classic and vintage cars made their way from Glenelg to the Adelaide Hills for the Annual Bay to Birdwood Run.
This year’s Bay to Birdwood celebrated veteran, vintage and early-classic vehicles manufactured up to 31 December 1959.
The iconic event has grown to become the largest continuously held historic motoring celebration of its kind in the world, with cars dating back to the early 1900s taking on the 70- Kilometre Journey.
This was the first time I had taken part in this annual trek, and to my surprise, it was so much more fun than I expected! It was just fantastic seeing all the old vintage cars on display, and the effort the owners took to dress up for the period.
My day started at 6am at Barratt Reserve, West Beach. All the entrants had gathered with their vehicles. This was a great opportunity to see the cars up close; meet the participants, and soak up the morning atmosphere. Breakfast was now also high up on most people’s agendas.
At 8:30am Australia’s legendary Grand Prix flag waver, Glen Dix, waved all the vehicles on their way! The race had begun!
While there were the more serious enthusiasts who had travelled from afar to take part in the event, many participants were just along for the ride, and enjoy the day’s festivities.
As the vehicles made their way to Birdwood, people found the best spots along the 70km route to watch the cavalcade of motoring history pass by. This year’s Run headed up Anzac Highway and onto Cross Road, Portrush Road, Payneham Road, Lower North East Road and through to Houghton, Inglewood and Gumeracha.
Not all cars made it up the hill though, as The RAA was called out to several breakdowns. But for me, this just added to the fun and action of the day
The race concluded at the National Motor Museum. Where, up to 10,000 people enjoyed some good old fashioned entertainment. Including fashion from the era, and a huge selection of quality regional produce, from local Adelaide Hills wines to craft beers and gourmet food vans.
This was a truly enjoyable day; I highly recommend people come join the festivities next year.
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