Auto Collectors Club wins Conrod Challenge weekend

Motor vehicle enthusiasts and collectors from all over the Murray, Mallee and Riverland have competed in an annual challenge.

Contributed

May 3, 2024 — 2 min read

This story was contributed by Liz Minge and Graham Edwards.

ACCMB member David Negrin arrives at Aussie Apricots in his red Corvette. Photo: Liz Minge.

Early in the morning on April 13, 25 vehicles ranging from a 1928 Oakland, ’62 Zephyr and ’69 Jaguar right through to more modern vehicles like a Statesman, BMW Roadster and Mazda BT50 have assembled at the Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge clubroom.

When the Denning coach pulled up, driven by Riverland club member Richard MacLean, everyone was especially impressed.

Initiated in 1978, club members, families and friends from the Bordertown Vehicle Restorers Club, the Riverland Car Club, the Murray Mallee Auto Club and the ACCMB come together annually for a weekend of fun and friendship, albeit with a somewhat competitive undertone.

Up for grabs was the coveted Conrod Trophy, a rod from a 40-horsepower, single-cylinder tractor, mounted on a polished wooden board, bearing the names of previous club winners.

The trophy symbolises the strength, resilience and fundamental necessity of such a piece of equipment.

Travelling together in a convoy, the destination for the morning was Mypolonga.

The first stop was to Aussie Apricots, where an informative talk was given by Kathy and Paul Prosser and their daughter Jade.

A quiz sheet was given out to all club members, with points to be tallied and accumulated over the weekend.

The second stop was to the nearby Revolution Motor Museum, where members were privileged to view more than 30 vehicles and motor bikes, as well as unique pieces of automobile memorabilia.

Saturday night was spent at the Swanport Hotel before day two commenced bright and early on Sunday with a putt putt golf challenge at the Avoca Dell Holiday Park.

There were no Tiger Woods or Greg Normans among the 50 competitors, but some good scores were achieved, with several holes-in-ones recorded.

The ACCMB accepts the Conrad trophy, a small collection of cars arrive at Revolution Motor Museum and all clubs enjoy a delicious cake. Photos: Liz Minge.

After intense scrutinising of the quiz sheets and golf scores, the Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge narrowly defeated the Bordertown Club to reclaim the Conrod Trophy, with an honorable mention going to Riverland Club in third place.

The ACCMB will be the custodians of the trophy until next year when the Mallee Auto Club host the Conrod Challenge weekend, then the games will begin again…