Auto collectors share their pride

This post was contributed by Graham Edwards of the Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge.

Over the past few months, the Auto Collectors Club of Murray Bridge has made the best of COVID restrictions by venturing out when it has been safe to do so.

All runs have departed from the Johnstone Park clubrooms as usual.

September 1 was National Drive Your Old Car Day, promoted by the Federation of Historic Motor Vehicles SA, staged by Gawler Veteran Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club and organised for Murray Bridge club members by Jan Hall.

Members met on a glorious spring morning before proceeding through the green farming districts of Pallamana, Palmer, Tungkillo and Mount Pleasant, where morning tea was served.

Then it was off again through the picturesque countryside of Springton, Eden Valley and Mengler’s Hill, before arriving at the vehicle display on Bethany Reserve.

A total of 14 club members and seven cars made their way to the allocated viewing area around the reserve before setting up their tables and chairs for a relaxing lunch.

A multitude of proud car owners wandering around, viewing each other’s cars and telling each other how, when and where they acquired and restored them, made for an enjoyable afternoon in brilliant weather.

As entrants started to depart back to many parts of SA, it was time for members to pack up, thank Ms Hall for another great outing and return to their residences.

The annual patron’s run was organised by club patron Bob Hunter on September 15 and attracted 21 members in 14 classic vehicles.

The destination for the cool day was Collectible Classics at Strathalbyn.

Members were greeted and welcomed by owner Ben Finnis, who invited the group into his large showroom to view the many and varied classics placed there for sale.

Following morning tea and an informative talk by Mr Finnis, Mr Hunter thanked him for allowing the members to visit before heading up to the Robin Hood Hotel on High Street to have lunch.

The only complaint heard was that the patron ate too much.

Following lunch, the group walked across the road to view the ever increasing and impressive collection of cars, bikes and memorabilia by Glen Dix, the well renown flag waver from the 1950s, at the Gilbert’s Motor Museum, a must visit for every person who travels to Strathalbyn.

It was another great day thanks to the club’s patron.

Finally, after a one-year break thanks to COVID, 12 members and in six classic cars rallied behind run organiser Jeff Martin to join with several other like-minded car clubs from around the district to create a display at the Murray Bridge Show on September 25.

After some confusion as to where vehicles would be positioned, finally all were duly displayed in various positions around the oval, with club flags flying high.

This created a unique opportunity for members of the various clubs to look, share and mingle during the day.

Unfortunately the chance for car enthusiasts to show off their prides and joys by participating in a grand parade didn’t eventuate; some drop-in parachutists had their fair share of problems on the day, so the parade was called off.

Still, Mr Martin declared the outing a success and thanked all members who had taken the time out on such a busy weekend for their attendance.

• More information: autocollectorsmurraybridge.com.

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