Drive your Old Car Day 1/9/2026

The first day of Spring is promoted by the Federation of Historic Motor Vehicles SA as “Drive It Day” in SA, to be out and about and be seen in your historic vehicle. To this end, the Gawler Veteran Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club has for many years organised a run to Bethany Reserve; and invited anyone or any club interested to join them there.

This year we were somewhat down on numbers. It was pleasing to see Simon and Jeanett Gliessert join us for their first run with our club, but a bit disappointing that they represented a third of our participants. Cool enough as we headed for Mount Pleasant, our first stop but comfortable enough in the cars. But the wind as we got to Palmer Hill was something else. However, our pit stop at Mount Pleasant was sheltered enough for us to enjoy our smoko, before pressing on to Bethany, where it was even more sheltered and very comfortable indeed.

As usual a very impressive array of vehicles was in attendance. Not only is the variety of vehicles so impressive, but it very different from year to year. Brian had suggested I keep a look out for the big Jags that so impressed him previously, but they were not in attendance this time. But the Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and slightly newer Jags and E Types somewhat made up for that. There was also a Mini Monaco, a fastback version of the Mini that were built by Bill Buckle back in the 60’s. Wayne and Viktoria Johns had their lovely Buick and Alan and Marlene Hagger had their most recent Graham Paige restoration, just beautiful. There were a huge Cadillac and an equally huge Lincoln sitting alongside a diminutive Borgward Goliath, which made for a great contrast. Lots of great cars and people to talk with. Lunch under a big gum tree in bright sunshine was very pleasant before another wander around the cars. All too soon it was time to set sail for home, with the weather remaining fine all the way, another great day.