A sombre mood hung over this month?s large gathering of sporting and classic cars in Warragul as people learned of the recent passing of one of our regular participants and long-time Sporting Register member, Graham Longmore. In remembrance of Graham, many of his friends placed a cross of black tape over their vehicles’ left-hand headlight ? a practice used in tarmac rallying to honour a deceased competitor.
To farewell Graham and reflect on his life and times with friends and colleagues, we are passing on an invitation from his wife Marg, to gather at the Tyers Community Hall (Main Rd Tyers) on Friday 2nd Feb at 11 am. All are welcome.
As has become commonplace now, the Woolies car park begins filling up with an eclectic collection of special vehicles well before the official 8am starting time. This month there were at least 6 Mazda MX5s on display, a model that is fast growing in popularity and classic status. We were also privileged to have several examples of American 1950/60s excessiveness with be-finned Fairlane 500 and Chrysler Saratoga, as well as a couple of Pontiac Parisiennes looking for over-sized car parking spaces. Dave Anderson?s Pontiac Firebird attracted another of similar ilk, but missing a roof, to park together – the owner had driven it down from Melbourne to see what we were all about. Other American muscle included a range of Mustang coupes and convertibles, a Chevy Corvair and a 1930?s Hupmobile.
A model making what I think might be its debut this this month was an American-delivered Mercedes 560SL ? still in left hand drive and fitted with classic Californian oversized bumpers. Alan and Marg Humphreys brought along their new Subaru BRZ coupe. Alan made sure I was aware of its manual transmission – such a rarity nowadays, but so much more engaging to drive. A lovely gold Daimler double six made its debut, as did an impressive and rather large late-model Bentley.
The biggest crowd-puller of the day would certainly have to have been Des Dillon?s 1927 Type 35B Bugatti. This supercharged straight-8 Grand Prix racer has just returned to Australia following a successful European sojourn.
With the forecast of fine, cool weather, our numbers were again up around the 90 cars mark this month. As usual there were plenty of classic English and European sports cars as well as a smattering of newer models from Mercedes, Porsche, BMW and Alfa ? all with tops off, of course!
Most people hung around to well after 10am before heading off. Some headed home to attend to domestic duties, whilst others hastily organised a run out to Willow Grove for morning tea, it would have been a shame to waste such a perfect day for touring.
A fine day and another good turnout for the Breakfast club . Somewhat overshadowed on learning of the passing of long time club member Graham Longmore .A true gentleman,
Sympathy to Marg R.I.P Graham