The 'Down Under' London to Brighton Run - October 31st 2021
What: The 'Down Under' London to Brighton Run (for Veteran Cars & Motorcycles) 2021
Who: Vintage Sports Car Club of SA (VSCCSA)
When: Sunday, 31 October 2021
Where: Starts 10am at London Rd, Mile End South 5031
Lunch break at the Club at Glandore Community Centre &
Finishes at Wattle Reserve, 100 Esplanade, Hove 5048
How: For more information & to register, visit the VSCCSA website
The 'Down Under' London to Brighton Run
The Vintage Sports Car Club of SA (VSCCSA) will hold their annual London (London Rd, Mile End) to Brighton run on the last Sunday of October. This event is open to any veteran vehicle, including cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles built prior to 1 January 1919, with a trophy awarded to the owner of the most popular. This run, one of many regular annual activities held by the club, is sure to fascinate those with an interest in the history, mechanics or the design and beauty of these vehicles of yesteryear.
Founded in 1945, the VSCCSA is one of the oldest motoring clubs in the state, catering for those with an interest in ‘old cars,’ and the experienced organisers have taken great care to make sure the route is well-suited for the requirements of veteran cars. VSCCSA members in Vintage, Post Vintage or Classic vehicles will act as marshals or assistants, with the established route avoiding speed humps and uphill roads and including mostly left-hand turns with a marshal on every corner to direct participants.
The Vintage Sports Car Club of SA (VSCCSA)
Broadly speaking, the Club aims to encourage interest in and the preservation of historic motor vehicles. FIVA (Fédération International des Véhicules Anciens) is the worldwide federative association of historic automobile clubs and leads the classification that most countries utilize.
Long term member and current Secretary Wayne Wood became involved in the club through his brother Rodney Wood who in the 1960s bought himself a 1930s Whippet with Canvas Hood. The two used to take the car for the Bay to Birdwood annual historic vehicle run and the occasional wedding. Soon an opportunity arose to take on the VSCCSA magazine, Mr Wood was ‘elbowed into having a go’ with his interest in research “and that’s how I became involved and have now been a member for over 16 years!” he explained, drawn to allure of the look and form of the older vehicles, eventually leading him to the purchase of a 1925 Austin ‘20’ seven-seater.
Early Beginnings
Secretary Mr Wayne Wood explained that the concept of the club itself started in England before the war in 1930, where these older cars would be raced through creek beds and used in rallies for sport. Several servicemen originally from Sydney took part and on returning to Australia decided to start a branch of the UK Vintage Sports Car Club there. Some of them were Adelaideans’ and so started the club here as a chapter of the Sydney branch in 1945.
At the time any secondhand car that was 5 or 6 years old was Vintage and could be purchased for 10 quid. Many of these were good cars and great for people interested in vehicles and making things work. Mr Wood explained for example the Austin ‘20’ cars built in the 1920s were used during the war in England as ambulances and trucks and were so reliable that when metal was needed to build aeroplanes, the stocks of spare parts were melted down to make them. Once the war was over they weren’t repaired due to a lack of spare parts and were scrapped, however these were reliably built vehicles and embraced by those who appreciate them and are happy to maintain the cars using those components available. Fitters and Turners welcome!
The Club meets at the Combined Car Clubrooms at Glandore. The centre was initially a reform school and when three VSCCSA members found it was to be demolished, petitioned the mayor of Marion Council and asked if they could save the facility instead. This was granted and VSCCSA Club members including an Engineer and Cabinet-Maker then renovated the classrooms themselves largely at their own expense turning the buildings into their clubrooms, now known as Glandore Community Centre, where the VSCCSA club rents the space.
Club Activities and Events
The VSCCSA prides itself on being a social club, where car enthusiasts can gather and connect in monthly meetings and help organise runs and visit new places including gardens, museums or lunch spots as well as places of “motoring” interest. General meetings take place on the last Friday of each month in their clubroom (which is shared amongst other car clubs) at Glandore Community Centre, where you can also get a nice $3 meal. Visitors are welcome.
The club is always interested in looking for new members to continue the passion for veteran and vintage vehicles, perhaps younger members who can continue to take on the custodianship, care, and appreciation of these vehicles so they are not lost interstate or overseas. If you have a passion for old-school motoring, then consider coming down to the club or just enjoy a day out to appreciate these fine machines at the London to Brighton Run. Visit http://vsccsa.org.au/events/london-to-brighton.htm for more information.
