Rallying the troops

THE Octagon was alive with the sound of rumbling engines and excited car enthusiasts during the start of the 66th Dunedin to Brighton Veteran Car Rally on Saturday.

Thirtythree cars and four motorbikes lined up for the annual run, while hundreds of people turned out to check out the shiny vintage vehicles before they set off.

Among those preparing for a sunny scenic drive was Andrew Sim (80), of Methven, who brought his 1906 Cadillac.

He bought the car, which was restored in Nelson in the 1960s, about eight years ago, and had driven in several Brighton rallies since, he said.

‘‘It’s just a great bunch of people, and the roads are all right as long as you keep away from the hills.’’

The car had quickly become obsolete as it did not have a windscreen or a hood — meaning driving in the rain was not a good idea, he said.

Also along for the trip were Colin and Joan Pearce, of Mosgiel.

But instead of choosing between their favourites, they had four vehicles in the rally — a 1911 Sunbeam, a 1912 Sunbeam, a 1914 Sunbeam and a 1911 Indian motorcycle.

The Indian was bought from his brother in 1959, and had been ridden in 12 Brighton rallies since, Mr Pearce said.

It was ridden by his grandsoninlaw in yesterday’s run.

The rubber hit the road at 11am, after a welcome from Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins.

Rally organiser Colin Winter said he had been ‘‘quite chuffed’’ with the turnout in recent years, which averaged between 30 and 40 vehicles.

‘‘People like going out — it’s an easy rally; it’s pretty laid back.’’

After leaving the city, they drove out to the Brighton Domain before enjoying some field tests and lunch. They had dinner at the Otago Golf Club on Saturday night and drove out to Carey’s Bay yesterday.

PHOTOS: CHRISTINE O’CONNOR And they’re off . . . Gary Winter and son Braxton (7) lead the cars and motorcycles as they embark on the Dunedin to Brighton Veteran Car Rally.

Chains gang . . . Brighton Veteran Car Rally organiser Colin Winter drives Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins.

Ready and raring . . . Andrew Sim, of Methven, was looking forward to a drive in the sun in his 1906 Cadillac.

Strength in numbers . . . Colin and Joan Pearce, of Dunedin, had three cars and a motorcycle in Saturday’s rally.

Gently does it . . . Stuart Van Turnhout learns to drive a 1913 Willy's Overland (owned by Phil Boult), supervised by Ryan Boult.

All eyes . . . People watch the cars depart.

T for two . . . Simon and Im Henderson enjoy the sunshine in their 1912 Ford Model T on Saturday.