Cadillac heads Oz drive-out
Australia has not suffered as much as many countries during the pandemic and, although there have been some restrictions, things are slowly getting back to normal this year.
National Motoring Heritage Day is the local version of Drive-it Day and is held annually on the third Sunday in May. Such gatherings were cancelled in 2020, but on 16 May enthusiasts were eager to get their cars out for a run. The Australian Motorlife Museum at Kembla Grange in New South Wales invited various clubs and owners to visit and enjoy the museum and surrounding parks on what was a cool but sunny autumn day.
The star attraction was Evan Quarmby’s 1911 Cadillac Model 30 ‘Demi-tonneau’, which he rebuilt over a seven-year period. The Cadillac had at one time had parts used as a water pump that spent 30 years under water in a dam. The 5-litre, four-cylinder engine now runs as smoothly as a Cadillac should and can even tackle hills without a problem.
Another standout was Andrew Dunne’s ’67 Maserati Quattroporte. Imported from Italy and originally silver, its extensive restoration included conversion to right-hand drive and a refinish in metallic maroon with tan leather.
Vintage cars included Lance Jenkins’ much-rallied 1919 Buick Tourer and Allan Mills’ 1930
Chevrolet Sedan with unusual local bodywork, while sporty types were represented by Ray Fahey’s 1275cc modified ‘Frogeye’ Sprite and Brian Petit’s C4 Corvette, parked alongside Steve Koster’s Rover V8-powered MGB GT. A Mini Cooper was juxtaposed against a 1967 Ford Mustang, and a stunning black 1956 Ford Crown Victoria Coupe was also popular.
A ‘sausage sizzle’ and the various museum attractions kept visitors entertained, and a much bigger event is planned for 2022.