Saturday: Up to a nice clear sky & very mild day. After the briefing, we headed off to Port MacDonnell, stopping at Father Woods Park, where we looked at the carvings & did a photo shoot, including some using drones. Luckily, they were up reasonably high as a semi loaded with hay went hammering along under the drone (close, but no cigar). We arrived at Pt Mac, enjoying lunch at Periwinkles Café. A great little stop on the foreshore. After lunch most of us went through the Maritime Museum, which was very interesting & informative. Others checked out the shops or strolled along the jetty. Before heading back to base, we did a scenic coastal tour out to the old lighthouse lookout. We stopped at an area called “Petrified Forest” where there are stone formations on the beach (only visible at low tide). We then stopped at the memorial dedicated to 2 seamen. These were the 1st 2 to be killed on Australian soil due to enemy action. They were killed trying to disarm a German sea mine that was sitting just offshore. We then cruised back through Mt Gambier & Penola where some peeled off for a look or more Coonawarra wine tasting. Again, carpark drinks, nibbles & chats were held in the sun, before walking to Naracoorte Hotel for tea, where we were joined by Geoff Brown a local Corvette Club member. Tonight, Goof was MC for a quiz night; just for something different & to challenge our brains. After a series of questions on all sorts of weird & wonderful topics (those who know Goof will understand), the final scores were added up, Mel won the ladies prize (a handbag) & Andrew won the men’s’ prize (a banner of an Indian Motorcycle), for his man cave. After returning to our lodgings, some retired & others (the younger ones) decided to kick on for a bit longer.
With Covid still with us, we decided to bite the bullet & go ahead with Corvettes Rock the Bay. Unfortunately the Corvette Nationals in Canberra were cancelled. This encouraged a group of Victorians from SurfCoast Corvettes, Corvettes of Melbourne & Vic Vettes to come to SA & participate. We also had 1 couple come from NSW. 11 cars drove from interstate.
It is with great thanks to Mark Andre, Rob McConnell & AJ who tirelessly spoke with GMSV to bring the new C8 to be part of our display.
We arranged a club dinner at the Watermark Hotel on the Saturday night, hosting the Victorian members along with Rob, Jodie & Joanne from GMSV, making up 50 people for the evening.
Next day the show was on! We had the GMSV C8 on display as well as a LHD racing C8 along with the concept cars of Graham Hay’s C1/4, Ross’s Prodigy, Ross & R4’s C36. We also had the generation line up showcasing coupes & convertibles from C1 through to C7.
We had 98 magnificent Corvettes on display. Rave On, the band, kept the music flowing throughout the day.
After the day wound up & everything was packed away, some of the helpers & a few of the Victorians came back to our house for a casual catch up with drinks & pizza as a thanks & farewell to our over-border friends, until we see them next time.
Lyn & I would like to thank our Sub Committee of Ruth, Stuart, Catherine who helped throughout the year & on the day. We also thank all of the helpers who turned up early to help set up & stayed back to pack up. We also had helpers in the tents to assist with Merchandise & Raffle sales. Without your help, the day would not happen! You all contributed to the success of the event.
We also would like to thank our major sponsors:- Federation of Historic Motoring Cars & Shannons.
Our stall holders “Pictures & More”, “CarChem” provided us with merchandise to use as raffle prizes.
Stir Express turn up each year to help kick start the day with nice coffees.
Huge thank you to everyone who turned up on the day or contributed in some way,
Pete & Lyn
Photos by Greg Woods & Peter
It was a warm sunny morning and the carpark on the beach was full, which was rather inconvenient as that was our meeting spot for the cruise. Luckily Pete and Lynda turn up early everywhere and he had all the cars parked up the nearest side street as everyone gathered for a coffee at Noonies.
Banjo Brian had an offer of a club event at the business of Powertech/Camperagent on Pt Wakefield Rd, with a free lunch thrown in as part of the deal from the owner John Munro. Traditionally club events that include free stuff are well attended and 25 Corvettes rolled up. John Munro arrived for the cruise in his modified C7 Z06 with a family member in his C6 ZR1.
The Corvette caravan headed off up the Esplanade to the smiles and waves of the adoring public but without a U turn it was soon replaced by the obligatory C3 fuel stop instead. It’s always C3’s (except for Jim’s famous Nullarbor incident of course), they must have extra small fuel tanks in them.
After fuel and photo’s we were off down the Port expressway and the Northern expressway, for a quick blast before finding the opportunity for a club U turn to head back to Pt Wakefield Rd.
As we headed back along Pt Wakefield Rd the caravan was being led by C6 Z06 Jack until some shenanigans with some fast accelerating from the supercharged C7Z06 and C6ZR1 cars. Of course Jim didn’t want to miss out and was like a little brother trying to keep up in C5 George.
Upon arrival at Camperagent everyone was lined up for the photo shoot and President Rob was officially issued with his new custom plates by Pete. I’m guessing long term project cars don’t need a huge fuel tank do they? Everyone had a good wander around looking at the caravans, campers and a seriously impressive range of performance cars, with everything from SLR Torana’s to Mclarens and 1000 hp Monaro’s.
At the rear of the yard is an old house that has been converted into an entertainment area where the Munro family put on a great lunch with Yiros and BBQ. The hospitality was well received.
After an enjoyable day people headed off home later in the afternoon. John has offered up this day again to the club with a longer cruise next time and I’m sure this will be popular.
Write up by Sean. Photos by Peter & Kay
