If you’re a fan of classic and vintage cars, the upcoming Morris Minor National Rally is a must to add to your events calendar this month. The annual event held by the Morris Car Club of SA brings together owners and enthusiasts to celebrate the history, culture and legacy of the iconic automobile.
First produced in 1948, the classic British car quickly rose in popularity thanks to its practicality and affordability, but mostly due to its unique design, all of which will be on display as club members make their way around Adelaide over four jam-packed days.
Starting in Findon on Friday March 31st, you’ll be able to catch the first glimpse of the 160-strong fleet of antique vehicles as they make their way along the Esplanade at Semaphore from around 5pm.
Saturday is the main day for spectators who can head to the National Motor Museum Birdwood in the Adelaide Hills to greet the cars as they arrive around 10:30am and get a good look at the cars as well as connect with the owners. A true sense of community is fostered by this yearly event with the common interest and passion in these classic cars bringing people together from all over the country.
“We have people driving in the rally who have travelled from Queensland and WA just because they love being a part of it,” says Vice President of the Morris Car Club, Patrick Gauci.
“We have over 160 cars entered in the rally and there’s such a wide variety. Some are pretty much in their original state with no adjustments and then there are some that are so highly modified they’d give any new car on the road a run for their money!”
Each car will be placed into a category with fans then able to vote for their favourite.
“In years past we’ve had quite a strict and scrutinising judgement of the car categories but this year we wanted it to be light-hearted and fun for the crowds so instead we’re doing a People’s Choice,” Patrick explains.
Winners of the awards for each category will be awarded at a special Gala dinner on Sunday evening.
Sunday will see the drivers cruise the coastline to the iconic d’Arenberg Cube giving enthusiasts a great chance to catch the convoy. The Rally will conclude on Monday April 3rd when the cars begin at the top of the iconic Mount Lofty before making their way to the Bend Raceway where each will take to the track for a few precession laps to close off the weekend.
“The four-day route has been designed to showcase SA to our interstate drivers and let them experience the beauty of our state that they may not have had a chance to before,” says Patrick.
The Rally is perfectly timed just one week after the Adelaide Motorsport Festival which will also feature a large range of vintage vehicles and allow fans to get up close and personal with some rare and unreleased concept cars.
Morris Minor National Rally
When: March 31st – April 3rd
Where: National Motor Museum Birdwood
For more information, head to the website or follow along on Facebook.
