Veteran Car Club of South Australia (VCCSA), Media Release, 1 September 2024
Many of Australia’s oldest, running cars and motorbikes will visit South Australia in September, when the town of Naracoorte plays host to the sixth, annual Pre-1905 Pioneer’s Run.
Rally Organiser, Julian McNeil from the Veteran Car Club of South Australia (VCCSA), says this is the first time this run has been held in South Australia and features only vehicles built before 1905.
“From Friday 13th to Sunday 15th September, 30 cars and motorcycles from all over Australia, the oldest an 1899 Peugeot, will be defying the years and visiting the Naracoorte Caves, Penola and Frances,” he says.
“To modern eyes, driving cars or riding motorbikes on 80-to-100-kilometre round trips might sound easy; in these vehicles it is a mighty task.
“Many of these vehicles have just one cylinder, horsepower ratings of less than 10, and only the most primitive of transmissions, making piloting them a challenging proposition.
“The people around Naracoorte are fortunate to have the opportunity to witness these machines, the youngest “only” 120 years old, on the road and we thank them in advance for their patience should they get caught momentarily behind one of the entrants!”
Professor McNeil says the best time and place to see all the entrants together will be at a special display arranged in the centre of Naracoorte from 8:30 to 9:30 on Saturday morning, the 14th of September, before they set off for Penola.
“Please come along and have a look, speak to the owners, and see and hear these remarkable motoring relics from a time long gone while you have the chance.”
