|
|
Melbourne
Mille 1999
a Mille
Miglia retrospective - the inaugural event
October 26 to October
30, 1999
|
|
|
|
|
The
inaugural Melbourne Mille held in the last week of October has concluded
on a high note and the two key figures behind the event Max Hobson and
John Fitzpatrick are delighted with the outcome - as are the
participants.
The
MELBOURNE MILLE was conceived as a means of bringing together an
exciting range or rare, unique and unusual vehicles, largely
manufactured between 1927 and 1957 (including model run-ons) for a
relaxed, non-competitive tour of the best Victoria can offer in terms of
stunning scenery, outstanding food, wines and accommodation and of
course challenging all-tarmac roads.
By all reports it certainly achieved its objectives.
The
participants, some 18 cars in all, including Martin Swig the founder and
director of the California Mille were most enthusiastic about the event
and in particular the roads and event organisation.
So much so that a larger international contingent is expected for
the year 2000 event. Potential
growth in sponsor support
for the event looks promising as well and the high standard of conduct
of this years event makes it a certain starter on next years
calendar.
Starting
in Melbourne on the Tuesday evening with a welcoming cocktail party and
dinner at The Swallows, the Mille formally commence on the Wednesday
morning. The overnight stop
on Wednesday was in Queenscliff with dinner at the Vue Grand.
The Mille then headed off to
Lakes Entrance on Thursday, via the ferry and Mornington Peninsula with
the evening meal at the Wyunga Park Winery.
Friday saw the event head for Mt Buffalo with the overnight
dinner at the Mt Buffalo Chalet. Saturday, the last day of the event concluded at the
Cope-Williams Winery at Romsey. On
Sunday morning the MELBOURNE MILLE returned to Melbourne to coinciding
with the Presidents Day Concours and Vehicle Display on the grounds
of the Howe Reserve which adjoins The Swallows in Port Melbourne.
Alison
Rose participated in the Mille as an official and she kindly penned a
few notes for this newsletter:
The
Melbourne Mille was the idea of Max & Julie Hobson after competing
in the California Mille supported
by John Fitzpatrick & Gill Weinberger:
-
Travelled
1000 miles over four days, fabulous roads - Melbourne to Queenscliff
via Apollo Bay, Ferry to Sorrento, then onto Lakes Entrance, Lakes to
Mt Buffalo via Mt Hotham, and last night in Romsey via Macedon.
-
Day 1 we had morning tea at Warmbete station, a magnificent Georgian
house, hosted by Antony Blakely and the CWA ladies, the start of good
roads and the food trail around Victoria.
-
Lunch
at Lavers Hill, Gary Blackman's 1960 Cadillac was very late. the
petrol tank was not as large as he thought, but Tony Osborne's Delage
used 500 litres of fuel over 2 days.
-
Bob
Pethards 1961 Austin Healey had frustrating electrical problems with
the alarm going off while he was driving and cutting power to the car
- not a happy driver- but the problem was easily remedied by the star
mechanic Ken Moorfoot who followed the field as the sweep and carried
out the running repairs. Ken
and his wife Jan, drove a Jeep Cherokee, supplied by Daimler
Chrysler
-
Dinner
at the Ozone - a banquet table for 38 people- John Hamilton and
Stewart Webster showing great musical Skills on the piano
-
As
the bag lady I did not see much of the route but heard great reports
from the drivers - they always arrived with big smiles (so did the
navigators thanks to Julie Hobsons directions) especially the roads
around Metung and over the mountains
-
Day
2 Max Hobson was "Leading" with the help of gun navigator
Norman May - this was not a competitive event - until he ran out of
fuel, the Silver bullet Porsche looks much more spectacular on the
road than stranded by the side of the road - it looked like a spent
cartridge.
-
The
luggage van was supplied courtesy of Daimler Chrysler a Vito renamed
the Danny De, it was a great way to view the passing scenery: Tony
Osborne in his Delage, John & Gill in the 1936 Delage and Diane
& David Readie in a spectacularly original XK 120 Jaguar
Coupe.
-
Overseas
Visitors were Martin Swig and Barry Silverman from the Californian
Mille who drove Max Hobsons 1955 Austin Healey 100M, Henry and Lilian
Dirks also from California who drove Stewart Webster's 1965 Mustang
Coupe, and Nigel & Jane Price from New Zealand who drove Gill
Weinbergers 1957 356 Porsche.
-
18
cars in all, the cut off point usually 1957, plus run ons, but as this
was the first year, the organisers were very flexible in their
selection criteria for the cars - not so next year.
-
The
Maserati club was represented by 10 members driving various cars but
no Maserati (surprise) They included John & Gill (Delage), Max
& Julie (Silver Bullet), Norman & Alison (Mercedes Vito), Gary
& Jacqui Blackman (1960 Cadillac), John Ould(1955 Sunbeam), Tony
Osborne (Hispano), David & Diane Readie (1954 Jaguar XK120 coupe)
Bob & Julie Pethard (1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk 11) Stewart &
Ingrid Webster (1962 Porsche 356 Karman Coupe Reg Kenny(1960 Mk 2
Jaguar- renamed the feral cat)
-
Lots
of eating and Drinking - the latter only in the evening! Gill &
John organised the food, wine and entertainment and did an excellent
job. String Quartet at
Queenscliff, poetry at Wyanga Park Winery with a very Australian
flavour, charity auction raised $2000 - for the Salvation Army at Mt
Buffalo, and we were treated to a display of Royal Tennis by our hosts
at Cope Williams Winery at Romsey.
-
This
was one of the most fun, friendly, and relaxed events we have
participated in - even the bag people had fun - there was great
camaraderie between all competitors and everyone was very appreciative
of the efforts of Max & Julie.
This event caused no friction between driver and navigator so
it is most suitable and fun for couples.
-
Martin
Swig was blown way by this event and hopes to bring out some of the
California Mille participants for next years Melbourne MIlle, so get
your entries in early.
Alison Rose
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
