Bay to Birdwood: Keith takes a ride in one of Julian McNeil's French automobiles in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia

The Bay to Birdwood Run celebrates its 30th anniversary on Sunday 26 September 2010. We caught up with Julian McNeil who has fallen victim to the bug that infects thousands of enthusiasts who revel in the world of hand-crafted automobiles - well before mass production, computer chips and electronics.

A key moment was more than a century ago when Adelaide Doctor, William Hargreaves of Woodville was issued with Australia's first driving licence. I bet he didn't know just how much this new fandangled mode of transport would change the Australian way of life. That was September 1908 so fast forward to September 1980 and the Bay to Birdwood Run was born.

With more than 600 entries, it was the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere and 30 years on it still is. In fact, it's now the biggest continuously run historic motoring event in the world. Vehicles must be pre-1955 to enter and that's where Julian McNeil comes in.

Julian's collection is nothing short of spectacular… each lovingly restored and maintained. There's a common theme among his cars too - they are all French, harking back to the turn of the 20th century when France was a force in hand crafted horseless carriages.

Julian McNeil, Collector: "This little car is a Vis De Vis and dates back to 1901. They started making the Vis de Vis in 1898. What does Vis De Vis mean? Vis De Vis means face to face."

Next Julian showed us a 6 horse-power 1904 De Dion Populaire which was designed to be simple to drive. In fact, the advertisements used to feature a woman in the driving seat with disgruntled chauffer along for the ride.

But wait, there's more - but you have to head upstairs - yep, upstairs to the first floor of Julian's shed - complete with car lift. It's like a mini museum with a range of engines in varying conditions all awaiting restoration. Australia is renowned for being a repository for heritage vehicles with South Australia proud to have the most thanks to the wealthy pastoralists who could afford to import them. Then there's our climate.

Julian McNeil, Collector: "We don't have a freeze-thaw cycle in summer-winter. So all the bits and pieces that you need for a car restoration generally last on some farmer's dump somewhere out in the sticks. The challenge is to find them…"

Julian fired up one of his cars and we went for a drive. This is what it's all about - the wind in your hair, fresh air and the whining of the old gearbox…

Julian McNeil, Collector: "this one will do about 50 or 60 kilometres an hour on the open road. 50 kilometres an hour in a car like this feels about 120 kilometres!"

Julian and about 5,000 other participants will make the journey from Glenelg to the National Motor Museum at Birdwood. It takes about 2 hours to pass any one vantage point and then you can head up to Birdwood for a day of activities.

The Bay to Birdwood Run starts from Adelaide Shores next Sunday and winds its way through the city and the hills all the way to Birdwood. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

Bay to Birdwood Run
Sunday 26 Sept
Departs Adelaide Shores

Published 19th September 2010