 |
|
  |
March
31st 2007
| |
The first attempt
for the year was made on 17th Feb. The weather was not on our side
though. Temperatures of over 40 degrees meant that the cars which
were to be the stars of the event would run the risk of over-heating
and cooking those flash motors. A small group of die hards made
it out for the day, sticking in the shade whilst chatting cars.
Once details of the re-run were sorted, the band retreated to the
air conditioned comfort of Hungry Jacks for some refreshments.
|
 |
| |
March
31st was a whole new ball game: with a forecast max of 21 degrees
and blue skies, you could not ask for a better day. Cars started
to assemble at the Ingle Farm Shopping Centre Car Park after 3:00
pm; by the appointed time cars were still arriving so the set off
was delayed. The Cal Look theme certainly dominated the day, with
beetles and type 3's given "the look". The atmosphere
in the car park was great; with plenty of interest from shoppers
in the collection of VWs. Around 20 cars in all turned up for the
initial get together, with several deciding not to go on the full
run.
|
 |
| |
The
route of the run had been well plotted by organiser Jon K and assistant
Dave O/C, whose own charcoal and green, respectively, T1s are two
of the best Cal Lookers around. A mix of suburban streets and expressway
driving was sure to satisfy those in the cars and those looking
on. Down Montague Rd to Port Wakefield Rd and the non to the new
South Rd Extension, from there through to Port Adelaide, then Semaphore
and along the Esplanade to North Haven.
After receiving
their instructions, drivers jumped in their cars and started to
line up. What a beautiful sound those hot cams and free flowing
extractors make! Keen eyed Rachel saved the day when she spotted
fluid leaking from Luke & Amanda's blue Fastie; turned out to
be fuel gushing form a split fuel hose. If not picked up, this could
easily have turned into a fire within a few minutes. Adam &
Peter DeBiasi volunteered the services of their workshop (DeBiasi
Auto Repairs) which is only a few minutes down the road, to repair
the fuel line, allowing them, and all those delayed behind them
to rejoin the cruise.
|
|
| |
The South Rd
Expressway certainly gave people a chance to open up those 40 and
48mm carbies. Seems 90 is way too slow for some - even Kombies!
Just goes to show, you can't just assume that because that's a 40
year old car next to you that it will still drive like a 40 year
old car. With all the weight over the back wheel and stacks of horse
power, the average Cal Looker will leave a V8 driver lost for words...
The group reassembled
in Port Adelaide to allow those separated by traffic lights to catch
up again; some of those held up by the fuel leak decided to take
a more direct route to the Port to save time.
|
|
| |
The
last part of the cruise, along the Esplanade was probably the most
enjoyable - giving plenty of autumn beach goers a chance to enjoy
the sound and sight of the cars going by. The humble VW may have
its detractors but it is always amazing how many people react with
positive excitement when they see one - especially one that has
had the attention that some of these cars have.
The
Beach Pit at North Haven is run by Michael & Katrina, who have
been associated with the club for a number of years. Their V6 powered
T3 van is a great example of what can be done with these versatile
buses - the last example with the engine in the correct position!
- and was soon joined by a car park full of "relatives".
|
|
| |
The
crowd dispersed themselves either inside or outside, according to
preference and set about ordering snacks or dinner. There's enough
choice to suit everyone's tastes. As the evening stayed quite warm,
it was great to just talk, walk around the cars, sip a coffee -
just soak up the atmosphere. As the sun went down, the soft evening
light made it a photographers delight: the reflections of neighbouring
cars in the paint of some of the cars shows up just how attention
has been lavished on the Cal Lookers.
|
|
| |
As
the club is still raising funds to finish the Club Kombi, a raffle
was held. First prize, an A1 poster bearing the Cal Look Cruise
promo, was one by Luke, he of the leaky fastie: need to call him
lucky, firstly because he didn't catch fire & secondly for winning
the raffle.
As the day wore
on, the crowd started to thin; however the pleasant atmosphere made
it hard to leave. I think they had to turn out the lights to get
the last ones to go home.
All up an excellent
run. Very well organised; some absolutely beautiful cars; top venue
and fabulous weather.
Make sure you
watch the Coming Events page & Magazine for details of the next
Cal Look Cruise.
|
 |
|
