Since the early 1990′s, “the Great Race” has been less than great, a mere raindrop of it’s previous lake like form. For you see, back in the early days a multitude of classes, manufacturers, cars and cultures were allowed to race against each-other. Though the race nowadays (and for some time) has been at Mt. Panorama in Bathurst, it’s origins and indeed it’s first three runnings took place at Phillip Island under the name of the “Armstrong 500″. In 1962 you could find these lovely Citroens, racing against Studebaker Larks and other such steeds.
Citroen's taking off at the grid.
Though initially left eating the dust of the competitors, a Citroen went on to take 3rd in Class A, behind a Studebaker Lark, a Zephyr but ahead of a Valiant.
Trailing a Holden on track, light years ahead in technology.
Studebakers, what a Lark!
Other cars of note away from the typical were the Volkswagen Beetle, the Morris 850 (read: Mini), the Morris Major, a Simca and a Renault Gordini. The last race at the Island and yet only the beginning of the legend still had more variety than what lines the grid these days. Who knows, perhaps one day it will return to it’s roots and to a race of multiple, international manufacturers and not just the internationally assisted turds that are the Ford and Holden Australia stable. I for one would love to see modern Citroen, Renault, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, etc take to the track even in mixed classes on a shared track. It might actually become and entertaining race again.
-Michael
Photographs taken from “Australia’s Greatest Motor Race – The Complete History” by Bill Tuckey, 1981.
And remove the tarmac..