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66 NAG
04-20-2010, 07:35 PM
Whilst some of you guys are getting ready for Knotts Berry and Mustang OK a few of us from downunder have just returned safely from our National Concours road trip over the Easter break.
We just completed a 5600 kilometre (3500 mile) journey from the Gold Coast, Queensland to Adelaide, South Australia to attend the Mustang Owners Club of Australia National Concours.
Our convoy consisted of;
2 x ’65 coupes,
1 x ’66 convertible,
1 x ’68 Cal Special,
1 x ’03 convertible,
1 x ’07 GT, 1 x ’08 GT-500,
1 x ’06 Ford Falcon towing a caravan,
1 x ’05 Toyota Landcruiser with an enclosed trailer housing a special ’69 R-code Sportsroof.

We took 4 days to reach our destination in Adelaide taking us through 4 states and some 2500 kilometres. We encountered glorious sunshine, rain and locusts. The last two gave us plenty of extra cleaning duties in preparation for the judging.
A problem with a dragging brake on the enclosed trailer required attention 1 hour from departure and then it was trouble free motoring until 5 miles before we reached our destination. One of the ’65 coupes thermostat decided it was no longer opening causing the temp gauge to red line.
Good Friday was spent cleaning, polishing and repairing the ’65 choosing to replace the water pump at the same time. Two more Queensland cars arrived, a ’70 coupe and another ’69 Sportsroof only this one is highly modified. Friday night was the official “Meet & Greet” at the host motel. A wonderful night catching up with old friends and meeting new ones………sound familiar? ;)
Easter Saturday morning saw 100 steeds gather in front of the host motel in preparation for a cruise north along the esplanade to a marina some 30 minutes away. Here we had coffee & cakes and more good times under beautiful blue skies. Final cleaning took place in the afternoon in readiness for the Sunday show.
Easter Sunday saw some 200 Mustangs gather at a local football club, the concours entrants cars were judged and the rest were on display. Again great weather for the day. Sunday night was presentation night. our Queensland convoy of cars did exceptionally well.
Original Class Gold – ’69 R-code Sportsroof (this also won car of the show elevating it into “Thoroughbred Class”. :king:
Original Class Silver – ’66 convertible.
Modified Class Gold – ’69 Sportsroof.
Display Class Award – ’70 coupe.
Longest Driven Distance Award – ’07 GT (this couple drove 1000 kilometres just to meet us at the starting point).
More details at http://www.mustang.org.au/concours/2010.htm

Easter Monday around 80 cars were led on a scenic rural drive through hills around Adelaide stopping for lunch at a wonderful pub in a lovely town. Heading back to the motel some of the ponies began to protest. The other ’65 failing it’s brake booster, the ’03 vert needed it thermo fan repaired and the ’08 GT-500 had the brake lights staying on. More repairs back at the motel.

Our return journey began in torrential rain on the Tuesday morning and whilst we all arrived safely at our overnight stop things turned worse the next morning. 15 kilometres after leaving our overnight stop the “NAG” decided to misbehave in the worst possible way…………no oil pressure! :o:grrr::mad: This was never going to be a road side repair so the recovery truck was called. As punishment the “NAG” was locked up in disgrace at a local GM dealership for 7 days until other transport was arranged to bring her home (should arrive this Friday).
Sue & I jumped in with the Landcruiser and continued our road trip home. All the ponies were well behaved for the rest of the trip home.
As with all road trips it wasn’t without hurdles but travelling as group, helping each other as needed makes for wonderful memories and good times.

Hopefully the slideshow works.
http://s263.photobucket.com/albums/ii144/66NAG/MOCA%202010%20Nationals/?action=view&current=fb1bb3ef.pbw

AZ SVT
04-20-2010, 10:05 PM
Hey Martin,
Thank you for sharing some of the details and all the great photos. :king: Wow! Those are some fine looking 'Stangs. And, it certainly looks like your route provided some fantastic landscapes.

The, "NAG," must have needed some rest. I am sorry to see it couldn't wait until she was back in her corral. :(

It appears you had an otherwise, awesome trip! And, I see several of my, "Mates," in those photos. :headbang:

All the best to you and yours,
Charlie

We are really looking forward to seeing you in 2011! :cool:

66 NAG
04-21-2010, 02:25 PM
Hey Charlie
Added a few more images of the show, keep an eye out for the right hand drive version of "cellulose"............I think I spelt it right ;):naughty:.
We too are looking forward to next year and spoiling you and the patriotic one.:cheers:

twodudes
04-21-2010, 02:50 PM
Martin,

Great story & photos - sounds like a great trip.

Friends form our club (Auckland Mustang Owners Club) went over for a look at the concours - said it was great & good to see lots of different cars - will have to come over ourselves for next year.

Hope the NAG recovers ok.

Grant & Barbara Duder
(Auckland, New Zealand - MAA # 321)

AZ SVT
04-21-2010, 04:03 PM
Hey Charlie
Added a few more images of the show, keep an eye out for the right hand drive version of "cellulose"............I think I spelt it right ;):naughty:.
We too are looking forward to next year and spoiling you and the patriotic one.:cheers:

Hey Martin,
You are a Trouble-maker! :D

If that '01 Snake has a Medium Parchment convertible top, it is only the third one I have seen of the 297 'verts built in Laser Red Tinted Clearcoat with Medium Parchment Interior and a Medium Parchment Top.

The conversion appears flawless. Kudos to whomever performed the work! :headbang:

Thanks for the additional pics! It's almost as if you were thinking of someone here in the States, Trouble-maker. :lol:

All the best,
Charlie

66 NAG
04-21-2010, 09:15 PM
Friends form our club (Auckland Mustang Owners Club) went over for a look at the concours - said it was great & good to see lots of different cars - will have to come over ourselves for next year.


G'day Grant & Barbara, we met a few of the Kiwi clan on the Friday night, great effort for them to come over and join the fun.
Love to have you guys over next year, it will be held right here on the Gold Coast. Accommodation is in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

66 NAG
04-21-2010, 09:21 PM
Hey Martin,
You are a Trouble-maker! :D

If that '01 Snake has a Medium Parchment convertible top, it is only the third one I have seen of the 297 'verts built in Laser Red Tinted Clearcoat with Medium Parchment Interior and a Medium Parchment Top.

The conversion appears flawless. Kudos to whomever performed the work! :headbang:

Thanks for the additional pics! It's almost as if you were thinking of someone here in the States, Trouble-maker. :lol:

All the best,
Charlie

Trouble-maker? Who.................me? ;):homer:

Your number remains at 2. This one doesn't have a parchment top but a black top. Sooooooo close.
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii144/66NAG/MOCA%202010%20Nationals/IMGP5386.jpg

twodudes
04-21-2010, 09:33 PM
G'day Grant & Barbara, we met a few of the Kiwi clan on the Friday night, great effort for them to come over and join the fun.
Love to have you guys over next year, it will be held right here on the Gold Coast. Accommodation is in the heart of Surfers Paradise.


Martin,

We've got relations living on the Gold Coast so sounds like a good plan to attend next years convention & catch some beautiful Gold Coast sunshine :)

Grant & Barb (NZ)