Summit to Sea 2005

130 people and approximately 45 "proper" cars made the trek to Victoria for the 2005 National Tour.

Alvis enthusiasts from all states of Australia and New Zealand attended bringing

cars representing almost every model from the early 20's to the mid 60's. The oldest car was a 1924 12/50 and the youngest a 1963 TE21.

Examples of 12/50, Silver Eagle (1929 and 1934), Speed 20 (SA, SB & SC), Speed 25, 3¹/₂ Litre, TA14 and TA, TC, TD & TE 21 all attended the event. A 14/40 Sunbeam came along as well providing another insight into historic British motoring.

TD21 and 12/50 at Buchan

Silver Eagle and Speed 20, Beechworth

This exciting event began in the magnificent gardens of the Latrobe, Beechworth where we stayed for 2 nights.

Attendees had some time to relax after their journey.

The longest distance travelled was by a Queensland member who, together with his wife and

two young daughters drove his 1935 Firebird almost 2000km (and back) to attend the event.

One determined couple, having their 12/70 fail to proceed when halfway to the start,

stored the car, hopped on a train and returned to Sydney to collect their trusty 12/50,

arriving at the event in time for dinner on day two.

After a day spent exploring the historical delights of Beechworth, day 3 saw us

travelling via Milawa, the Kiewa Valley, Mt Beauty and Tawonga Gap to our next

stop at Dinner Plain. A bush dance in the Dinner Plain Hotel had something for everyone,

with quite a few members showing they had some musical talent.

On night 1 Ozzy came to visit

Speed 20 and 3¹/₂L in Beechworth

Day 4 dawned cold and wet, however very few opted to raise hoods, choosing to

brave the elements and travel down the mountain to lunch at Omeo.

From Omeo the route took us via Cassilus, Bruthen and Swan Reach to

Lakes Entrance, our home for the next few nights.

On day 5 we went to visit the magnificent caves at Buchan and then the

majority of Alvisti chose to take the scenic route through Orbost back to Lakes Entrance.

A stop off at the Historic Rail Bridge was worth the effort even though the road was

pretty rough. The evening saw us taking a short boat trip to Metung for dinner..

Impressive line up of 12/50's

TE and Series 1 TD21

The final day was spent visiting Nerrimilang Station and a nearby glass blower.

The afternoon was free and most spent it exploring Paynesville and Bairnsdale

before returning to Lakes Entrance fo rthe final gala dinner.

The South Seas was the theme for the night and a number of the men were "shanghaied" into

donning grass skirts and doing a small dance for the gathering. I don't think they will get a

permanent gig.Sadly, all to soon it was time to depart for home, however we will all meet up again in 2007.

The next event, to be organised by the South Australian Alvisti, is planned to take in the

amazing sights of the Flinders Ranges. So, don't miss out, get your entry in early and start

planning your next great Alvis adventure now.

12/50's at Historic Rail Bridge Nowa Nowa