By Andrew Stevens, pictures by Andrew Stevens and David Hopper. Above – David Baird’s Talbot Lotus with Chris Sofokleous Esprit and Jo Cave’s Plus 2 in the background <courtesy Andrew Stevens>
Over recent years, the fantastic All British Day (ABD) at Echunga in the Adelaide Hills has coincided with our South Australian monthly get together. 2025 was no exception, and, as the day dawned cool and overcast, we thought that the BoM forecast of sunshine and 27 degrees was a tad optimistic. With over 750 cars spread across two ovals, and the excellent organization of the ABD committee, the day presents the best of British automobiles from all eras. We were hoping for a nice moderate day.
The non ABD entrants at Beaumont Rd before departing for Uraidla and the ABD. <courtesy David Hopper>
As those who had missed out on displaying congregated at Beaumont Rd in the parklands, the twelve Lotus that would form the Club Lotus display were already in place, or taking up their spot. This year, the organisers had ensured that there was plenty of space and we were able to spread ourselves out a little more than usual, with ample room to move around between the cars.
A big thanks to Mike Bennett and Joanne Cave for their contribution as marshals, Mike being the chief marshal for this year’s event and on duty for the whole day. The event is totally reliant on volunteers, and we’re grateful for the efforts that allow us to have an enjoyable day.
Jo’s work was accentuated by her dressing up in period garb, which saw her win a trophy. Mike had also contributed to the ABD theme of “1950”, with an article in the program on Colin Chapman and his 1950 Mk2 Lotus.
Bob Jenneson’s very fine +2 Elan <courtesy Andrew Stevens>
Mike had both his 7 and S4 Elan on display, while Jo and hubby Rich had her Elan +2 and his 111R Elise on display. Bob Jenneson’s Elan +2 was as pristine as ever, and Paul Charal’s S3 Elan is a tribute to his attention to detail. Chris Sofokleous brought along his 007 lookalike white Esprit, complete with ice bucket and champagne glasses and appropriate registration number but sans martinis.
David Baird’s Talbot Lotus with Chris Sofokleous Esprit and Jo Cave’s Plus 2 in the background <courtesy Andrew Stevens>
The two unusual cars on display were Brett Molineaux’ VX220 which captured the interest of the nearby Vauxhall club, who wanted to attract him to their annual rally, and David Baird’s Lotus Cortina entry, cunningly disguised as his Lotus Sunbeam Talbot. My S2 Elise was the sole Rover engined variant in attendance.
Kazis brother’s Evoras and Brett Molineaux VX220 on display <courtesy Andrew Stevens>
Lastly, the two Kazis brothers had their respective Evoras showing off the GT end of the Lotus range. This is the 1st year that I can remember without an Europa or an S1 Elise present. We’ll work on that for next year.
Very neat twin cam escort ready to devour passers by <courtesy Andrew Stevens>
Over on the Finch Restorations stand, Philip Leedham had his Elise S proudly showing off its new interior. Elsewhere a neat Twin Cam Escort was on show, while the prize for bravest owner was fought out between the Chevy LS-1-engined Morris Minor (yes really), and the highly modded turbocharged, BMW headed Mini Moke, with its esky based charge cooler in the back.
As the day progressed and the sun beat off the clouds, the Bureau’s prediction of 27 degrees looked more and more credible. A few of the participants in the monthly gathering arrived at the Club Lotus display after stopping for morning tea at the Uraidla Republic bakery and Brew House. As always there was plenty to wander around and see, strike up a conversation about, or just admire.
We were hit up with plenty of questions along the day. I particularly liked the guy who wanted to know whether Lotus had ever been involved in motor racing and F1. He’d asked at the wrong place. As the conversation ensued, he told us that he’d started watching F1 when Senna drove a JPS, never realising that it was a Lotus F1 car. The power of brand management!
After another lap around the oval to check on things we’d missed and it was time to fire up the engine and gently (or not) head home through the afternoon sunshine. Another successful ABD complete.
Our next display will be at the Jaguar Club Just British Car Club Picnic event at the Birdwood Mill National Motor Museum on April 27th. This will double as the SA Concours. Entry is only $5, but places are filling fast.
ABD Article by Mike Bennett “In 1950 Motor Sport entered a new era”.
