“The Melbourne Mille - Reflections . Over the past 14 years Max & Miles Hobson have run a touring event for pre 1972 classic cars called the Melbourne Mille. This event is loosely based on the Mille Miglia <strong>and</strong> the more recent California Mille. The objective is to cover at least 1,000 miles/1,600 km approximately on a set navigational route avoiding primary roads <strong>and</strong> using interesting driver’s roads through great scenery with interesting food <strong>and</strong> accommodation stops. Over the years a number of Austin Healey owners have participated <strong>and</strong> waved the Healey flag in this event throughout southern mainl<strong>and</strong> Australia <strong>and</strong> Tasmania. In early October 2012 Ken Tame <strong>and</strong> myself set off on a Sunday after<strong>no</strong>on for the start of the event from Acheron next morning. Joining us in this year’s event were a number of classic cars-, Alfa Romeos, Aston Martin, Austin Healeys, Bolwell, Cobra, Cooper S, Jaguar-Saloon, E Types, XK 120, XK 150, MGA ,Mustang, Porsche 911 <strong>and</strong> 356, Sunbeam Tiger, Triumph TR3s <strong>and</strong> others. Previous years have seen various Ferraris, MG TC, Alvis , Bentley, Maserati, Lotus, Morgan <strong>and</strong> MGBV8 starters. Over the next 4 <strong>and</strong> a half days we covered 2,250km through regional Victoria’s <strong>alpine</strong> regions plus south eastern NSW <strong>alpine</strong> <strong>and</strong> coastal regions. Helmer my faithful Halda Twinmaster assists in the route navigation <strong>and</strong> charting our progress (GPS seems to be appearing in more cars today than previously- they can be useful as a secondary speedometer). Over the years that we have entered we have had the usual variety of weather that can be experienced in SE Australia during October- heat, dust, rain , hail <strong>and</strong> this year, s<strong>no</strong>w along the Alpine Way out of Thredbo. 2012 was the first year that we have appreciated the inbuilt 3 litre Healey heating system that can bake you in summer but warm you nicely in a s<strong>no</strong>wy winter. The event whilst strictly <strong>no</strong>n competitive involves daily challenging drives of approximately 400- 500 km with scheduled luncheon breaks <strong>and</strong> unscheduled occasional car breaks- as we experienced last year when we holed the Alloy radiator in my Healey - (belated thanks to Rob & Marissa Rowl<strong>and</strong> for their assistance) causing an unscheduled overnight stay in Tathra. This year Ken & I were keen to have a trouble free run in the Healey <strong>and</strong> use the event to get our logistics organised for our 2013 trip to the Crieff rally in Scotl<strong>and</strong>, then Ken going off to France & Italy in Ken’s BN7 to retrace the Coupes Des Alpes events of the 1960’s. One of the great features of the event is gaining an appreciation of the relative strengths <strong>and</strong> weaknesses of the various cars entered as they cope with the various terrain that we travel across. Whilst there are quicker more powerful cars-( Mustang, Cobra, Aston etc,) more nimble cars in the tight <strong>alpine</strong> descents (Alfa Romeo , Porsche, Mini Cooper) the Healey as an overall package copes well with high speed touring, long <strong>alpine</strong> ascents & descents as well as comfortable cabin accommodation. Every time I drive the Healey every day for 5 days I do reflect on what an epic journey the London – Sydney Marathon competitors did many years ago in a Healey 3000 as well as the more well k<strong>no</strong>wn historic Healey rally competitors in the 50’s <strong>and</strong> 60’s. Our cars are great cars much admired by other classic enthusiasts for their classic lines & looks, their performance, their robust yet simple design <strong>and</strong> their beautiful sound. If you haven’t done a Mille put in on your to-do list as an enjoyable opportunity to drive your Healey for 5 days across a variety of back roads throughout South Eastern Australia. Thanks very much to Miles & Max Hobson for their great event organisation over the past 14 years <strong>and</strong> to the Healey Factory for the vehicle preparation. Learnings over the years: Expect the unexpected. Make sure your navigator has his correct optical correctives. Always reset the trip meter when you refuel. Assume the car in front of you does <strong>no</strong>t k<strong>no</strong>w where he or she is going. Get thoroughly prepared before you start the engine <strong>and</strong> start driving. Make sure that the driver & navigator are on the “same page”- mentally. Avoid dropping the route instructions from the vehicle. Enter <strong>and</strong> exit country towns observing speed limits. <strong>Do</strong>n’t make assumptions when investigating a mechanical problem. Having a leak in a Healey is <strong>no</strong>t a sign of incontinence but a design problem common to nearly all Healeys Brumby shit , ice & s<strong>no</strong>w whilst different colours are all slippery. K<strong>no</strong>w a few good jokes that you haven’t told before Enjoy yourself at all times. Love your car whatever happens! <strong>See</strong> you on the road somewhere. Jeff Gillard 10 Hundreds & Thous<strong>and</strong>s December 2012
The following article is a Patrick Quinn interview with Steve Pike after Bonneville 2012. Thanks to Patrick & “Flat Chat” For allowing us to publish it Hundreds & Thous<strong>and</strong>s December 2012 11
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