Blair Boyer, South Australia’s current Education, Training & Skills Minister and newly appointed Police Minister, is set to drive a piece of history this weekend. He will be behind the wheel of former Labor Premier Don Dunstan’s 1974 Datsun 260Z Sports Coupe in the RAA Bay to Birdwood rally. The event, which takes place on Sunday, promises to be a nostalgic journey through time, and Boyer is embracing the opportunity with enthusiasm and a touch of flair.
Boyer, who grew up in country Victoria, fondly recalls the moment he was handed a biography of Don Dunstan by his father at the age of 15. “Even then, it struck me that he did things which I’m sure for many political leaders at the time must have seemed impossible, so absolutely an inspiration to me,” Boyer reflected. This admiration for Dunstan has persisted throughout Boyer’s political career, influencing his work and values.
A Symbolic Ride
In a nod to Dunstan’s legacy, Boyer will don a replica of the famous pink shorts that Dunstan wore to parliament in 1972. The shorts, coupled with the silver Datsun, symbolize Dunstan’s progressive stance, notably his efforts to decriminalize homosexuality in South Australia 50 years ago. Boyer sees driving the Datsun as a tribute to Dunstan’s courage and vision.
Before the rally, Boyer expressed his excitement, noting, “I thought, because a bit of work was going to be put into getting Dunstan’s Datsun running again – this is the first time it’s running in 25 years – I thought it’d be a good chance to get it out.” The Datsun, which had been dormant for decades, was meticulously restored by the National Motor Museum’s team, making this drive a significant milestone.
The Restoration Journey
The Datsun’s journey from a museum piece to a roadworthy vehicle is a story of dedication and craftsmanship. Bruce Field, a historic vehicle mechanic at the National Motor Museum, shared insights into the restoration process. “The car came from its second owner, who’d been in a bit of an accident with it, so he donated it to the museum in its crashed state,” Field explained.
Field and his team undertook a six-month project to rejuvenate the car’s mechanics, preserving as many original components as possible. “It’s been very time-consuming because we try and retain as many of the original components as we can,” Field noted. This careful restoration ensures that the Datsun remains a tangible link to South Australia’s past.
A Celebration of Heritage
The RAA Bay to Birdwood rally is more than just a drive; it’s a celebration of automotive history and cultural heritage. Boyer, a self-described vintage car enthusiast, has participated in the rally before, driving vehicles like a Dodge Phoenix and a 1927 Chrysler. This year, he will be joined by parliamentary colleague Olivia Savvas MP, with the route passing through her electorate of Newland.
The rally begins at Barratt Reserve in West Beach at 10 am, culminating at the Finish Festival at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood. “I’m told it’s running very well, which is good, because the first year in the 1927 Chrysler, we got up the hill a kilometre away from the finish line, and we didn’t make it. So, I’m hoping we get all the way there this year,” Boyer said with optimism.
“The idea is that the things we own and sit in the museum get out on the road, and people who line the road all the way from where we start to Birdwood actually get to see the vehicles being driven,” Boyer expressed.
Looking Forward
The rally not only honors the legacy of Don Dunstan but also highlights the importance of preserving history for future generations. Boyer, though he never met Dunstan, considers him a hero and a source of inspiration. “I think Dunstan showed that he did things that people might have gone, ‘This is crazy’, and people backed it and loved it 50 years ago, and still talk about it today,” Boyer remarked.
As Boyer prepares to take the Datsun on its historic journey, he reflects on the lessons from Dunstan’s time in office. “A lesson that some of those things he achieved we can’t take for granted, because there are things happening around the world where people would be seeking to roll back some of the change that Dunstan brought into the state,” he concluded.
As the rally unfolds, participants and spectators alike will celebrate not just the cars, but the stories and legacies they carry. The event promises to be a vibrant tapestry of history, community, and the enduring spirit of innovation.
