Blair Boyer, South Australia’s Education, Training & Skills Minister and newly appointed Police Minister, is taking a nostalgic drive down memory lane. This Sunday, Boyer will be behind the wheel of former Labor premier Don Dunstan’s 1974 Datsun 260Z Sports Coupe during the RAA Bay to Birdwood rally. The event is a significant nod to both his personal inspirations and South Australia’s rich political history.
Growing up in country Victoria, Boyer was introduced to Dunstan’s legacy through a biography handed to him by his father at the age of 15. The stories of Dunstan’s bold leadership left a lasting impression on Boyer, who now finds himself in a position to honor that legacy. “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.
The Historic Datsun’s Revival
The opportunity to drive Dunstan’s Datsun came as a surprise to Boyer, a self-described vintage car enthusiast. The car, which had not run in 25 years, underwent significant restoration to prepare for the rally. Boyer expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “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.”
Bruce Field, a historic vehicle mechanic at the National Motor Museum, detailed the painstaking 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. The restoration involved repairing damaged sections and ensuring the car’s mechanics were fully operational, a task that took six months to complete.
“It’s been very time-consuming because we try and retain as many of the original components as we can,” said Field.
Symbolism and Legacy
Boyer’s choice to drive the silver Datsun is loaded with symbolism. Dunstan, a progressive leader, was instrumental in decriminalizing homosexuality in South Australia 50 years ago. Boyer’s participation in the rally, dressed in a replica of Dunstan’s famous pink shorts, is a tribute to this legacy.
This isn’t Boyer’s first time participating in the Bay to Birdwood rally. His previous experiences include driving a Dodge Phoenix, a 1927 Chrysler, and a Ford Anglia. The rally, which starts at Barratt Reserve in West Beach and concludes at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, is a highlight for Boyer. “The idea is that the things we own and sit in the museum get out on the road,” Boyer said, emphasizing the importance of showcasing these vehicles to the public.
The Broader Impact
The rally is more than just a nostalgic drive; it’s a celebration of history and community engagement. Thousands of spectators line the route, eager to witness the parade of classic cars. “Last year, I heard so many people yell out, ‘That’s the Harry Potter car’,” Boyer recounted, referring to the Ford Anglia he drove previously.
Boyer will be joined by parliamentary colleague Olivia Savvas MP, as the route passes through her electorate of Newland. The event is not only a personal journey for Boyer but also a communal celebration of South Australia’s automotive and political history.
Reflecting on Dunstan’s influence, Boyer noted, “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.” As Boyer prepares for the rally, he carries with him the lessons of bold leadership and the enduring impact of Dunstan’s vision for South Australia.
