Apr 23, 2023 2 min read

Hoons Treat Our Roads Like A Racetrack!

The new-fangled internal combustion engine brought mayhem and excitement to local streets. The Governor joined in - driving his English family's own brand Talbot car.

Nothing new there - Burgundy Street was used for hill climbs in the early 1900s.

The Governor of Victoria took part - and won! He fought in the Zulu wars, he was part of the unsuccessful expedition for the relief of Gordon at Khartoum, he later needed the excitement of flooring it up an unsealed Burgundy Street.

1904 - HEIDELBERG HILL CLIMB

The earliest Automobile Club of Victoria hill climb competition in Melbourne appears to have been held on the 28th of May 1904 at Heidelberg. The most prominent competitor was Sir Reginald Talbot the Victorian Governor. He was a regular competitor, and winner for some years - driving a Talbot.

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Hill Climbs were a very genteel affair with everyone dressed up to the nines and including passengers in the cars. Some were driven by their chauffeurs and afterwards afternoon tea served to the competitors and spectators during the prize giving.

Just like the latter day Bathurst races the cars that did well on the week-end were selling on the Monday after the race. Hill Climbing was considered to be one of the most admirable attributes when buying a new car.

1905 - HEIDELBERG HILL CLIMB

On the 26th of May 1905 the Victorian Motor Cycle Club held a hill climb at Heidelberg. Most of the machines were started by pedal power and were only allowed to pedal for the first 150 yards. The mighty Griffon 2 3/4 hp motorcycles took out the first three places.

1906 - HEIDELBERG HILL CLIMB

In March of 1906 the Motorcycles only returned to Heidelberg for another Hill Climb event.

March 1906 - looking down Burgundy Street to the rail bridge.

1906 - HEIDELBERG HILL CLIMB

On the 15th of September 1906 the cars only returned to Heidleberg for another Hill Climb event.

Doctor Weigall was the winner in his single cylinder car. 20th September 1906

(re-search and editorials John Campbell)

http://www.speedwayandroadracehistory.com/melbourne-heidelberg-hill-climb.html