Barossa 2010, a "T" story.

[HSE2]

T-Series National Gathering 2010

April 16th-18th, Barossa Valley. S.A.


Road trip - For me, this term embodies the very best spirit of mateship and automotive passion, similar to the epics witnessed on Top Gear from time to time.

It’s those episodes I enjoy the most because they normally showcase various cars in the environment they were designed and intended. Sometimes that’s frustrating with quirks or characters that give machines human like qualities.

Such traits are often found under the category of muscle car, a term most likely loosely applied to today’s automotive offerings.
The much maligned AU series Falcon is also the most driver focused product of the last decade. Refinement often brings dilution of elements essential to sheer driving pleasure. NVH can spell compromise in this world.

What you are about to read is a road trip report from the passenger seat of the last great drivers car created by Tickford. That this car was accompanied by 25 of its brethren from all over Australia makes this a true road trip experience of nearly epic proportions. Welcome to "T" Story 2010.

While not a club function it was great to see four T series cars make the trip, departing Wednesday night, on the Spirit. Karren’s (Karl) T3 TE in Congo, Tim’s T3 TS50 in Blueprint, Damion’s T3 TE50 also in Blueprint and Andrew’s T3 TS50 in Narooma made up the Tasmania contingent.

In the weeks leading up to departure much effort was exerted to make sure the cars were in the best possible shape. Some visited body works to eradicate blemishes, some added accessories like car bras for the first time. Some even had mechanical upgrades. The effort in my eyes certainly paid dividends as all cars presented highly.

Three of the four awaiting departure.





To say I had the best seat in the house would be dismissive of the class on display but I must say without hesitation that, for me, the T3 TS50 has the best interior of any Ford prior to FG.

The comfort, the ambience, the performance and yes even the economy, all contribute to make one hesitate in judgement. One has to stop to reflect that this isn’t a standard T3 such is the standard of modifications, a trait born of all of Tim’s past projects.
(Insert overall trip consumption when available)

Conversation points for us kept coming back to the car. Tim’s standard is high, so any noise that was out of place received immediate note and attention. From my perspective, this car should be seen as a muscle car from the modern era, containing a rawness that is addictive, dare I say mandatory in making the driving experience what it is renowned to be. These cars aren’t for everyone. For some it’s an acquired taste, for others it’s the fulfilment of a dream.

These cars have character and individuality that make them unique. No two cars are truly the same and for me that’s a charm, a quality that adds appeal in a world dominated by NVH.

There is a sense of occasion about my seat for this trip that is akin to an amphitheatre on wheels. Sensory overload personified in every respect.