The Marque Sports Car Association (MSCA) was formed in the early 70’s to give the smaller Sports Car Clubs of South Australia the opportunity to compete at the Mallala Motorsport Racing Circuit and in Motorkhanas and Hillclimbs. With only a low number of members competing from each club, the individual members joined the M.S.C.A., allowing those drivers to compete in their cars.

One event that started the calendar each year was the MSCA Beach Run. Starting at the lookout at the “Top of Taps”, on Main South Road, just before the Victoria Hotel. The convey would then cruise through the Southern Suburbs, often with Police Escort, to end up on the beach at Aldinga Beach.

Here is an extract from the Coming Events page from the Sprite Club’s Sprouting Forth magazine.

“January Sunday 16th 1977

The Annual MSCA Beach Run

Last Years event attracted over 80 sports cars. This year the MSCA is hoping for 100. Because you went last year, you will be able to tell all your “Sports Car” friends that it is ON again, and what a great day it is.

For our numerous new members, The Beach Run is a run to the beach! A convoy of Sprites, Healeys, MG’s, Triumphs, Alpines, Porsches, Jaguars, Morgans, infact, any type of sports car which you like to mention, will be leaving the lookout on Tapley’s hill at 10.30am. We will make our way to Aldinga Beach for a BBQ ETC, a game of volleyball, a swim and a look at the largest line up of sports cars in South Australia.“

This event continued for many years, until the price of our vehicles increased and the worry of sand, salt and rust cause the event to head to Clayton, near Goolwa for the “Claytons” Beach Run. This also proved a popular event for many members during the mid 1980’s. The MSCA Trophy Presentation Day continues this tradition as the first MSCA event for the calendar year.

Thanks to Michael Perry for the photos of the 1977 MSCA Beach Run .

The photos below are from the 1984 MSCA Beach Run.