South coast author Rod Lovell has long wanted to raise awareness of the 1936 Australian Grand Prix, which drove down the street he lives on.

Fulfilling this long-held ambition, Rod commissioned local mural artist Chad Spencer to paint a mural commemorating the 85th anniversary of the race on his shed wall.

It fronts on to Port Elliot Road, on the section named Chiton Straight for the big race and features the race winner, Victorian driver Les Murphy in his MG.

The paint was still drying on the morning of Monday 3 January when a tourist from Victoria pulled up and knocked on Rod’s door.

It was Dean Murphy, great-grandson of Les Murphy, who recognised the number of the car depicted in the mural. 

Rod describes Dean’s visit as an incredible coincidence that could not have been better timed.

“He rang his grandfather in Victoria to tell him; he still has a lot of memorabilia from the race and was happy to have a chat.”

The first Australian Grand Prix held outside Victoria, the race circuit ran around Hayborough and Port Elliot, covering 240 miles over 32 laps.

Held on 26 December 1936, it drew an estimated crowd of 50,000 spectators from around the country, the largest ever seen in Victor Harbor, according to Adelaide newspaper The Mail.

First prize was 200 pounds and a gold cup.

A passionate advocate for the region, Rod feels there should be more recognition of the historic event.

“I think its significance has really been lost over time. It should be remembered as one of the many things that make this place so special.”

Look out for the mural at Chiton on the Port Elliot Road, near the corner of Fifth Avenue.