COAD, William Francis (Frank) (1930-2021)
F Coad (McLeod Album)
Frank Coad was enrolled as a boarder at The Geelong College from 1944-1946, completing Forms II to IV. Son of George and Florence Coad, he had previously attended Hawkinston State School. His older brother George also attended the College 1938-1940.
After school Frank returned to the family farm near Macorna, Vic. However, a passion for cars lead Frank and his brother to establish a Vauxhall dealership in Kerang. It was named GW Coad & Sons in honour of their father George senior.
Cars were not just a business venture; after extensive preparation Frank and John Roxburgh raced in the first Armstrong 500 at Phillip Island (which became the Bathurst 1000). Driving a Vauxhall Cresta, the pair are recognised as the winners of the inaugural race which lasted 8h 20mins 45 secs in terrible conditions.
Frank and wife Zena brought their young family for a brief relocation to Melbourne before moving to Sea Lake in 1964. There Frank owned and ran a Holden dealership. His passion for cars and racing continued with the creation of the Sea Lake Mallee Rally around Lake Tyrrell. It was the oldest ongoing off-road event in Australia until its most recent running in 2018.
Reports in the Pegasus and Ad Astra over the years note that in 1950 Frank held official positions in the Kerang Branch of the Aero. Club and the Loddon Valley Motor Cycle Club. In 1960, it is reported that Frank and George are gaining renown for car building and motor racing. The Ad Astra reports in 1985 that Frank has spent the last nine years selling aircraft throughout the station country of Eastern Australia, based at Swan Hill.
In 1999 Frank was presented a trophy at the Lotus 99 Biannual Rally in the Barossa Valley, having also competed in a Lotus 7 car in his racing career. He and Zena were then living in Bendigo.
Frank passed away in Bendigo 7 November 2021, aged 91 years. He is survived by his wife and three daughters, with six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Sources: Herald Sun 13 November 2021, Pegasus, Ad Astra, OGC 1945,
https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/vale-frank-coad-winner-of-the-first-great-race/
https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/11/11/1st-great-race-winner-passes-away/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-18/australias-first-great-race-winner-reflects-back-after-60-years/12776068
https://www.monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/culture/sport/display/102328-sea-lake-mallee-rally