That reads like a really nice and relaxed trip!
We went with the SM owners on a 300klm trip around Ballan / Meredith - I agree with your comment on the comfort of the ID John! The Safari ran like a dream and kept up without any issues - even though up hill I had to wring it’s neck a few times. Got her up to 127klm/hr on the long straights! So the 140klm others mentioned may well be right after all.
Yes, the early long stroke cars like yours are great cruise machines. Our short stroke ID19b is a very different beast. The one compensation is that it has a slightly higher 4th gear. Ours is probably a bit more sprightly up the hills but Michael will agree that the long stroke cars are "way up there".To be in the company of such wonderful cars is a treat. I dearly wanted an SM early in the piece as I thought they were the perfect modern design but I was somewhat frightened by the Maseratti engine. I drove Ian Steele's SM at the Bairnsdale rally some years ago which for me was very exciting. We all have our limits. I like the way you've got some gear on top. - - - - Great photos - - John