IT WAS a Holden trifecta across the finish line of the Great Outback Endeavour Rally, with the Proserpine "Old Bulls” finishing second on the podium complete with the silvery swinging ball sack which survived the 4000km trek attached to the towbar.

But as explained in the proverbs, winning isn't everything, and the crew of four Whitsunday men - Mick Murtagh, Blair Hall, Anthony Friederichs, and Blake Hall - added over $10,000 to the Endeavour Foundation's fundraising efforts from the events.

The organisation supports people with disabilities by providing specially designed houses for independent living and the local team was full of praise for the community and businesses that have helped them more than triple what they raised last year in their inaugural participation.

Today holds special significance for operator of McDowell's Panel Works, Proserpine local Mick Murtagh, as he bids farewell to panel beating and retires from an almost 45-year career just four days after returning from the rally.

And the universe had a gift for Mr Murtagh, as while he was out on the week-long rally, his eleventh grandchild, Katherine, was born last Wednesday.

"It was a long slog and hard work but it was a lot of fun,” Mr Murtagh told the Whitsunday Coast Guardian just hours after returning home.

"I'd like to thank Blair, Anthony and Blake for their efforts in getting the car ready and completing the rally without any major breakdowns.

"And a huge thank-you to all our sponsors and the community who supported us.”

With tales of hot-wiring horns to the brake pedals and stealing the signature silver ball sack from behind the car, Mr Murtagh said his favourite memory of the trip was stopping along the way at a remote school, loading students into the car and taking them for a spin while sounding their ear-piercing horn. "All the boys have committed for next year again at this stage,” he said.

The Old Bulls also bought the sole copy of the journey's video, auctioned off at the finish of the popular event, and decided to sell copies to the other participants to use the profits as a head-start on next year's fundraising efforts.