Classic Car Rally

Classic Car Rally

Classic Car News: The Race Is On To Be Retro

It doesn't matter if you enjoy historic motoring from the driver's seat or the comfort of an armchair, race Retro has something for every enthusiast with a classic vehicle. RaceRetro.com have reported that "over 24,000 visitors agree that Race Retro is Europe's premier historic racing show, covering classic cars and bikes from eight decades of rallying and motorsport history".

"The first dragster ever built in the UK is undergoing restoration", according to PistonHeads.com and is reported that the rally car, which is being held in the collection of the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, is apparently in "good cosmetic condition", and is being restored to running order thanks to the efforts of the "Allard Chrysler Action Group".

The Allard Chrysler, which was retired from drag racing in 1964, has fortunately been kept under cover ever since as an exhibition piece, until Brian Taylor became aware of the drag car and obtained permission for him and the rest of the Allard Chrysler Action Group to restore it.

This spectacular historic classic car has been seen by many who have attended the Silverstone Classic or Greenwood Revival events; however another chance to catch up with it is at the Race Retro event at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry this coming weekend.

The ACAG (Allard Chrysler Action Group) is still looking for funds to help with the restoration of such a legendary car, so if you want to help out you can support the worthy cause and even donate parts.

RaceRetro.com has reported that the event will help celebrate "Alfa-Romeo's centenary, the 30th anniversary of Audi Quattro and 60 years since Norton's Featherbed frame made its debut". The event will apparently have "the stars and the cars", with famous motoring legends such as Bruno Giacomelli and Barry ‘Whizzo' Williams, as well as a unique opportunity to watch some of these legends drive the cars they are synonymous with.

Also to prove how dedicated the event is to classic cars, you get preferential parking if you bring your vintage pride and joy along with you and you can tuck it away into an allocated parking area.

About the Author

If you think looking for classic car insurance is a constant race to reach the cheapest quote, then let Sureterm Direct take you to the finish line and provide you with competitive classic car insurance. Call Free on 0800 999 2030 or click here for an online quote.

Any advice on this hobby I'd like to try?

I'm going to be 18 next year, I've loved cars all my life. I was thinking about saving up and next year buying an old car pre '72 for tax exemption for restoration. I'd love to be able to fix one up and take it along to rallies and fares. My father wanted me to follow suit and get an old Land Rover like he did. But I think even on classic insurance that will be a bit expensive, yet it would be cheap to fix as the parts are everywhere. I was thinking about an old Mini.

Anybody else done this, anybody with advice on which car I should use as a project, preferable a British Classic. Must be tax exempt.
By the way I'm from the UK

I've restored several old cars - yes, it's a very satisfying hobby, but don't underestimate the size of the task you are taking on. Much, of course, depends on the condition of the vehicle when you buy it - try to find one that has a basically sound body but which needs work on the mechanics. Poor bodywork can be a nightmare when you strip it down and find there's worse than you thought!

Land Rovers are lovely and great fun, but very specialised and parts can be expensive. It's a big one for a first project.

Mini's have the advantage of being very popular with plenty of spare parts. However, I've restored one myself and found the real problem was access to the engine bay - it's so tiny you finish up with raw hands and having to buy special tools to reach into certain areas. It really was the biggest pain I ever worked on.

For a first project, can I suggest a Triumph Vitesse/Herald/Spitfire/GT6? They are all based on the same floor pan; the chassis is separate and even complete basket cases can be repaired quite easily. The body can be removed from the chasis and many body parts are simply bolted on which makes them far easier to replace.

With all of them, the entire bonnet, including front wings, folds forward for access - you can literally climb in! Which makes them brilliant to work on. The Herald would be the cheapest and simplest; next is the Vitesse (2 litre engine can be very quick!); next is the Spitfire; finally is the GT6 - fast and really great fun to drive, a real sports car.

Have fun and good luck.

Stirling & District Classic Car Rally 2008