Once in a while, an iconic event is born. On May 24, 2013, just such an occasion will take place, as the first cars are flagged away from Versailles on the Paris-Madrid Rally, to mark the 110th anniversary—to the day—of the 1903 Paris-Madrid race.
H&H Classic Rallies are marking the 110th anniversary of this historic event with a classic reliability trial for Veteran and Vintage vehicles, to test the skills of each driver and navigator along with the capabilities of their cars.
Following the original route wherever practicable, the three-day, 1,300-kilometer (815-mile) event aims to reflect the society of the period, with drivers and passengers dressing in clothing appropriate for the pre-war period; a sort of “revival” on the move, with awards for originality, sartorial elegance and style, as well as for vehicle performance.
As with the original schedule, the event will be run in three legs, but the first stop will be at Angouleme (instead of Bordeaux), which delights in welcoming classic motoring events, having its own events around the ramparts. From Angouleme, teams will head south via Saint Emilion and the Pyrenees Mountains to an overnight stop at Pamplona (Vitoria on the original event), famous for its bull run. The third leg will take the less-travelled roads through Navarra and Rioja, to a hero’s welcome and the finishing flag in Madrid. The efforts and style of the crews will be rewarded with a gala dinner and prizegiving, where family and friends will also be welcome.
To reflect the by-gone days, there will be classes for two-, three- and four-wheeled petrol/steam or electric-driven vehicles in the following classes: Veteran (in two classes: up to 1905, and from 1906 to 1919). These cars can do one, two or all three days; Vintage (from 1920 to 1929);
Pre-war (from 1930 to 1940).
The entry fee includes: accommodation in a twin/double room, including breakfast, for four nights; group dinners and the gala prizegiving dinner on May 26; three lunch halts, parking, breakdown support, rally plates, road book and finishers’ medals. There will be individual and team prizes, including an all-ladies crew prize.
For further information, visit www.hhclassicrallies.com
