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Left to right - David and Harry Groom, Len Barr and Steve Smeltzer, Dennis and Shelia Brown

Every year since 1974 the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club have organised a commemoration Run for pre 1931 cars, of the 1903 Gordon Bennett Race that was held in Ireland

Following my successful trip to Ireland last year, I persuaded two other Vintage Standards to accompany me on the 2007 event. So in brilliant sunshine, myself and Steve Smeltzer in the 1913 Rhyl and David and Harry Groom in the 1928 Gordon England sailed from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire. Meanwhile Dennis and Sheila Brown in the 1930 Selby were sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare.

The excellent weather was to continue until our journey home, when shortly after leaving Holyhead and set out along the A5, the heavens opened.

The Rally was to begin on the Friday lunchtime with lunch, courtesy of the sponsors, held in Naas. A most excellent lunch with plenty of good wine on offer – in some respects a shame we had a drive in the afternoon! Anyway it gave the opportunity to greet some old acquaintances and make some new ones. The Rally programme gave details of the 170 cars and their drivers that had been entered for the event from all over the world.

A 40-mile drive took us south from Naas, to Tullow, Co Carlow, where the event was to be based for the next two nights. An opportunity was taken to photograph the three cars at the Gordon Bennet memorial, at The Moat of Ardscull, near to Athy.

Saturday is the main day of the Rally. We were joined for the day by an Irish based car, the 1915 model S, 9.5 H.P. owned by Jim and Noreen O’Farrell. The two Edwardian Standards decided to plot their own short route direct to lunch. Meanwhile the two Vintage Standard Nine’s set out on the long route of 100 miles.

After all cars had safely returned to base, a four-course banquet and the presentation of the awards rounded off the day.

Sunday morning saw the opportunity for a further short road run, prior to the Gordon England and Rhyl setting a course in a Northeast direction towards Dun Laoghaire. The Selby retraced its steps to Rosslare. The end of a very enjoyable event and the three cars with a combined age of 250 years never missed a beat. In spite of an oil leak on the Rhyl’s sump that required us to top up with oil every 30 miles!

Perhaps some more owners of pre 1931 Standards might be persuaded to bring their cars over next year. If so, please contact Len Barr

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Report and Photos: Len Barr

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