"The First Run" Jan 1st 2011

For the first time i have ever done it, i entered a charity car run called "The First Run" organised by Magic Of Motoring, from the home of Aston Martin's, in Newport Pagnell, to the Porsche Experience at Silverstone, then lunch / quiz/ awards at the Swan Revised Hotel in Newport Pagnell. All of this including 50 miles driving via course notes through Northamptonshire villages and country lanes. £1,600 was raised for a local charity with 48 cars taking part on a thoroughly enjoyable day.

John Safe was a very useful Co-Driver, who showed excellent navigational skills in a faultless first half drive to the checking in point at Porsche, Silverstone.

It was interesting to see so many different types of interesting cars turned up,(at this time of year), from the traditional classic through to some relatively modern, but different, cars.

In the car park afterwards, we met an "old Lancia" driver, who showed us over a 1954 model (that i had originally thought was a Wolsely !!)
It was unbelievely modern with its features fitted, including independant suspension, being fully adjustable from rock hard to comfort settings; automatic brake bleeding by one turn of a control in the engine bay;automatic oil lubrication to all steering/suspension joints that needed regular oil applications; pillarless construction with suicide rear doors opening up a huge passenger entry space. They explained that it was an expensive car when first sold, being more expensive than a Jaguar so not many were sold. Right hand drive was also standard in Italy at this time.

We had impeccable navigation to get to Silverstone (not helped of course by the fact that we were following others !!), but, we were on our own on the return journey, where fatique and tiredness! meant that both my co driver and myself made mistakes missing some of the very small road junctions. It was the classic "turn left on that road we have just passed !" , or, "i thought we would have a look up here before we rejoin the road ! "

I was still surprised to see large lumps of snow not only beside the roads in some remote villages, but, also in the fields, considering that that it has been mild and raining for the past few days. Car needs a really good clean now from the unavoidable mud that was around.

I was absolute crap (rubbish) at the motoring quiz, but, having set myself the challenge to get one question right, i did manage five correct ! Still came equal last though. My explanation is that all the other teams had more members !

Very much considering their next run on April 17th , which includes laps of the Alpine Circuit at Millbrook, and, the Porsche test track at Silverstone. Only problem is that 200 cars expected.

840 Parked next to the Aston Martin factory


Early Arrivals at AM -- immaculate DB6


Immaculate SL 230


Bentley


Lagonda


Porsche Carrera


Porsche 911

The start


Waiting for the Mayoress to flag away


Entry to Silverstone


Porsche Centre at Silverstone


Waiting for Co Driver to clock in at Porsche


Individual numbered Plagues we all had to wear


Car park at the end

The amazing 1954 V4 Lancia


Look how small that V4 double ohc cam engine is ? 11inch long !

PS    An E30 also took part , but, fitted with a Cosworth engine !

Overall, a GREAT start to the New Year's events

Could anyone enter or was by invitation only?