the 2002 sliding pillar rally
15-16 june, North Wiltshire, England
More than 150 people attended this event and over 60 cars were present,
all with Lancia’s famous sliding pillar front suspension. Possibly
for the first time ever outside Italy, every model was represented. Eighteen
foreign teams came, including some from the USA and Australia.
The event was based at Marsh Farm Hotel in Wootton Basset. The theme
of the rally was the Wiltshire White Horses, a number of which were passed
along the rally route. These ancient features are cut into the chalk
landscape, visible on the grassy hillsides from afar.
On Saturday, participants who had arrived early were treated to an
English farmhouse tea, followed by a visit to the World Heritage site
of Avery
Stone Circle. A gala dinner followed at Marsh Farm Hotel.
The rally proper was started on Sunday morning by the Mayor of Wootton
Basset who gave a commemorative bone-china mug from the town to every
participant. The coffee stop was at Littlecote House Hotel in its medieval
hall. The remarkable collection of cars was parked in front of the hotel.
The next section of the rally took participants over the unspoiled
Wiltshire Downs to Lacock Abbey, village and Fox Talbot Museum, now run
by the
National Trust. Participants enjoyed a picnic lunch surrounded by their
cars in the village where numerous contacts were made.
The afternoon run led to the little village of Clyffe Pypard where
the traditional whole pig roast and barbecue took place.
Car of the Day award went to Ron Francis in his remarkable Astura
Pininfarina berlina. The runner up was Toon Van Hoorick in his
cousin Jan’s
John Charles Augusta. A special award went to Edward De Landtsheer and
partner Anne for their help with the rally brochures. The Belgian participants
made an award to Ade Rudler and Evonne Jones for organising the rally.
The whole event was blessed by clement weather and marked by an exceptionally
high level of gezelligheid throughout.
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