The Flying Scotsman is the only long distance rally purely for Vintage cars, and is a press on regardless style of event. The Rally is named after the famous train that in the 1920’s started the first non-stop London to Edinburgh service. The 2013 event started in Hertfordshire, near London and finished 3 days later at the Gleneagles Hotel just north of Edinburgh in Scotland. The event is a reliability trail with some timed-to-the-second stages, off road, to add to the competition.
With around 100 cars taking part, all manufactured before 1941, there was a great mix of vehicles taking part. The Pioneer class for Pre 1920 type cars was won by Robert Abrey and Brad Webb driving the number 33 Chalmers 10. The majority of entries were in the Vintageant Class for Pre 1941 type cars. This class was won by Gareth Burnett and Jeremy Haylock driving the number 28 Talbot 105 Alpine from the number 39 Bentley 3-4 ½ of Sue Shoosmith and Trina Harley, who were also class winners of class 6. Third overall went to David Thomson and Gareth Holding in another Talbot 105 Alpine number 35.
This 5th running of the event proved to be a great hit with competitors, with quiet a few foreign crews coming over to Great Britain to take part. One crew who finished 7th overall were Olaf Pothoven and Rob van den Berg driving Number 22 Bentley Derby Special.
by Simon and Janet Wright
