EVENTS + NEWS + OPINION
Modena Cento Ore, 9-14 October
Running from Argentario to Emilia-Romagna, the 23rd outing for this rally took in four of Italy’s most famous circuits – Vallelunga, Modena, Mugello and Magione – featured nine special stages and covered a total distance of 959km. The participating crews represented more than 15 nations, with only 10% from the home nation of Italy. The trophies were equally well spread. The Pre-1965 Competition Class was won by Robin Ellis and Julian Thomas in their 1965 ‘Shapecraft’ Lotus Elan, while the Post-1965 Competition Class went to Seb and Steve Perez (who also scored fastest time in the Special Stages, and took that award) in a 1975 Lancia Stratos. Allan and Jacob Thom won the Index of Performance in a 1965 Lotus Cortina. Other age-related winners included Albert Otten/Frauke Feess (1939 BMW 328), Robin Ellis/Julian Thomas (1965 Lotus Elan), Timm Peter Meinrenken/Lara Schwiering (1968 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTAm), and Joseè Oliveira/Valter Rosario (1981 Ferrari 308 GTB). Karsten and Patricia Wohlenberg (1972 Porsche 911RS) took the Regularity award and Jaguar Classic collected the Regularity team trophy.
ESTORIL CLASSICS, 8-17 SEPTEMBER
Some 250 entrants and 30,000 spectators flocked to the Portuguese circuit for the Peter Auto season finale. On-track highlight was the Classic GP race for pre-1986 Formula 1 cars, which was eventually won by Soheil Ayari’s Ligier JS21 from Mark Hazell’s Williams FW08 and Martin O’Connell’s Brabham BT37.
CONCOURS D’ELEGANZA VARIGNANA 1705, 13-15 OCTOBER
The successful inaugural event at the Palazzo di Varignana in Bologna was won by Corrado Lopresto’s 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500S Berlinetta Touring.
CHATTANOOGA MOTORCAR FESTIVAL, 13-15 OCTOBER
The fourth festival featured Brian Redman’s Targa Sixty Six high-speed exhibition on the under-two-mile The Bend circuit, music from the B52s plus a concours, which was won by Lisa and Jim Hendrix’s 1935 SS1 Airline Saloon.
ARDENNEN RENNEN, 30 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER
Superb Belgian rally in only its second year.
BOC SEASON FINALE PRESCOTT, 7 OCTOBER
Alistair Dent’s Cooper Mk5, rebuilt after being found dismantled in a Pembrey barn – still with period livery, but JAP power in place of Triumph (temporarily).
ITALIAN SPEED FESTI
