7 replies to this topic

[AbingdonST]

In 1971 British Leyland Special Tuning loaned or entered their 1275GT (my own SOH 956H) on the Bath Festival, the late Dave Gilbert told me he remembered the car on the event in a conversation many years ago ( 20 plus) but as with many things I failed to follow this up with him. Does anyone have a entry list or recollection of the Abingdon works car out on this event, was it a Journalist driving or ?. The car was, still is in Aqua its original production colour, it would have appeared quite standard apart from the Mag Minilites and Gp2 arches and Lucas 700's on the works bracket. Any memories?

[petom]

In 1971 British Leyland Special Tuning loaned or entered their 1275GT (my own SOH 956H) on the Bath Festival, the late Dave Gilbert told me he remembered the car on the event in a conversation many years ago ( 20 plus) but as with many things I failed to follow this up with him. Does anyone have a entry list or recollection of the Abingdon works car out on this event, was it a Journalist driving or ?. The car was, still is in Aqua its original production colour, it would have appeared quite standard apart from the Mag Minilites and Gp2 arches and Lucas 700's on the works bracket. Any memories?

Eyup Adrian,

This event was just before I started Rallying but Martin Jubb alias king Cog had something to do with the Bath Motor Club I seem to recollect. He had an interest in all things Leyland and a few works cars passed through his hands. Last I heard he was living in the USA. I did have his email address I shall search for it and if I havwe it secreted somewhere I shall pass it to you.
Regards
Tom

[Bumblyari]

I did get involved in the organisation of this rally as I think it coincided with my brief spell as Chairman of the Bath University Motor Club (the rally started from the University car park). I have a few very grainy b/w pictures of some of the entries but not, it seems, the one you are looking for, (I think I'd fallen in love with two beautifully turned out Lancia Fulvias).

It's possible however that I have some other stuff up in the loft so I'll have a look next time I venture up there.

[Tim Murray]

I did get involved in the organisation of this rally as I think it coincided with my brief spell as Chairman of the Bath University Motor Club (the rally started from the University car park).

Well I never. I would have been a very snotty-nosed new member of Bath Uni MC at the time. I do remember watching the start and then marshalling on a very early morning stage somewhere near Mere, followed by a wonderful breakfast. My memories of the competing cars, however, are very fuzzy.

[Bumblyari]

I do remember watching the start and then marshalling on a very early morning stage somewhere near Mere, followed by a wonderful breakfast.

Yes, I was there for the breakfast as well. We'd borrowed the Student Union Transit if I remember correctly.

[Tim Murray]

Ah yes. I travelled many miles in that Transit, to one activity or another. Aye, them were days.

[RS2000]

There's a moral in there somewhere along the lines of: "when organising a rally, never name it/have your permanent trophies titled as something geographic or anything else that can potentially be non-permanent".

Last time I did the Bath Festival it should probably have been re-titled the Exeter Festival to comply with the Trade Descriptions Act!

[AbingdonST]

Hello folks (and Petom)

Been on holiday this week so not checked in. Very pleased to see your input - will chase up with one or two of you this coming week. There is a chance that it may have been the Cheltenham Festival but I don't think so. Would be great if someone out there had entry lists for 1971 Bath and 1971 Cheltenham Festival rallies. I believe if I saw a name on an entry list associated with a Clubman or GT Mini I would be able to place it to my car. In the meantime many thanks for taking an interest

Ade