Beaujolais Rally 2016




Richard Dix and Chris Hunt Cooke collecting their trophies. Chris says the BMW "may look modern but it will be 30 years old in April 2017". Photo

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MGBGTV8 & BMW & Awards

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MGBGTV8 with Terry Bown and Chrissy Smith

BMW 325i Sport with Chris Hunt Cooke and Richard Dix		For many years now Simon Rossiter has been running weekend regularity rallies in France, and they have a strong following. Travelling over on Saturday morning, the crews meet up, usually at an Aire on an autoroute, at about midday, rally in the afternoon and all day Sunday, the awards dinner is held on Sunday evening and the homeward crossing made on Monday morning, so for those working only one day of holiday is used. MGs are popular for the events and comprised no less than 10 out of the 33 entrants on the Beaujolais Rally this year.

Chris Hunt Cooke has used his V8 Roadster in the past but this year he was in a BMW 325i Sport, a new acquisition. MGV8 honours were upheld by Terry Bown and Chrissy Smith in their Damask Red 1972 MGBGTV8, a new acquisition to them which they are most enthusiastic about.

Two pre-war cars were taking part, a 1928 Dodge Brothers Senior Six, which is so narrow and the driver so wide that the navigator cannot sit alongside and operates from the rear seat with the front passenger seat removed. The M45 Lagonda has been in the same family from new and is now being rallied by the third generation.

At the final dinner Beaujolais Nouveau was supplied, but while this is rarely a great wine, this year was particularly poor and much of it was left. Chris Hunt Cooke and his navigator, Richard Dix, finished 3rd overall and won their class. Richard is interested in acquiring an MGBGTV8 so if any members are thinking of selling, please let Victor Smith know. The overall winner was in a Volvo, but has entered the first rally of next year in an MGB V8 Costello!