THIS was the 50th Anniversary for the MCC to run this Lands End. This year for the first time it was commercially sponsored. by ”The Field”
The MCC trials are long distance Classics and this one concentrates mainly on stages throughout North Devon & Cornwall. But, before the rough, an overnight run from the three starting points from the three starting points to Central Control at Bridgwater.
For us and four other Torbay members the start was Lewdown; first away being Jim Hutchings in his 1937 Austin 7, second Herman Granger driving Austin 1300 FWD, third me NSU 110, fourth Sid Davey (Simca) then further down the list Jerry Smith in his Cocper S.
Whilst we trundle to Bridgwater via Bridport, others arrive from Kenilworth and Heston. -What a sight! just outside Bridewater towards Taunton nearly 350 vehicles ranging from 90cc Scooters to 3.5 litre Morgans, from cars of 920 vintage to 1970; such sights as a 1927 Trojan or 1930 Alvis, specials of all types, e.g. Morris Minor Van “But what’s this no engine? Oh, it’s in the back, this being Volkswagen powered”
From Bridgwater to Minehead for breakfast and freshen up, natural sea air, and wash and brush-up. Timed out, Minehead, in daylight. Along via Porlock and Lynmouth to ‘Beggars Roost’ where you are greeted by long faces and the sound of air being released from tyres. We had a look and also modified our tyres pressures. “It’ll soon be our turn” said Luke (my navigator). I was more interested in seeing what machinery had failed the hill. Out of over 200 cars only 40 cleared Beggars Roost. By luck, more than judgement, we were one of them.
For those who failed, the next 48 mies to ‘Orange’ made up for all losses. This included some of the most beautiful scenery in the county running across the north of Exmoor.d
Orange was cleared by most, the most spectacular being the front wheel drive boys with all weight and passengers practically pushing the front screen out.
Sutcombe was next a very wet, stoney, up-hill lane and cleared by most. Then to Darracott where our Mr. J. Smith thought it was a timed section in the RAC or something…..Dust is still flying!
After Darracott the rear-engine and sports car class had an extra section, this being Cutliffe Lane – a very steep, grassy, wooded lane and only cleaned by a few rear engine cars. Next was ‘Cheristow’ where I believe the very unfortunate Jerry came to rest. (Jerry and my Senior are now trying to fit a tractor gearbox to a Mini). At last lunch at the Widemouth Manor Hotel, and very good too.
Crackington was supposed to be next, but due to over-enthusiastic locals it became impassable. So on to Warleggan – an uphill loose shale type of lane, and cleared by most, except those who were too eager at the start and dug themselves in the shale.
The sun started to shine as we motored across Cornwall to Perranporth and on to the last section, Bluehills Mine where we were greeted by a long, queue of competitors. Gradually getting closer we could see the dreaded hill – a very loose, stoney cliff path, with potholes nearly down to the beach. Away went Jim in his Austin 7, churning steadily up over. Next to start was Dad in the 1300. Alas, half way up he caught Jerry’ s disease (reason for tractor gearbox to Mini). Then it was our turn and luck again was on our side (this I really mean). Last of our bunch now being Sid Davey who made a splendid clean climb.
Well, back to Newquay, sign off………and await results.
reported by Brian Granger 1970
