I did the Gumball Rally in 2005 but whilst I loved the driving and the locations the ego’s and attitudes in the bars in the evening left me a little underwhelmed - I thought this might be more my level!
I ll be honest the Gumball has got far FAR worse in the past 3-4 years, I get invited every year to take part and wouldnt even contemplate it again. The driving aspects were fun, and it was at least an experience, but the hedonistic approach to wealth etc was probably exactly what you think and a real turn off…but hey ho.
My real dream is the Mille Miglia - i went halves with my father a few years ago and brought an age appropriate Austin Healey 100/4 and we have applied a few times without success.
In the meantime a banger rally could be the perfect!
Ah yes Mille Miglia done that 10 or 11 times …
The ex owner of our German company got entries with a friend of his and we played back up …
You really need a “friend” on the inside and an intersting car … if you have any chance of getting in though.
The black Healey that we use sometimes, see below did the run one year as its eligable, 100-6 1953 I think … A Dutch friend ownes it now, great to drive that past some more modern stuff !
I’ve driven the C type as well … fabulous and proper rapid … Also taken the MGB owned by same Dutch guy, which has a 2L engine and Sierra gearbox and really flies … if not quite as exotic …
Is great when the weather is good and quite fun when its raining or snowing as the aeroscreens offers zero protection !
Full rainsuit, goggles and faith in 50 year old technology required !!
Brilliant, thanks Andy - a visit to the Mille is def on my things I must do list in the next couple of years - its great to see those priceless cars actually being used