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Welcome to the third
running of the Classic Malts Scottish Reliability Trial, once
again enjoying the generous hospitality of United Distillers and
Vintners. The 1999 event was very special, as all those who did
it will remember for many a year. Our friends and hosts Jonathan
Driver, Martin Rawlings, Ian Crammond and their colleagues at
UDV are promising us an even more exciting and memorable social
programme in 2000.
For the first time, there is a special theme: a Journey to Talisker. This is the Isle of Skye's only distillery, producing a truly superb smoky whisky. Our waterside ceilidh, or traditional Scottish party, will once again be there, and our rest day will be on Skye, with a special programme promised.
But the "Classic Malts" is of course above all a sporting occasion. In just two years, it has established itself as Scotland’s premier classic rally. In May 1999, over 80 crews took part, more than half of them from outside the UK. 15 different nationalities were represented.
They came in cars as diverse as a 4.5 litre Le Mans Bentley, an ex-Brooklands Alvis, a historic 1959 Denzel and a Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta - although the majority were in rather less rarefied vehicles, with lots of Jaguars, Austin Healeys, Triumphs and MGs. (We were sorry not to see a few more small family saloons, though.)
All present voted the event a great success. Here’s what some of them said about it:
"What had been a good rally became a truly great one... I can honestly say I’ve never enjoyed a rally so much... the organisation was faultless, the route and schedule couldn’t have been better, the hospitality (was) exceptional." Malcolm McKay (Triumph TR2), writing in Classic Cars; he also called it "the best organised event in which I have ever had the good fortune to take part"
"This is to tell you that we enjoyed very much the Scottish Classic Malts 1999 - it was a stunning experience! All my compliments for the perfect organisation, like a SWISS watch - every thing was just PERFECT!!! Many thanks to your staff - all were so kind and friendly!" Federico Schoellhammer (Rolls Royce Silver Cloud)
"One of the most enjoyable events I have done for a long time." Colin Francis (Austin A90)
"Such a wonderful event... a spectacular route with a varied selection of tests at magnificent venues... (ran) like a well oiled clock." Jayne Wignall (Sunbeam Tiger)
"The very best event (I have) ever taken part in." Christine Laidlaw (Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta)
| Click here
to sample some previous Classic Malts action. (approx 2.5Mb, requires Quicktime 3 or better to view) |
1999 was such an acclaimed success that we are keeping closely to the same formula: a genuine competitive rally, but one which is not too hard on precious cars; an event which can be confidently tackled by complete novices but which offers an enjoyable challenge to most experts; not a mere tour, but still a chance to see some of Scotland’s finest sights.
The main innovation for 2000 is
that we are for the first time including a Post-Historic category,
for vehicles made from 1968 to 1974. We have found some super new test venues,
and we are going even further north than before.
You can also expect a lot of the old favourites, including such great test venues as Knockhill, Rest and Be Thankful, Kenknock and Little Ferry; historic sites like Blair Castle and Inveraray Castle; and such scenic regularities and road sections as the Loch Ness Monster and the Applecross loop.
And, of course, we will be visiting a least one traditional distillery every day!
See you there.
For some background information on the Scottish Malts try here
Last modified 3 February 2000