The popular annual Continental Milligan Vintage Trial which takes place from 10 to 14 June in and around the Eastern Cape is returning to its roots.
2012 represents the 43rd running of the historic Milligan, hosted annually by the Eastern Province Veteran Car Club (EPVCC). It is the 13th consecutive year with Continental Tyre SA as the title sponsor.
The first Milligan Vintage Trial was a one-day event held between Port Elizabeth East London, and took place on 22 August 1970 in memory of the late Bill Milligan, founder member of the EPVCC. The modern rendition returns to the same region this year, but it now spans five days, including a day of scrutineering and documentation, followed by four fun-filled days on the road.
“The 2012 Continental Milligan Vintage Trial will certainly be retracing its history, as the route encompasses many of the scenic roads between Port Elizabeth and East London as used in the 1970 event,” states Jeff Nel, Clerk of the Course and chief organiser of the Milligan.
“Competitors will be treated to a stunning, yet challenging route that sets out each day from the Fish River Sun near Port Alfred, and reaches as far as Nanaga just outside Port Elizabeth, as well as Grahamstown and East London.”
Indeed, the varying topography of the region will be a key factor on this classic sealed-odometer rally, with the drivers and navigators being kept on their toes due to the undulating terrain and numerous speed changes.
No less than 35 grand old vintage and veteran cars are entered for the 2012 Continental Milligan, with competitors travelling from as far afield as Cape Town, Kynsna, Durban and Johannesburg.
“The Continental Milligan Vintage Trial is always a highlight on the local motoring calendar, as it’s wonderful to see this stunning collection of classic cars taking to our roads,” says Russel Stewart, Marketing Manager of Continental Tyre SA.
“Continental Tyre is proud to once again be associated with this historical event, as it represents a true celebration of our fabulous motoring heritage. It’s fitting that this year the Milligan will travel many of the same roads used for the inaugural event in 1970, and enthusiasts young and old will no doubt be delighted to witness these beautiful Golden Oldies in action.”
The oldest cars in the field are the 1928 Ford Model A Pickup entered by last year’s winner, Neville Koch, as well as a 1928 Chevrolet National Roadster driven by Barney Marais. Some 19 marques will be represented, including Rolls-Royce, Volvo, MG, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Borgward, Humber, Morris, Austin Healey, Lancia and Jaguar.
Notably, this is the first year two GSM products have been entered, comprising the 1961 GSM Dart Mk2 and a 1964 GSM Flamingo, driven by Arno van der Westhuizen and Peanuts Fouche respectively. These charming lightweight fibreglass-bodied sports cars were produced by the Glassport Motor Company (GSM) in Cape Town between 1958 and 1964.
Some of the Milligan’s most esteemed competitors will also be present, including Piet and Poppie Coetzee from Cradock, who have remarkably taken part in all 42 previous editions. They will be competing in a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250C.
Although the oldest competitor is Ulrich Muller at 85 (driving a 1957 Borgward Isabella TS), classic rallying appeals to all ages, with 20-year-old Michael Dugmore fulfilling the navigating duties alongside his father, Ken, in a 1947 MG TC.
The winner of the Continental Milligan Vintage Trial is the team with greatest timing accuracy in maintaining the organiser’s stipulated speed and time allocations throughout each section – while competing with the odometer and speedo completely sealed.
Visible and hidden marshals are located throughout the route, verifying each competitor’s times down to the second, and allocating penalty points for being either early or late. The competitive element is given an extra twist with points being scored for questions and clues posted for each section.
Aside from the on-road action, the teams will be enjoying numerous tea stops throughout the four days, allowing them to visit each venue’s key attractions. It also enables the public and spectators to view the dazzling array of cars close-up.
The Milligan will be visiting the Nanaga Farm Stall outside Port Elizabeth on Monday 11 June, followed by the Grahamstown Golf Club on the Tuesday, East London’s Border Vintage Car Club on Wednesday and, finally, Bathurst’s popular Pig & Whistle on Thursday.
The route summary is:
- Day 1 (Monday 11 June): Fish River Sun, Port Alfred, Kenton, Alexandria, Nanaga, Grahamstown
- Day 2 (Tuesday 12 June): Fish River Sun, Port Alfred, Bathurst, Grahamstown, Salem, Kenton-on-Sea, Port Alfred
- Day 3 (Wednesday 13 June): Fish River Sun, East London
- Day 4 (Thursday 14 June): Fish River Sun, Port Alfred, Kenton, Salem, Grahamstown, Bathurst
Alan Straton
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