Classic Safari Rally sets off in style

The Endurance Rally Association’s Classic Safari Challenge - the African epic - is underway. The 24-day journey is 5000 miles long and explores Southern Africa.  The ERA reckons tha the Classic Safari is the most ‘social’ of all its rallies, but it's still tough going over 5000 miles of extremely challenging terrain.

Taking an early lead in the Classic section was the red and white ex-London to Sydney 1968 Austin 1800 (above) of Bill Cleyndert and Jacqui Norman, which romped over the dirt with the engine screaming its nuts off due to its ultra-low gearing. It just beat the replica 1964 Monte Carlo Ford Falcon GT, a rare car not seen before on an ERA event, into second place.

In the Vintageant section, Bruce and Judy Washington lead in their 1937 Dodge Coupe D5, just beating Peter Lambert and Linda Lotriet in their 1934 Lagonda M45. Two British teams boast the oldest cars in the competition – a 1928 Crossley 15-7 Silver Tourer, belonging to Andrew and Gina Long, and a 1928 Bentley 4.5 Tourer driven by Keith and Norah Ashworth.

In the Classic division, there’s a mix of marques, ranging from a 1949 Willys Overland Jeepster and 1954 jaguar XK120 DHC, to a 1973 MGB and a 1980 Holden Commodore. The competition will continue across the roof of Africa to the mighty Drakensberg mountains, where the iconic Zulu was filmed, and on through the battle sites of the Zulu Wars and into Swaziland. Stay tuned for regular updates - we'll keep a track on the rally as it progresses.

For more information and for up to date results, visit the ERA's website.