03 Oct 07
The real joy of the event was driving on the road sections between each venue where, inevitably, we'd find ourselves in a fast and flowing convoy of outstanding machinery, from Ferraris and Porsches, past Jags and Astons, to Triumphs and MGs, all driven with great verve and precision, all treating the public road with the respect it deserves while exercising their charges to the full.
The secret lay in the route maps provided by the Tour Britannia. The navigation was sometimes tricky but always worth it as the routes eschewed main roads for quiet lanes where we could enjoy ourselves without the slightest fear of indulging in anti-social behaviour. In four days on the road I didn't see a single dodgy overtaking manoeuvre nor one offended member of the public. It was motoring as I'd always hoped it would be in beautiful scenery and on open clear roads. Yes, they really still are out there.
If you can afford the entry ticket - and remember accommodation is on top - and you have both the right kind of car and the right kind of attitude I cannot recommend the Tour Britannia too highly. The cars, the people, the venues and the routes are all wonderful. If your interest is in tearing through villages at suicidal speeds and driving with no care or attention for anything or any one else as happens with some other road rallies, I suggest you stay away: you'll hate the Tour Britannia and we'll all hate you.
But if you are an appreciative enthusiast who loves and understands old cars (yours must be pre-1976), I can't imagine you're going to find a better way to spend a few days on the road next summer. On way or another, I shall be there, and I hope to see you too. If you're interested, visit www.tourbritannia.com for further information.
Feature: John Simister's Tour Britannia
Gallery: Tour Britannia
