How can we describe the event happening next weekend? The name - Vintage Revival Vintage Revival Montlhéry 2017. The place - Montlhéry Autodrome, 15 miles south of Paris. The people? Well, let me tell you a story. This event was the brain child of the late great Jacques Potherat , Cyclecariste Extraordinaire, whose grandfather was Henri Devaux ( the De in Bedelia). Devaux and his friend Robert Bourbeau built the first Bedelia Cyclecar ( see top picture) from the remains of their motorcycle and trailer after crashing into a lamp post one night in 1909.Everybody loading a trailer with their choice of crazy machinery will have the same Potherat blood flowing through their veins laced with passion and petrol, all heading for a weekend of fun and friends as they blast around the banked track as fast as they dare.
Did I say trailer? Whoops - my bad. For this year will see large numbers of GN and Frazer Nash cars being driven there from UK to enjoy being the celebrated marques, along with Delage to mark the anniversary of the 1927 Grand Prix.
There will also be a chance to see rare ABC motorcycles and cars up close as they too are invited as a celebrated marque.
A photographer's paradise as you are permitted to wander amongst the cars and motorcycles under the watchful eye of friendly marshals. Where else are you likely to find a super-rare 1920 Hinstin and then 50 yards away in the autojumble section, a complete Hinstin engine and gearbox,
and then at a nearby stall a radiator and bonnet !
More time amongst the autojumble would surely have unearthed a chassis and axles??
Seeing the assembled Brescia Bugattis reminded me of the nursery rhyme.....Mary, Mary, quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockleshells
And pretty maids all in a row.
A selection of Salmsons spent the weekend camping with their pretty bottoms sticking out of their tent to enjoy the French sunshine.
The Voisins were there too but they forgot their tent.
More pictures can be found from different cameras HERE and if you would like to join me on the fearsome 8.2 litre Curtiss-powered Mors around the banked track, hang on tight and click HERE.
Text & pictures Robin Batchelor.