Club news, August 1985

The Citroen SM was always a fast car, even by today’s standards, but surely the claim of 200 mph is rather far-fetched? Not according to Citrantan, the Citroen CC’s monthly magazine, in the latest issue of which is a story by an American team of SM specialists who took a twin-turbo car to the Bonneville Speed Week last year. This is a gathering of enthusiasts from all over America who have no prizes or awards in mind but simply the satisfaction of achieving the highest speed that their particular machine, be it racer, saloon, dragster or bike, can be coaxed to over miles of Bonneville salt. Unfortunately, due to poor salt conditions and turbo problems, the team only (!) made 193 mph before rain intervened, but that is a testament to the stability and strength of a broadly standard car.

September 1st is the date to remember for all Bristol lovers, being the annual Concours d’Elegance of the Bristol Owners Club at Holdenby House, Northampton; models dating from 1947 to the present will be on show. Further details from M. J. Crawford, 9 Stamford Court, Vicar’s Cross, Chester CH3 5PP.

Next year will be the Golden Jubilee of Caernarvonshire and Anglesey Motor Club, and the club is hoping to contact exmembers in preparation for a special event in 1986 which will bring old and new members together. Co-ordinating this project is Don Mills, a Vice-President of the club, who will also be pleased to note owners of cars of 1936 and onward vintage who are interested in participating in the celebrations. He can be contacted at the Loretta Hotel, Deganwy Avenue, Llandudno, Gwynedd, tel 0492 76306.

The first International Spartan Rally is to be held this month in Holland. Several thousand of these cars have been manufactured in kit-form since 1973, with examples going to 23 different countries, and there are owners clubs in Holland and Switzerland. The rally dates are August 9th, 10th and 1 1 th, but the British DC is organising a convoy of cars meting out on the 4th and returning on the 17th for those who wish to make a long holiday of it. Further information can be obtained from the Spartan Owners Club Chairman, John Dickens, on 091-4108049.

Castle Combe Circuit has been booked by the Bristol area of the Ford RS Owners Club for a Test Day under the supervision of instructors from Castle Combo Racing School, All Ford variants under the Rallye Sport denomination are invited, and the date is August 31st. Contact Peter de Frere, 59 St David’s Road, Thornburv, Bristol, tel Thornbury 418628.