The 52nd MCC Exeter Trial

An MG in its pre-War element, top left, tackling a hairpin on the famous Fingle Bridge, the passenger contorting himself to weigh down the inside wheel for better grip. The MCC’sMotor, motorcycling members are a hardy bunch on these classic trials; over 100 braved the freezing night-time temperatures and tough daytime sections. Salters TriBSA combination and Snelgrove’s AJS bring up the rear of this queue for the start of Fingle Bridge. Contrast was provided by the smart team of Team Heron Suzuki 4 x 4 vehicles, locked into 2WD for this event. Meeks example struggles up Waterloo, below.

The driver of a 1929 M-type MG Midget, with four-speed J2 gearbox, searches for the gremlins which caused the sparks to snuff out soon after the start of Fingle Bridge, above. There were no such problems for W. A. G. Goodall, Morgan works manager and leader of the three-car Morgan Team, whose familiar Plus-Eight is shown making light work of Waterloo, right. From the vintage element, Tony Jones makes it look easy as his 30/98 Vauxhall storms throatily up Fingle Bridge, below. Made for the job, below, right, le Couteur’s always well presented, green Dellow side-valves up Fingle Bridge for the umpteenth year.