VVC Rally - Brighton 1965

VETERANS GOING STRONG!

Members of the Veteran Vespa Club from many parts of the country assembled at Tattenham Corner on Sunday, 18th July for their second annual run to Brighton. Twenty seven Vespas, none less than eleven years old but still going strong, lined up before a gathering of supporters and admirers at two-minute intervals on their journey, following the route taken by the Annual Veteran Car Run.

At the Withdean Stadium, to welcome the riders, was the Mayor of Brighton, Ald. D.S.Y. Baker, who spoke of his town’s regard for events of this nature and offered his best wishes for a successful day. More than 100 other Vespa riders had also gathered at the Stadium to see the old machines.

Following the lunch interval, the Concours d’Elegance and Concours de filth were judged. Two gymkhana events, a Slow Race and an Obstacle Course, kept the Veteran riders happy during the afternoon and fascinated the spectators who watched the activities in bright sunshine. The whole atmosphere of the afternoon was completely informal, with none of the intense competition normally seen at rallies.

Champion of the afternoon was Mr J.C. Clark of Bromley V.C. who received a very handsome trophy from the London Name Plate company. Runners-up were Ken Harris, Jet Whittle and Miss Pat Attenbury. The Brockway Trophy for the Best Lady Entrant was won by Mrs V. R. Simpson, while the Friends of Vespa Trophy was awarded to the V.C.B. General Secretary, Ian Kirkpatrick.

(Originally published in Vespa News August 1965)

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