VSCC Cotswold Trial

More than 100 pre-war cars take on one of the Vintage Sports Car Club’s toughest events, but not all succeed…

This event may not be the Vintage Sports Car Club’s season-closer – that honour went to the Winter Driving Tests, held at Bicester Heritage last weekend – but it brought together more than 100 pre-war cars for one of the club’s toughest outings.

The Cotswold Trial dates back to 1937, and heavy rain on the morning of this year’s event made the going slippery for the early competitors. By mid-afternoon the incessant drizzle and relentless churn of skinny tyres had created deep boggy pits, creating a war of attrition between the mud and the machines.

For the uninitiated, the rules of a car trial are simple – competitors climb a number of set routes up muddy hills. With no timer, points are awarded according to how far each car travels. All competitors must also carry passengers, called ‘ bouncers’, who navigate and aid grip by spectacularly bouncing up and down in the car.

Styles of attacking the swamp-like terrain varied; some drivers went hell-for-leather, leaving a towering geyser of sludge in their wake, while others took a more measured approach, hoping to sneak up the hill untroubled by the deepening mire.

Yet despite the difficult conditions, each hill was tackled with gusto and good cheer; beaming smiles from beneath soggy bobble hats, illuminated the winter gloom. Special mention must also go to the marshals, who remained stoic and upbeat despite slowly sinking into the Gloucestershire landscape.

Andrew Tarring, Non- Speed Secretary of the Vintage SportsCar Club says: ‘The weather was a challenge for the organisers, who excelled themselves in keeping the event running. However, the competitors loved the muddy conditions!’ PHOTOGRAPHY Reverendpixel

Dennis Bingham’s 1930 Ford Model A kicks up the leaves on the way to a very creditable second place finish in the Long Wheelbase Standard Cars class.

The role of the ‘bouncers’ is perfectly illustrated here, as a carload of enthusiastic jack-in-the-boxes help Edward Williams’ 1939 Morris Major to traverse Sue’s Sidestep. Austin Sevens were well represented at the event, with Matt Price’s 1930 Ulster...

Jon Fleming’s 1928 Austin Seven Ulster Trials slithers its way up an extremely treacherous Nigel’s Navigation.

The Harold Powell Cup for overall winner went to William McVicker in his 1927 Austin Seven Chummy, scoring 364 out of 385 points.

The 1087cc of Ben Shepperd’s 1929 Riley Nine Tourer struggles to make an impact on a quagmire-like Ettore’s Exit.