DAYS
The 2nd Alpine Trial 2015
6th - 9th September 2015
The 2nd Alpine Trial 2015 – The Alpine rally for pre-war Vintage Cars
The 2nd Alpine Trial was again based in Annecy for three days of rallying over what the magazines described as the finest driving roads in Europe. The Participants met up for pre-start formalities on Sunday, September 6th, before driving three days of fabulous Alpine roads, finishing on Wednesday September 9th. The move to a September date combined with Keith Baud’s carefully chosen route and mid week rally days made for fine driving on quiet roads…. wonderful weather made the whole experience even better.
Click the links below to see what the motoring press said about the 1st Alpine Trial.
Read the Classic & Sports Car article
Read the Octane article
We are again going to base ourselves in the Imperial Hotel overlooking Lake Annecy. Our first recce-team has just returned and we are assured of a number of improvements by the hotel management… with the mid-week finish-date meaning that we can use the grand ballroom for our gala prize-giving dinner so we dine altogether in the hotel. Last time, we drank the bar dry – the hotel running out of beer! We have been assured this time various upgrades will ensure the hotel is better prepared and able to provide better service.
Keith Baud is again our route-maestro and he is hard at work on the maps. Keith worked with us on the Monte Carlo Challenge and Classic Marathons, in at the birth of historic rallying – nobody has more experience of creating brilliant rallying in France.
Three days of glorious Vintageant motoring lie ahead.
Contact the Rally Office on [email protected] for more.
The 2nd Alpine Trial 2015 – Participants
Updated 28th August 2015
Num | Participants | Motorcar | Engine size |
Vintageant (pre ’41) up to 1500cc | |||
6 | Brad Mottier(USA) / Barry Mottier(USA) | 1936 – Riley Bigley Special | 1498 |
7 | Alan Beardshaw(GB) / Tina Beardshaw(GB) | 1934 – MG K3 | 1271 |
11 | Richard Cunningham(GB) / Rory Cunningham(GB) | 1937 – Riley 12/4 | 1500 |
16 | Clint Smith(GB) / Brad Smith(GB) | 1933 – MG K3 | 1086 |
17 | Michael Kershaw(GB) / Marlies Kershaw(GB) | 1947 – HRG 1500 | 1497 |
23 | Phillip Haslam(GB) / Yvonne Haslam(GB) | 1933 – Aston Martin Le Mans | 1496 |
30 | Robert Kieffer(LU) / Michele Thiry(LU) | 1935 – Riley 12/4 Special | 1496 |
31 | Bernd Dannenmaier(D) / Christiane Dannenmaier(D) | 1935 – Riley Sprite Prototype | 1496 |
37 | Peter Kappeler(F) / Gary Gwerder(CH) | 1935 – Fiat 508 MM | 995 |
38 | Richard Joseph(GB) / Antony Joseph(GB) | 1930 – Austin 7 Ulster | 750 |
Vintageant (pre ’41) up to 2000cc | |||
4 | Peter Lovett(GB) / Zoe Lovett(GB) | 1937 – Frazer Nash BMW 328 | 1991 |
9 | Peter Kite(GB) / Terry Thorp(GB) | 1934 – Frazer Nash TT REP | 1997 |
27 | Tony Mather(GB) / Pauline Mather(GB) | 1937 – Citroen Traction Avant | 1911 |
36 | Simon Skelding(GB) / Judy Douglas-Boyd(GB) | 1938 – AC 16/80 Sports | 1991 |
Vintageant (pre ’41) up to 3000cc | |||
1 | Bill Ainscough(GB) / Jason Dearden(GB) | 1931 – Alfa Romeo 8C Zagato | 2300 |
3 | Richard Jeffcoate(GB) / Tom Jeffcoate(GB) | 1938 – Riley 16/4 Special | 2400 |
21 | Michael Joseph(GB) / Philip Joseph(GB) | 1934 – Alvis Speed 20 | 2500 |
29 | Robert Frankcom(GB) / Julia Frankcom(GB) | 1933 – Talbot 105 Alpine | 3000 |
42 | Dominic Manser(GB) / Jack Manser(GB) | 1924 – Bentley 3L Speed Model | 3000 |
48 | Andrew Boland(IRL) / Ann Boland(IRL) | 1934 – Talbot Roche 105 | 2998 |
Vintageant (pre ’41) up to 4000cc | |||
5 | Bill Cleyndert(GB) / Matthew Abrey(GB) | 1928 – Ford Model A | 3286 |
8 | John Whitelock(GB) / Dyl Thomas(GB) | 1938 – Ford Coupe | 3700 |
12 | Martin Aaldering(NL) / Josephine Aaldering(NL) | 1937 – Alvis Speed 25 | 3498 |
34 | Keith Wickham(GB) / Brian Spearman(GB) | 1924 – Rolls Royce Boat Tail Roadster | 3200 |
35 | Bob Compiet(NL) / Minouche den Doelder(NL) | 1936 – Alvis Special 3.5ltr | 3500 |
46 | Peter Weigelt(CH) / Vroni Weigelt(CH) | 1935 – Bentley Derby 3½ | 3500 |
47 | Philip Lindsten(SE) / Paola Galletti(I) | 1939 – Chevrolet Master Deluxe | 4000 |
Vintageant (pre ’41) over 4000cc | |||
2 | Paul Gregory(GB) / Katherine Gregory(GB) | 1936 – Invicta S Type | 4500 |
10 | Ian Fyfe(GB) / William Fountain(GB) | 1936 – Alvis 4.3 Tourer | 4387 |
14 | James Gately(USA) / Tony Brooks(GB) | 1937 – Cadillac 60 Series Coupe | 5670 |
15 | David Little(GB) / Julia Little(GB) | 1927 – Bentley 3-4½ | 4497 |
18 | Jan Roosenburg(USA) / Johan Hora Siccama(NL) | 1936 – Railton Fairmile II DHC | 4200 |
19 | Richard Nicholl(GB) / Neil Lawson-May(GB) | 1936 – Buick Series 40 Roadster | 4467 |
20 | Roy Hatfield(GB) / Grant Hatfield(GB) | 1924 – Bentley 3-4½ | 4497 |
24 | Mike Thompson(GB) / Julian Riley(GB) | 1926 – Bentley Super Sports | 4500 |
26 | Martin Egli(CH) / Anne Egli(CH) | 1933 – Lagonda M45 | 4453 |
33 | Chris Abrey(GB) / Sara Banham(GB) | 1937 – Lagonda LG45 | 4553 |
39 | Francis Galashan(GB) / Cosmo Galashan(GB) | 1938 – Alvis 4.3 Tourer | 4387 |
41 | Alan Brown(GB) / Suzy Black(GB) | 1931 – Invicta Low Chassis ‘S’ | 4457 |
45 | Chris Moss(GB) / Paul Sharp(GB) | 1924 – Bentley 3-4½ | 4497 |
49 | Lieven van Hoylandt(B) / Dirk van de Velde(B) | 1922 – Bentley 3-4½ | 4500 |
50 | Beat Hirs(CH) / Elisabeth Hirs(CH) | 1930 – Rolls Royce Phantom II | 7663 |
The 2nd Alpine Trial 2015 – Route Outline
With the exception of a brief foray over the border into France on Day Two, the whole of this years Alpine Trial takes place in one of the least known countries of the world – The Kingdom of Savoy. Yes, I know the French regard the Alps as theirs, but ask any patriotic Savoyard and they will tell you the vote was rigged when the decision was taken to join their larger neighbour in April 1860.
The event itself is divided into three distinct daily “loops”, each one designed to give you the full flavour of this beautiful and spectacular region of France (sorry -Savoie). Where possible we have tried to include enough time in the schedule to allow at least one short halt morning and afternoon, plus lunch. All of these are in small traditional village establishments which we feel helps add to the period character of the event, as well as giving welcome trade to many of these remote mountain communities.
Day 1: Monday 7 September – Massif de Bauges and Massif de la Vanoise – 316km
Today we head south, firstly over Semnoz, the 1600m high ridge that dominates the west side of Lac d’Annecy, and then deep into the lanes of the Massif de Bauges. After a dizzying descent into the valley of the Isere, a welcome morning coffee break awaits before an Alpine section through the lanes of the Chaine des Hurtieres.
An easy run towards the Italian border brings you to one of “finds” of the event – a near vertical “staircase” of 17 hairpins to rival anything in Europe. Relatively unknown until recently, this dramatic road takes you through a string of Alpine villages and over a remote mountain pass to lunch at the highest point on the event, the 2000m high Col de la Madeleine.
After lunch, the route descends into the dramatic Tarentaise valley before turning north to the Olympic town of Albertville and further sections through the Alpine pastures of the Beaufort Valley. Afternoon “tea” will be taken at a lakeside café before the final sections of the afternoon in the foothills of the Chaine des Aravis and the home run alongside the blue waters of the Lac d’Annecy
Day 2: Tuesday 8 September – Jura and Cotes du Rhone – 270km
Today we head west out of Annecy, into the pre-Alps bordering the Rhone valley.
The first 20km or is through the country lanes of the Albanais, an area of pleasant rolling farmland once famous for tobacco growing. After continuing west you eventually come within sight of the Rhone valley, with the southernmost ridge of the Jura mountains rising like a great wall on the far side. Once on the western bank of the river, the road climbs through vineyards to morning coffee on the infamous Col de la Biche.
By Alpine standards, the Jura Mountains aren’t particularly high or spectacular, but they hide a maze of lanes ideal for rallying through the forests that gave them their name. Navigators will have their work cut out today. The morning ends with a climb of the Grand Colombier, with its amazing views stretching from Lake Geneva to the north, Lac de Bourget to the south, and Mont Blanc smack ahead as you crest the top. After re-crossing the Rhone into Savoie, lunch is taken at possibly the most stunning location I have ever seen in the Alps.
Because we are giving you this evening off to enjoy Annecy at your leisure, we are keeping the afternoon relatively short with just two testing regularities over some little known cols before the run back into town.
Day 3: Wednesday 9 September – Bisanne and Chaine de Aravis – 264km
The massive snow-clad peak of Mont Blanc will be your constant companion today as you explore nearly every mountain road at its feet.
To start you will climb high above Lac d’Annecy before continuing south over a relatively easy “col” into the Arly valley. However, the next climb to morning coffee at a remote mountain refuge right under the towering peaks of the Chaine de Aravis will definitely test your engines! From the top you will get your first view of the day of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, before starting the long descent back into the valley below. After another stiff climb, the next Alpine section to the ski resort of Les Saises will test all of your skills before a long, but very scenic, road section over the Col des Aravis brings you to lunch at a roadside restaurant.
The afternoon kicks off straight out of lunch with a hilly regularity, before the driver has a chance to try his skills on a special test. A final regularity up a little used mountain climb brings you to the afternoon tea halt in a mountain lodge high on a hidden plateau. After a short run on gravel roads across the plateau, a final section through gentle lanes brings you back to the shores of Lac d’Annecy for the ceremonial finish.
Overall Results
Num | Crew Car |
Day Total |
Overall Total |
Overall Pos’n |
Cls pos /Cls |
Alpine Cup |
9 | Peter Kite / Terry Thorp Frazer Nash TT REP |
0:04:04 | 0:08:28 | 1 | 1/c2 | – |
14 | James Gately / Tony Brooks Cadillac 60 Series Coupe |
0:03:44 | 0:08:52 | 2 | 1/c5 | – |
24 | Mike Thompson / Julian Riley Bentley Super Sports |
0:03:57 | 0:09:00 | 3 | 2/c5 | – |
12 | Martin Aaldering / Josephine Aaldering Alvis Speed 25 |
0:04:55 | 0:10:28 | 4 | 1/c4 | – |
3 | Richard Jeffcoate / Tom Jeffcoate Riley 16/4 Special |
0:05:00 | 0:14:22 | 5 | 1/c3 | – |
16 | Clint Smith / Brad Smith MG K3 |
0:03:58 | 0:14:34 | 6 | 1/c1 | – |
5 | Bill Cleyndert / Matthew Abrey Ford Model A |
0:04:43 | 0:15:18 | 7 | 2/c4 | – |
42 | Dominic Manser / Jack Manser Bentley 3L Speed Model |
0:06:18 | 0:22:18 | 8 | 2/c3 | – |
50 | Beat Hirs / Elisabeth Hirs Rolls Royce Phantom II |
0:06:32 | 0:25:31 | 9 | 3/c5 | – |
23 | Phillip Haslam / Yvonne Haslam Aston Martin Le Mans |
0:08:05 | 0:25:49 | 10 | 2/c1 | – |
41 | Alan Brown / Suzy Black Invicta Low Chassis ‘S’ |
0:05:18 | 0:26:46 | 11 | 4/c5 | – |
15 | David Little / Julia Little Bentley 3-4½ |
0:17:04 | 0:28:33 | 12 | 5/c5 | – |
27 | Tony Mather / Pauline Mather Citroen Traction Avant |
0:06:19 | 0:28:43 | 13 | 2/c2 | – |
2 | Paul Gregory / Katherine Gregory Invicta S Type |
0:06:44 | 0:31:36 | 14 | 6/c5 | – |
45 | Chris Moss / Paul Sharp Bentley 3-4½ |
0:07:30 | 0:31:51 | 15 | 7/c5 | – |
39 | Francis Galashan / Cosmo Galashan Alvis 4.3 Tourer |
0:06:44 | 0:31:58 | 16 | 8/c5 | – |
26 | Martin Egli / Anne Egli Lagonda M45 |
0:08:52 | 0:32:05 | 17 | 9/c5 | – |
34 | Keith Wickham / Brian Spearman Rolls Royce Boat Tail Roadster |
0:11:19 | 0:45:42 | 18 | 3/c4 | – |
49 | Lieven van Hoylandt / Dirk van de Velde Bentley 3-4½ |
0:05:13 | 0:48:32 | 19 | 10/c5 | – |
38 | Richard Joseph / Antony Joseph Austin 7 Ulster |
0:39:46 | 0:51:47 | 20 | 3/c1 | – |
33 | Chris Abrey / Sara Banham Lagonda LG45 |
0:04:20 | 0:52:58 | 21 | 11/c5 | – |
4 | Peter Lovett / Zoe Lovett Frazer Nash BMW 328 |
0:09:04 | 0:59:48 | 22 | 3/c2 | – |
20 | Roy Hatfield / Grant Hatfield Bentley 3-4½ |
0:07:12 | 1:05:52 | 23 | 12/c5 | – |
6 | Brad Mottier / Barry Mottier Riley Bigley Special |
0:08:23 | 1:06:39 | 24 | 4/c1 | – |
11 | Richard Cunningham / Rory Cunningham Riley 12/4 |
0:05:04 | 1:09:14 | 25 | 5/c1 | – |
31 | Bernd Dannenmaier / Christiane Dannenmaier Riley Sprite Prototype |
0:06:39 | 1:15:02 | 26 | 6/c1 | – |
30 | Robert Kieffer / Michele Thiry Riley 12/4 Special |
0:11:47 | 1:33:39 | 27 | 7/c1 | – |
7 | Alan Beardshaw / Tina Beardshaw MG K3 |
0:07:14 | 1:40:20 | 28 | 8/c1 | – |
19 | Richard Nicholl / Neil Lawson-May Buick Series 40 Roadster |
0:16:26 | 1:56:23 | 29 | 13/c5 | – |
47 | Philip Lindsten / Paola Galletti Chevrolet Master Deluxe |
0:18:50 | 1:58:13 | 30 | 4/c4 | – |
35 | Bob Compiet / Minouche den Doelder Alvis Special 3.5ltr |
0:10:56 | 2:32:16 | 31 | 5/c4 | – |
10 | Ian Fyfe / William Fountain Alvis 4.3 Tourer |
0:10:00 | 3:24:22 | 32 | 14/c5 | – |
17 | Michael Kershaw / Marlies Kershaw HRG 1500 |
1:13:06 | 3:58:25 | 33 | 9/c1 | – |
21 | Michael Joseph / Philip Joseph Alvis Speed 20 |
3:04:00 | 5:05:24 | 34 | 3/c3 | – |
36 | Simon Skelding / Judy Douglas-Boyd AC 16/80 Sports |
3:03:25 | 5:42:44 | 35 | 4/c2 | – |
46 | Peter Weigelt / Vroni Weigelt Bentley Derby 3½ |
3:12:15 | 9:46:37 | 36 | 6/c4 | – |
29 | Robert Frankcom / Julia Frankcom Talbot 105 Alpine |
O.T.L. | Retired | ~ | – | |
18 | Jan Roosenburg / Johan Hora Siccama Railton Fairmile II DHC |
O.T.L. | Retired | ~ | – | |
37 | Peter Kappeler / Gary Gwerder Fiat 508 MM |
O.T.L. | N.L.C. | ~ | – |