JULY 2017

ALPINE TRIAL

JUL

2017

Background Of The Historic Trials
 

The Alpine Trials of the 1930’s were major International events open to any ‘production’ car available to buy at an industry recognised price, ie those which could be bought new from a dealership.


Typically the event would be run over 5 consecutive days, taking in literally dozens of mountain passes such as the famous Stelvio, Pordoi and Galibier to name just a few. Scheduled, or average, speeds were set for the various engine sizes, ranging from 26mph to 28mph over a total distance of around 1000 miles. Penalties would be incurred for early or late arrivals at any time control.


For the 1932 event, ‘Aldy’ Aldington and Archie Gripper entered two specially built Frazer Nashes, both finishing with no penalty points and earning them each a coveted Coupe des Glaciers award. Only 2 other competitors - a supercharged Alfa Romeo and a supercharged Bugatti could equal this outstanding performance.

 

2017 Alpine Trial

Following the success of the 2007 event, organised by Roger Richmond and Alastair Pugh, the FNCC returned to the Alps in 2017 with even more competitors eager to put their Frazer Nashes to the test and to experience a flavour of what the original International Alpine Trials of the 1930’s were all about.

Based at the French ski resort of Valloire, participants were split into 2 groups, each headed in opposite directions on either a ‘Southern’ or ‘Northern’ Loop. After 2 days of 5am starts, participants returned to the Valloire base for a rest day before tackling their remaining Loop for the final 2 days. Overall distance covered was approximately 988 miles, visiting parts of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, and encompassing 34 passes - including four special stages, which were marshalled and timed at the start and finish, of between 6 and 10 miles each.

Trophy


A serious test of endurance and teamwork for the crews, and of reliability and versatility of the cars.

Cars and Crews

Results
Overall Results
1st Place = Peter and Luke Roberts (1950 Bristol Le Mans Rep)
2nd Place = Jon and Claire Giles (1932 FN TT Replica MV1764)
3rd Place = Tom Thornton and Andrew Blow (1937 BMW Special)

Class Results
Class 1 (Anzani-engined cars)
Winner = Mark Hallam / Chris Mathams

Class 2 (Meadows-engined cars)
Winner = Jon Giles / Claire Giles

Class 3 (6 cyclinder/postwar cars)
Winner = Peter Roberts / Luke Roberts
Winners
CLASS 2 WINNER
with owner Jan Giles