'A sight to stir the senses' - Neville Hay
The Pirelli Classic Marathon recreates the action and atmosphere of the great Alpine rallies of the past in a wonderful celebration of a Golden Era of motoring. The event brings together an amazing collection of vintage cars for an epic journey across Europe, combining speed and regularity tests, long runs through glorious scenery and gruelling climbs through mountain passes in the longest and toughest classic rally in the world.
In 1991, 130 crews from around the world gathered in London for the start of a seven-day, 2,000-mile journey through England, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Italy. The line-up featured racing legend Stirling Moss and rallying great Timo Makinen alongside the likes of Irish rally star Ronnie McCartney, MG expert Ron Gammons, John Handley, John Chatham and more. However, the real stars were the cars, and what a line-up! The field featured MGBs, Mini Coopers, Jaguars, Porsche, Aston Martin, Austin Healey, Morgan, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Mercedes and more - and all at least 25-years-old.
The crews faced tough tests on race circuits, through pretty villages and along the awesome Alpine passes, and, as the battle-scarred Austin Healey 3000 of Moss shows, some of the tests proved almost too tough for some competitors! Undoubtedly one of the must-see sequences is the speed trial up the infamous Stelvio - 48 hairpins in just eight miles - with amazing on-board footage.
Enjoy breathtaking film of vintage vehicles at speed against the backdrop of spectacular scenery, including plenty of in-car action courtesy of the likes of Flying Finn Makinen, and soak up the sounds of evocative engine notes. This is no drive in the country, this is an ultra competitive race to end which sees the crews take on gruelling routes, rain and an unbelievable night stage in the quest for glory.
Wonderful camerawork, amazing footage and the informed commentary of respected motorsport historian Neville Hay transport you to the roads of Europe to join great drivers and iconic cars for a celebration of the true spirit of motoring.