03 Aug Rear-view mirror

Wendy Monk picks out some interesting historic items from FMM’s photo archives, some with a story, others without. This month, while the country is still governed by travel restrictions and some forms of motor sport events are still prohibited, we look back at an old Milligan Trial…

Keeping veteran, vintage and classic cars active is vital in preserving their health – and value – and regular participation in rallies and trials is the ideal way of achieving this. There are a number of other benefits – the social aspect, the competitive spirit and the opportunity for the general public to see in action a variety of machinery representing SA’s proud motoring heritage. One of the country’s oldest and most respected events is the Milligan Trial, organised by the EPVCC in the picturesque Eastern Cape. This event is run in memory of the late Bill Milligan, who was the founder of the vintage car movement in the Eastern Cape. The first trial was held in 1970 and is a Closed Odometer Timed Trial against a route schedule, which sets out speeds to be maintained and monitored at various checkpoints on the way. The winner will be the driver who achieves the least amount of penalties along the route.

Our photos show some of the cars that took part in the 2004 event. The 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 was the winning car, crewed by Phil and Sharon Hammond.  In second place was the 1928 Ford Model A of Neville and Sue Koch. Benjie Dell and Rob Wynne piloted the 1959 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk.3 while Johan Schultz and Peter van Rooyen teamed up in the 1958 Jaguar XK150. Bentley boys – and girl – were Tony White and David Kuyk in a 1928 4½-litre while the dynamic duo of Dave Alexander and Di Dugmore were in a 1947 Mk.6.