Colin and Anne Meyer from East London emerged as the winners of the 43rd Continental Milligan Vintage Trial, which finished on Thursday 14 June 2012 at the Fish River Sun near Port Alfred.
The fourth and final day of the sealed odometer classic rally saw the competition becoming rather intense – particularly after day three’s results were cancelled due to heavy rain. Nevertheless, with clear skies and an entertaining 160 km route for the final leg, the competitors aimed for ultimate timing precision as the teams travelled through Port Alfred, Kenton-on-Sea, Salem and Grahamstown, ultimately finishing at the historical Toposcope in Bathurst.
The winning couple, competing in a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230S, proved that consistency is key, finishing second place overall on the first two days, and securing the top spot overall on day four with an impressive tally of just 155 penalty points (or 155 seconds off the regulated times as set by the organisers, after more than 500 km of rally distance).
It is the Meyers’ second Milligan victory, having claimed the title in 2007, and their fifth time competing in this superb event. Accordingly, their names are once again etched on the prized Bill Milligan Memorial Trophy.
“We are very excited about winning the Continental Milligan Vintage Trial for the second time,” an elated Colin Meyer said. “As always, it was an amazing event that was well organised with great routes.”
Tubby Bennett and Thorsten Reese (1975 Alfa Romeo GT Junior) were the top scorers for the day four results, which allowed them to slot into second place overall in the final standings with 197 penalty points.
Rodney and Ruth Idris (1951 Morris Minor) came home third overall on 212 penalty points, followed by last year’s winners, Neville and Susan Koch (1928 Ford Model A Pickup) on 236.
The annual Continental Milligan Vintage Trial is organised and hosted by the Eastern Province Vintage Car Club (EPVCC) in Port Elizabeth, and has been proudly sponsored by Continental Tyre SA for the past 13 years.
Results – Day Four
- Tubby Bennett and Thorsten Reese (1975 Alfa Romeo GT Junior #26) – 34 penalty points
- Colin and Anne Meyer (1967 Mercedes-Benz 230S #25) – 36 penalty points
- Ken and Michael Dugmore (1947 MG TC #29) – 36 penalty points
Results – OVERALL
- Bill Milligan Memorial Trophy: Colin and Anne Meyer (1967 Mercedes-Benz 230S #25) – 155 penalty points
- EPVCC Floating Trophy: Tubby Bennett and Thorsten Reese (1975 Alfa Romeo GT Junior #26) – 197 penalty points
- EPVCC Floating Trophy: Rodney and Ruth Idris (1951 Morris Minor #11) – 212 penalty points
Colin and Anne Meyer in their 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230S
Pictured at the prize-giving: – Continental Milligan 2012 (from left-to-right): Colin Meyer, Bev van Niekerk (Continental Tyre SA), Anne Meyer and Jeff Nel (EPVCC Chairman).
Anne and Colin Meyer
