{"id":10921,"date":"2012-05-31T10:28:13","date_gmt":"2012-05-31T08:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/05\/its-back-to-my-roots-for-43rd-continental-milligan-vintage-trial\/"},"modified":"2012-05-31T10:28:13","modified_gmt":"2012-05-31T08:28:13","slug":"its-back-to-my-roots-for-43rd-continental-milligan-vintage-trial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/its-back-to-my-roots-for-43rd-continental-milligan-vintage-trial\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Back to My Roots for 43rd Continental Milligan Vintage Trial"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The popular annual Continental Milligan Vintage Trial which takes place from 10 to 14 June in and around the Eastern Cape is returning to its roots.<\/p>\n

2012 represents the 43rd running of the historic Milligan, hosted annually by the Eastern Province Veteran Car Club (EPVCC<\/a>). It is the 13th consecutive year with Continental Tyre<\/a> SA as the title sponsor.<\/p>\n

The first Milligan Vintage Trial was a one-day event held between Port Elizabeth East London, and took place on 22 August 1970 in memory of the late Bill Milligan, founder member of the EPVCC. The modern rendition returns to the same region this year, but it now spans five days, including a day of scrutineering and documentation, followed by four fun-filled days on the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 2012 Continental Milligan Vintage Trial will certainly be retracing its history, as the route encompasses many of the scenic roads between Port Elizabeth and East London as used in the 1970 event,\u201d states Jeff Nel, Clerk of the Course and chief organiser of the Milligan.<\/p>\n

\u201cCompetitors will be treated to a stunning, yet challenging route that sets out each day from the Fish River Sun near Port Alfred, and reaches as far as Nanaga just outside Port Elizabeth, as well as Grahamstown and East London.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed, the varying topography of the region will be a key factor on this classic sealed-odometer rally, with the drivers and navigators being kept on their toes due to the undulating terrain and numerous speed changes.<\/p>\n

No less than 35 grand old vintage and veteran cars are entered for the 2012 Continental Milligan, with competitors travelling from as far afield as Cape Town<\/a>, Kynsna, Durban and Johannesburg.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Continental Milligan Vintage Trial is always a highlight on the local motoring calendar, as it\u2019s wonderful to see this stunning collection of classic cars taking to our roads,\u201d says Russel Stewart, Marketing Manager of Continental Tyre<\/a> SA.<\/p>\n

\u201cContinental Tyre is proud to once again be associated with this historical event, as it represents a true celebration of our fabulous motoring heritage. It\u2019s fitting that this year the Milligan will travel many of the same roads used for the inaugural event in 1970, and enthusiasts young and old will no doubt be delighted to witness these beautiful Golden Oldies in action.\u201d<\/p>\n

The oldest cars in the field are the 1928 Ford Model A Pickup entered by last year\u2019s winner, Neville Koch, as well as a 1928 Chevrolet National Roadster driven by Barney Marais. Some 19 marques will be represented, including Rolls-Royce, Volvo, MG, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Borgward, Humber, Morris, Austin Healey, Lancia and Jaguar.<\/p>\n

Notably, this is the first year two GSM products have been entered, comprising the 1961 GSM Dart Mk2 and a 1964 GSM Flamingo, driven by Arno van der Westhuizen and Peanuts Fouche respectively. These charming lightweight fibreglass-bodied sports cars were produced by the Glassport Motor Company (GSM) in Cape Town<\/a> between 1958 and 1964.<\/p>\n

Some of the Milligan\u2019s most esteemed competitors will also be present, including Piet and Poppie Coetzee from Cradock, who have remarkably taken part in all 42 previous editions. They will be competing in a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250C.<\/p>\n

Although the oldest competitor is Ulrich Muller at 85 (driving a 1957 Borgward Isabella TS), classic rallying appeals to all ages, with 20-year-old Michael Dugmore fulfilling the navigating duties alongside his father, Ken, in a 1947 MG TC.<\/p>\n

The winner of the Continental Milligan Vintage Trial is the team with greatest timing accuracy in maintaining the organiser\u2019s stipulated speed and time allocations throughout each section \u2013 while competing with the odometer and speedo completely sealed.<\/p>\n

Visible and hidden marshals are located throughout the route, verifying each competitor\u2019s times down to the second, and allocating penalty points for being either early or late. The competitive element is given an extra twist with points being scored for questions and clues posted for each section.<\/p>\n

Aside from the on-road action, the teams will be enjoying numerous tea stops throughout the four days, allowing them to visit each venue\u2019s key attractions. It also enables the public and spectators to view the dazzling array of cars close-up.<\/p>\n

The Milligan will be visiting the Nanaga Farm Stall outside Port Elizabeth on Monday 11 June, followed by the Grahamstown Golf Club on the Tuesday, East London\u2019s Border Vintage Car Club on Wednesday and, finally, Bathurst\u2019s popular Pig Whistle on Thursday.<\/p>\n

The route summary is:<\/strong><\/p>\n