2017 Classic Motor Rally

Modern driving events run the gamut from luxury tours like the California Mille to budget affairs like the Targa California, with more traditional rallies like the Targa Newfoundland available for dedicated time-speed-distance aficionados. The Classic Motor Rally falls somewhere in between, combining a traditional TSD format with an optional driving tour for those entrants that want to eliminate any possible threat to preexisting personal relationships. Having participated in all manner of such ventures from the Mille Miglia to various club tours, this maiden event combined the best of both worlds, benefitting greatly from the bucolic Oregon countryside.

We were able to secure a borrowed Austin-Healey 3000 BJ7 for the trip, owned by a local enthusiast who was happy to see her car get some exercise at high altitudes.

Although billed as an inaugural effort, the group behind this event was also responsible in the past for the highly successful Monte Shelton Rally, so they are no strangers to the detail work necessary to ensure that a good time is had by all. Of course, whether we are talking about the Colorado Grand or the Copperstate 1000, the key to any outing is the availability of interesting roads and beautiful scenery, which was in abundance on the trip from Salem to the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. Unlike some events that make their hay from high speed runs on broad highways, the Classic Motor Rally supplied a strong mix of winding forest service access roads and pleasant jaunts through the adjacent farms and small towns that are scattered across the lightly populated parts of the state.

Given that most entrants were pushing 50 years old or so – the cars not the people – it was disappointing to find that temperatures were forecast in the high 90s, but with only two exceptions, there were no real problems from the heat. As rallies go, this crew puts on one of the most competitive events around, helped by the exacting work of rally master Simon Levear, who has developed a national reputation as one of the best in the business. On the touring side, the pace was somewhat faster but no less enjoyable, made better by allowing us to forego the mandatory calculator and timepiece that are part and parcel of any serious entrant.

British cars formed the largest segment of the population, including several examples from Jaguar, Triumph, Morgan and Austin-Healey.

Well staffed with friendly volunteers, the Timberline Lodge deserves its National Landmark status, familiar to movie goers as the hotel used in the exterior shots of Stephen King’s The Shining. The banquet was highlighted by speeches from Michael Emery from Bring a Trailer and yours truly, and seemed to entertain the tired participants as they enjoyed food and drink artfully prepared by the hotel staff. While most organizations treat guest speakers like a necessary evil, the organizers of this event have always striven to find the best possible guests, making the dinner seem more like a celebration than a meal that has too be endured. Kudos.

The view from the balcony of the Timberline Lodge showing just some of the entrants on the outing.

The next day saw a relaxed drive to the Western Aviation and Automobile Museum, housing one of the best such collections in the country, renowned around the world for its holdings of prewar aircraft. Located in Hood River, a quaint town located along the banks of the Columbia River, it was the perfect way to end the weekend. While we could have done without the heat, we cannot recommend this event highly enough, and suggest you place it on your automotive bucket list. More affordable than the ‘big buck’ events while providing the same essential experience (albeit with fewer amenities) this is one to place on the perennial calendar.

Despite having to stare at the rump of a Porsche 356 for most of the day, the road selection was among the best in the world, offering snow capped vistas and winding roads through the verdant forest.

Registration is already open for next year’s event and we expect spots to disappear quickly so get your registration in early by visiting www.classicmotorrally.org.