Classic Val de Nuit - Rallye de Régularité VHR Nocturne, 2022

 

The Porsche 911 of Bourrier / Chaussoniere.  They finished 27th.

My first motor sport event of the year was the third running of the Classic Val de Nuit, a regularity rally for classic cars.   I attended the start of the rally at 17.30 on Saturday 12th February in the Place de la Breche in Niort, France.  The forty six cars had all left on their 240 km journey through the Deux-Sèvres department by nightfall at 18.20.   Well organized by l'ASA79 for the third time, quite a few spectators came to see the rally leave Niort and there were some beautiful cars for them to see and a good Master of Ceremonies giving a commentary to keep all informed.  

The Podium Finishers

The winners were Lavigne/Stubbs in this VW Golf GTi.

Runners-up were Gardrat/Debraud in this Audi TT.

The Peugeot 205 GTi of Bonnet/Guillemin came third.

The Parking

The cars were all on display in the square for the public to see during late Saturday afternoon.  

A Triumph Herald 1200 Coupe from the sixties.  I learnt to drive in a Triumph Herald so always a favourite with me.  This is one was the Coupe that had two seats and a fast back.

Another Triumph, a TR3.  This one was probably the oldest car in the rally.

BMW 2002.

The non-finishers

A number of the more beautiful cars failed to finish the rally.  I was amused when some other spectators asked me what the car below was.  They seemed equally amused by my accent!

The Ford GT40 of Trehiou/Brignon attracted enormous interest.

The beautiful Lancia Fulvia of Rothureau/Veillet.

Alpine Heaven

The spectators were happy to a number of Alpine Renaults present.

The Alpine Renault A110 1300S of Millet/Cadoux finished a good seventh.

Grimaud and Monsimier in a Alpine Renault A310 V6.

Opels

A surprising number and variety of Opels were taking part.  here are a few of them:

The Opel Kadett GTE of Grison/Phelippeau starts its rally.  it finished sixth.

The Freulon's Opel Speedster.

The Opel Commodore of Petit / Moinard.

Some of the others

The two teenage girls - Martinez/Martinez - seem to be enjoying the start of their rally in the Fiat Abarth 600. 

One of the pre-rally favourites was this Porsche 944 of Doublet/Doublet.

The ever popular Mini of Guerin / Bernaudeau.

Ford Escort GT Mk1 of Charles / Guyet.

The Loyer's Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000.

John Etherton asserts his copyright to all of the photos on this blogpost.  However, you may post the photos elsewhere on the web as long as you credit the photographer, John Etherton, and this blog post, Rouenlesafx@blogspot.com and provide a link to this page.

John Etherton affirme son droit d'auteur à l'ensemble des photos sur ce billet de blog. Cependant, vous pouvez poster des photos ailleurs sur le web aussi longtemps que vous créditez le photographe, John Etherton, et ce blog, Rouenlesafx@blogspot.com et fournissez un lien vers cette page.

The Triumph Herald of Pralong / Lemuet sets off into the night.