Antonio Silva
From Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 May, the II Tour of Extremadura took place in vintage cars. Organized by the Veteran Car Club of Spain, and intended exclusively for vehicles built before the start of World War II, it was limited to 25 participants.
As you surely know, the veteran is concerned with promoting pre-war vehicle exits and, contrary to popular belief, It is not an elite club; it simply groups those old cars, from a humble Ford to a Hispano-Suiza, through unclassifiable parts like a Berliet.
Among the events that it organizes, there are some reserved exclusively for the aforementioned pre-wars and others in which for different reasons the hand is opened and subsequent vehicles are allowed. In this case it was one of the first type, that is, exclusive for machines before 1945.
Thus, on Thursday 15, twenty vehicles made their triumphal entry into Mérida to the delight of the city's inhabitants. The caravan was opened by the "peculiar" Berliet Normandie of the early XNUMXs, who had made the journey from Madrid on a platform like many others of his ancient companions.
Special mention for the brave who dared to make the journey to Mérida by road from Madrid, Burgos or Guadalajara with their mounts "pre".
The caravan would continue the following days to Jerez de los Caballeros, passing through Zafra. Great reception in all cities who played the rally by its people and its authorities, who kindly provided the necessary attention for the proper development of the test.
TVE news about the Vuelta, from minute 6:10
Reliable Americans
On long rallies for such old vehicles the existence of some "low" is frequent. This time it was no different, and although most did the more than 600 km with relative normality, there were some breakdowns during the route that were solved by sending the cars to their homes by tow truck and welcoming the other participants to the victims. There were also several common "minor incidents" in these cars caused by heat, boiling water, dirty carburettors, or distracted starters ...
The participating vehicles were simply magnificent, as is normal being the organization of the dean club of our bull skin: Cord, Rolls, Hispano, Mercedes, Cadillac and, of course, Packard, they were the most admired brands, without losing sight of the also fabulous Dodge or Ford, among others.
The oldest vehicle was Enrique Castell's 1907 Brush, which completed some sections. The most represented brand was Packard, with three participants of mechanical 6 and 8 cylinders in line; why will it be… And the fact is that in these rallies, the fans can clearly see which mechanics hold up the best, and in this the Americans undoubtedly take the cake.
The II Vuelta a Extremadura is located within the national scene as a benchmark rally in the southwest of the peninsula, and is consolidated to the delight of the fans. It is necessary to mention that this tour was only possible thanks to the efforts and personal involvement of Mr. Manuel González, an active member of the Veteran Car Club, and because of the institutional support provided by the Junta de Extremadura. The icing on the cake was put by the warm welcome given by the people of Extremadura.
* Antonio Silva is a member of the Veteran Car Club of Spain
