MCC Exeter

The MCC, one of the longestestablished of all our motor clubs, continues to obtain marvellous entry lists for its classic trials. This year’s Exeter Trial, the 65th of a series that began back in 1910, attracted 321 competitors, including the motorcyclists, and was run to the traditional pattern, with the long night journey to the West Country, from starting points at Cirencester, Popham and Trewint, to finish at Torquay. The runner had to tackle Meerhay, Waterloo, Stretes, Tillerton, Sims, the long climb of Fingle (marshalled by the Kelly team) and other non-stop sections, drivers and riders competing against the MCC, not against themselves, for the awards. Teams of three numbered 29, with such appealing titles as Barbour Blacksheep, the Italian Connection (two Fiats and a Yugo), Team Troll (three of that make), Luddites (two Martins and another Special), RPM Brothers-in-Law (a TR3, Sprite and Cortina) and Five Over Nine (work that out if you can — the vehicles comprised a VW Beetle, Pouncy Ajay and a Norton). The photographs capture the spirit of these splendid events and should whet your anticipation for the Land’s End Trial at Easter. Top, Andrew Lees breasts a rise in his 1275cc rally-replica Sprite. Tom Forshaw’s MG TC, below, gives steamy early warning of problems, while, below left, Stephen Strutt steers his Cannon through the Fingle woods. Left, Graham Marshall gets the thumbs-up for his 1.5-litre Ford Special. WB