Topping off ceremony

Vintage Brits were the first cars to run on the much revised Charade circuit in France when it was re-opened in May. A group of TOPS entrants ranging from Silver Ghost to Porsche RSK took part in the 90th Gordon Bennett Anniversary event, following 137km of the original route, before touring the scenic Clermont-Ferrand circuit in front of 20,000 eager spectators. The improved track still winds around the hill-side, offering excellent viewing, but despite being halved in length to 4km remains quite a challenge, especially for the older cars thanks to plentiful hairpins and gradients.