Bugatti OC Spring Rally

Organised by Sir John Venables-Llewelyn, assisted by Mark Garfitt, this involved two nights at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, well-known rally centre, for a couple of days’ scenic motoring, finishing up on the Sunday of the May (VE-Day) Bank Holiday weekend at the home of Lord Raglan, near Usk, where the Bugattis formed a fine display in his forecourt, while the rallyists enjoyed an excellent lunch prepared by Mrs Armitage.

Only one Bugatti had trouble, with bearings exuding white metal into the oil filter, although by then the cavalcade was somewhat depleted because some cars had gone to Prescott for the International hill-climb there. However, two Type 51s, one in racing trim, John and Mark’s Type 35s, two Type 43s, a Type 44 saloon and tourer, a Type 40 and two Brescias made a fine showing in the warm sunshine, supported by a Phantom Rolls-Royce tourer.