Mortons Abroad : 2012/13 and beyond: The Rally Hill Climb Time Trials

Whilst staying on the mountain top at Penha we discovered that Sunday was a rally hill climb time trials day. It seems there is some association between a motoring group and the establishment of the mountain top facility – probably that motor vehicle were instrumental in the development as they brought labour and materials up the mountain. In the church and chapels dotted around there are various plaques and dedications to the motorist associations. Anyway, it seems the rally time trials are an annual event that sees plenty of spectators line the route up the top of the mountain.

Vehicles started arriving on the Saturday afternoon, a fair number of 1980’s cars such as Ford Escorts, Renault 5 GT Turbo (rear engined), Lancia Delta Integrale, Auto Bianchi (in both standard and Abarth form), VW Golf, Mini, etc., as well as some more modern cars such as Mitsubishi Evo, BMW 3 Series, Renault Clio, Citroen Saxo, Seat Leon and Alfa Romeo. Plus what looked like three Radical open top racers.

On the Sunday morning all cars had to be scrutinised by the officials before heading off to the start area. There was a measured route up the mountain to the finish line and each car took it in turns to race up against the clock. Times were recorded and awards given for the different classes of car. The route was cordoned off and spectators lined the route – it was quite noisy and exciting as the cars used the full width of the road and came very close to the roadside barriers.

A few photos and a video clip for your delectation (those of you who are interested in motor sport – yes Dave, you know who I am talking about!):

Click on the pictures to see a larger version.