PUFF WINS A TROPHY

On 25th March 2018 Puff, the 1970 World Cup Rally Austin Maxi, won the Runner Up Trophy against 19 other perfectly restored classic cars in the Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership Awards at the Practical Classics’ Classic Car and Restoration Show in Birmingham.

Cars competing included the stunning 1998 Aston Martin Volante, a lovely 1979 Triumph Dolomite Sprint, a 1980 TransAm, a 1956 Jensen 541, and a 1972 MGB. Tough opposition indeed, but many people loved the plucky little rally car and voted.

However, a very close public vote went to the pristine white MGB GT owned by Paul Clappison. The trophies were presented on the stand by Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead, the Wheeler Dealers TV show presenters. Bron was heard to remark that she “didn’t go rallying to come second”, but she was thrilled nonetheless and very proud of her little car.

After all, the Maxi is the sole remaining example from that epic rally that still exists and is competing again in private hands. Based in Bicester, she was driven to and from the show unlike some of the other trailered cars. It is probably the only original driver and World Cup Rally car still competing in many varied events.