On Sunday 29th July 2018, a large number of surviving Marathon cars from the various big marathon rallies of the late 60’s and 70’s congregated at Gaydon, at the British Motor Museum to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the London-Sydney Rally 1968, the first of the epic modern marathon rallies.

The day started with some 15 marathon cars gathering at the Rootes Archive Centre in Wroxton for a drive to the Museum some 15 miles away.

Puff ran well with her refurbished engine….due to overheating on the latter events, it had been decided that a cooling fan would be fitted together with new gaskets and a general overhaul of the engine.

Cars at the event included the replica Hillman Hunter of Andy Cowan’s that won the 1968 event, 5 BMC 1800 cars from various marathons, Jean Denton’s newly restored MGB, some Triumphs and Escorts and a big Healey from the 1993 London-Sydney event. Plus Puff.

Amongst the stars on show were Paddy Hopkirk, Alec Poole, Bill Price, Basil Wales, Gavin Thompson, John Helmsley to name but a few.

Although a light drizzle fell for most of the day, it did not dampen the spectators and some 1000 people turned out. Stories were told and re-told, the memorabilia was much appreciated and all in all a great day.