Century old fuel efficiency trial revived in Essex

| 3 Aug 2015

One of Britain’s oldest motoring events – the Layer Marney Cup – is set to be resurrected in Essex on  16 August. 
The original event sought to discover the most fuel efficient cars of the age, with the first 1914 meeting won by F C Byford’s Unic, whited recorded an impressive 42.26mpg. The revived event will follow a similar format, with each entrant being weighed in order to calculate its performance in ton miles per gallon. 

Vehicles ranging in age from 1915 right up to 1995 are welcome to take part in the event, which begins in Southchurch Park in Southend before continuing through Shoeburyness towards Stow Maries Airfield, where lunch will be served in the Offficers’ Mess. A weigh-in will then take place, before the field continues to Promenade Park, Maldon and the eventual finish at Layer Marney Tower.

Layer Marney Cup

“We’ve been surprised and delighted by the response from car enthusiasts throughout Essex,” said organiser Sheila. “We’re especially keen to attract entries from owners whose vehicles were built in the following decades: 1915-1925, 1936-1945, 1966-1974 and 1986-1995.”

As well as a number of private entries ranging from Rolls-Royces to Morris Minors, Ford is also expected to take part. The manufacturer will be entering a 1976 Ford Fiesta and a 1978 Granada from its heritage fleet, in addition to two of its more economical modern models. 

Tickets to take part in the event are priced at £50 per car, which includes lunch for two at Stow Maries, or £20 for non-trial cars. 

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