Vintage Bentleys dominate Baltic Classic Rally

| 14 Jun 2017

The inaugural Baltic Classic Rally drew to a close on 10 June, with the top three finishing positions all filled by vintage Bentleys. Sahara Challenge winner Bill Cleyndert and Jacqui Norman took the spoils in their 1925 Bentley 3-41/2 after holding the lead from the beginning in Copenhagen until the closing stages of the rally in Berlin.

“It’s been a fabulous rally with some really tough navigation to keep us on our toes,” said Jacqui. “I thought we’d blown it in the airfield regularity and was very relieved to see that everyone else had as well!”

The pair were followed closely by Graham and Marina Goodwin, who took second place in their 1925 Super Sports following a tough battle with Lars and Annette Rolner. Just 12 seconds separated the two teams after 14 days. 

The 1972 Datsun 240Z of Belgium’s Rene Reclercq and Eric Claeys finished first in the Classics category, with Gavin and Diana Henderson’s 1965 Porsche 911 close behind. Third place went to David and Jo Roberts in their 1968 Triumph TR250. 

“Along with winning, the best thing about being on the rally was meeting old friends and making new ones,” said Reclercq. “We will come back next time to defend the victory – in an even faster car.”

The Spirit of the Rally away was presented to the ever popular crew of Charles and Nellie Bishop, who competed in their Vauxhall 30/98. 

Meanwhile, crews are gearing up for the next event on the Endurance Rally Association’s calendar – the brand-new Blue Train Challenge. Held from 18-22 September, it will see teams set off from Deauville and on to the finish in Cannes. 

See a full gallery of our favourite photographs from the event by clicking here

Photos: Gerard Brown/ERA