Rally of the Valley

No other man-made device since the shields and lances of the knights quite fulfills a man’s ego like an automobile.~William RootesOn 1 December 2011, 150 Classic vehicles from all over the world got together in the Calamuchita Valley in Argentina. This event took them through the three valleys of Cordoba and stretched over 1600 kilometres.

I was surprised that the organizers in the Valley didn`t do more to promote the event. If it wasn`t for me browsing the Internet I wouldn`t have know about it. When I set off on Friday morning I was still not sure exactly where they would be getting together. I knew they would have lunch somewhere in Villa General Belgrano. I thought this would be ideal, because I can sneak in and take some photos while they are busy having lunch!

As I drove on the main road I saw one of the Classic vehicles. It came pass me with a roaring sound. I got so excited and almost ended up on the gravel next to the road. I then tried to follow it. Unfortunately my 125cc scooter is nothing compared to the 3 1/2 litre monster and it left me in a trail of dust. I saw them turning into the Howard Johnson Hotel and I followed them.

To my amazement a lot of TV and camera crew were waiting there. A group of people settled in the shade and watched the cars as they came in. After a quick chat to the security guard I got permission to take photos. It is always best to ask before the time, especially after an unfortunate event where I got snubbed for taking photos.

An Austin Healey

The cars were beautiful! While I was busy admiring the cars a couple of people spoke English close to me. I was surprised because I didn`t know that this event had participants from other countries. I tried to listen to the conversations but after a while I couldn`t contain my curiosity any more and walked up to a man and asked him if the vehicle was his. He just laughed and told me he wish he had one like this! He is a Classic Car fanatic and didn`t want to miss this event.

After talking to him for some time I found the information that I needed, Most of the cars were shipped from Europe. The Rally was supposed to take place in Bariloche but was moved to Cordoba because of the volcanic ashes. I could second that, because we have seen all the ashes about a month ago.

One vehicle in particular grabbed my attention. It was a Jaguar SS. He explained to me that this vehicle was Pre-World War II. What made this car so interesting is the fact that Hitler and the SS drove exactly the same ones. Jaguar later took the SS away and is now only called Jaguar.

Cars were roaring in one after another: Corvettes, MGs,Jaguars, Fiats,Porches and many more. I took position close to another photographer.

Unfortunately the light was not ideal for photos because all the cars were parked in the shade.

Most people left to have lunch and I had an opportunity to view the interior of the cars. Exquisite! Each person left his own personal touch.

The interior of the Austin Healey

I stayed for another hour, looking, admiring and trying to figure out where these cars have been many years ago. I wish I had time to sit and talk to each person and find out where he found his car and the history. I never had the opportunity because lunch was over and it was time to go.

A Triumph

As I walked out I saw them re-setting the clock. Time to hit the road, add another mile and make more memories!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG5fv13C3dE?rel=0]

Date: 2 December 2011
Where: Villa General Belgrano, Argentina