A sparkling start to the New Year

Wednesday, 25 January 2012 11:05

Written by Editor

SOL Classic Car Club held their first run of 2012 on one of the most idyllic days of this wonderful winter. Club members gathered at La Ventilla, the cafe at the BP garage at the Puerto de Pescadores near Alhaurin Golf for a relaxed run up to the lakes around Ardales – where the scenery is always a delight but particularly so in the warm sunshine.  There was a coffee stop for a break at Bar La Cantina on the lakeside and a subsequent roadside stop for refreshments as they turned for home just outside Alora, with stunning views of the town, its castle and convent.  An excellent lunch at Venta Platero in Coin rounded off the day.

Leading the head-turning line of classics were run organisers Ray Holland and Carol Lindores in their 1983 2CV Beachcomber.  The iconic “deux chevaux” Citroen was manufactured between 1948 and 1990 and the “extraordinary ingenuity” of its design was hailed as “undoubtedly the most original since the Model T Ford” according to a 1953 review in Autocar.  Its versatility, economy and reliability made it popular with a wide spectrum of drivers although it often attracted far from complimentary nicknames – the Dutch called it “the ugly duckling”, the Spanish called it “the frog”, the Danes decided on “rocking horse” while English names included “flying dustbin”, “tin snail” and “upside-down pram”!  In the United States it was known as “the flying rag top”.  Ray's particular model is a special edition known as “France 3” in France or “Transat” in other European markets, since Citroen sponsored the French Americas Cup yacht entry that year.

On the previous Wednesday the Club held their Annual General Meeting at Venta Sol y Sombra, Fuengirola. Officers for 2012 were then elected as follows: Chairman – Qasim Shaikh, Vice Chairman – Ray Holland, Secretary – Carol Lindores, Treasurer – Paula Williams.  The indispensable Spanish Liaison post was once again filled by Nick Wadham-Sutton and Richard Joss continues as webmaster.   In view of the Club's sound finances it was agreed to reduce the annual membership fee for 2012 to 25 euros for a single or joint membership.  It was also agreed to reinstate the monthly technical meetings in addition to the monthly diner (held on 2nd Wednesday of the month) and monthly runs on the following Saturday.

For information on all Club activities go to  www.solclassiccarclub.net.

Written by Jean Joss