The Amatola Classic Rally: 8 August 2010

The original Amatola Rally began in 1958 and was run under the auspices of the South African Motor Rally Association and the Sports Car Club of South Africa.  The idea to hold a competitive rally in the Border region of the Eastern Cape was conceived by two office colleagues and organized by a group of determined local motoring enthusiasts, who had long before recognized the Border region’s suitability for rallying.

One of the biggest obstacles, besides bureaucracy, was the raising of prize money. A minimum of 50 pounds had to be attained with the rest of the expenses being covered voluntarily by the organizers and local businesses. Caltex saved the day with a huge donation of 300 pounds and the event achieved immediate popularity and credibility and from then onwards it became known as The Caltex Amatola Rally.

The rally soon became so popular that by 1959 it had become the biggest event of its type in the Union of South Africa. That year there were 121 contestants in all and the route covered 1400 miles in two days. The rally soon gained a reputation for being tough, but fair and accurate, as it was run along many gravel roads in the region. It was nothing for competitors to cover over 1200 miles in a 24 hour period.

Unfortunately the event eventually succumbed to other forms of rallying such as the Milligan and Border Old Car Run, as the rising costs of participation took their toll.   The Amatola Classic, envisaged to take place next year, aims to revive this type of rallying in the Border Region once again.


For further information please contact

Colin Meyer 082 456 4910
Email colmeyer@iafrica.com
Or
Chris Andrew 082 455 5088