CLASSIC car enthusiasts from around the country gathered at the Evesham Hotel and Spa for the 19th annual Cotswold Economy Drive.
The event on Sunday featured some fifty classic cars and challenges drivers and their co-navigators to match, as closely as possible, a pre-rally fuel consumption estimate over a varied 120-mile route across the Cotswolds.
Those with the closest estimate, and without any penalties, gain a gold medal, with silver and bronze presented to the runners-up Junior navigators also receive their own special award.
A range of classic cars started and finished at the hotel on Coopers Lane with nearby Taylor’s Garage in Willersey used as the refuelling control point.
The best performance of the day, and winning gold, went to John and Liz Jenkinson from Sheffield. The couple were driving a 1969 Daimler V8 250 achieving 19.6 mpg over the duration of the route with just a 0.26 per cent discrepancy on their original estimate.
Runners-up included a Rolls Royce Silver Spirit, Sunbeam Rapier, Lancia Appia and a rare 1956 Daimler Conquest Drophead that had had a gearbox replacement just two days before the rally.
At the prize-giving buffet, rally organiser Peter Baker praised the staff from the hotel.
“We were incredibly well looked after by David and his team,” he said.
“Participants travel from far and wide to take part in the Cotswold Economy Drive, so great hospitality is a big part of the weekend.
“With its well-furnished bedrooms, lovely food and ideal location, the Evesham Hotel and Spa continues to exceed our expectations providing competitors with the highest levels of service.
“We have already booked for our 20th celebratory event next year.”
“It was wonderful to see so many iconic cars from a bygone era,” said Evesham Hotel and Spa general manager, David Field.
“Many of the participants stayed with us for the entire weekend and enjoyed a gala dinner on Saturday night.
“It was quite a spectacle seeing the cars off on Sunday morning.”
The Cotswold Economy Drive has over the years extended into neighbouring counties including Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and this year, Buckinghamshire where participants enjoyed a picnic lunch at the Claydon Estate, home of Nicholas and Alexandra Verney.
The event is sponsored by Retro-Speed Magazine and supported by the International Rally Drivers Club.
