London to Lisbon

In 2000 HERO ran the inaugural London - Lisbon classic car rally. The response was terrific. More than 150 crews in classic and vintage cars, from a 1934 Lagonda to a 1976 Triumph 2500TC came along to enjoy eight days of classic motoring through the finest landscapes of Spain and Portugal. Now London - Lisbon is to be run again, from 5 to 14 October 2002.

Each day's roads are a rallyist's delight - whether you choose the competitive Historic Reliability Trial, or our less demanding Touring Rally. Mazes of twisting roads above the coast of northern Spain in the Picos de Europa take you through the deepest of limestone gorges and over dizzying mountain passes. Then the Sierra Ancares - home of werewolves, according to local lore. In Portugal, the glories of the Douro Valley in the warm autumn sunshine of the grape harvest. Ancient towns, villages and buildings to admire, and the warmest of welcomes from the locals as we pass!

There is challenge aplenty for Reliability Trial entrants: sections from the Firestone Rally of the 60s and 70s; the famous Arganil Stages of the Rally of Portugal; Jogularity sections along testing little mountain roads, all gloriously free of traffic.

The Touring Rally, led by its own trailmaster, enjoys a shorter route, at a less demanding pace. There's time to admire stunning scenery and beautiful historic places, to linger over lunch and coffee, enjoying a journey of discovery in the relaxed company of others - maybe making new friends for life along the way.

Whichever option you choose, the splendid backdrop of Spain and Portugal in early autumn is perfect for another HEROic rallying adventure. Great roads, great scenery, great cars and great company in Spain & Portugal.

The route

There is a choice of start location: from London on Saturday 5 October, or from Bilbao, two days later. Experienced crews will find plenty to occupy them, while there's time for less experienced crews to learn the ropes. Whether starting from England or Spain, there is a practice run of around 150km before the action begins in earnest! Crews entered on the Historic Reliability Trial can expect to cover about 350 - 400km daily (slightly less for the oldest cars). Owners of older, slower or more precious cars, or those with less experience of long-distance events, may prefer the Touring Rally, covering some 220 - 300km each day.

Navigation and awards

Navigation is by tulip roadbook, carefully drafted with full intermediate distances. Those on the Historic Reliability Trial will be competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, class prizes, and the prestigious Marque Team Award. Crews on both strands of the event qualify for finishers' awards if they complete their entire route.

What's included

The entry fee includes eight nights' hotel accommodation, almost exclusively of superior standard, according to local availability. New for this year is a nightly get-together meal with local wine. Also included are the tulip road book, finishers' and other awards and our post event gala prizegiving. HERO has negotiated discounted rates for ferry crossings from the UK, to be booked and paid for by competitors as required. Supplements apply for single room accommodation (where available) and for additional crew members.

The HERO Team

The 2002 route is co-ordinated by Keith Baud and Jeremy Dickson, who have many years' rallying experience to their credit. John Brown and the HERO team are responsible for all arrangements and the day-to-day running of the event, with assistance from knowledgeable local car club marshals.

What they said about London - Lisbon 2000

'Travel, competition, camararderie, food, booze, landscape… it was tip-top.' - Jane & Alex Postann, Porsche
'Simply brilliant' absolutely unforgettable.' - Richard Disbrow, Super Two
'A truly superb event!' - Jonathan Milne, Lancia Fulvia
'First class' a very special event.' - Roy Williams, Lagonda LG45

Photos: Mike Johnson/John Brown.