Just back from the Classic Laon Tour in my 260Z.
This was a superb event where 3 Zs attended; my 260, Nick (ZSled) in his 240Z and Malcolm_Paul also in his 240Z.
The first days event on Saturday was a Tulip Rally ending Vervins for lunch and what turned out to be a Classic Car show in the centre of the town. 600 cars attended the event, ranging from a pre-war Bugatti and Mercedes SSK to Cobras, Willys Jeeps, TRs, MGs, E-types, specials, Rolls Royces, and our Zs, right to some up to date Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
The afternoon was another Tulip Rally back to Parc Foch in Laon, to the Concourse and a champagne reception.
Sunday was awesome, with sunny weather (note to self, take hat next time - burnt head!) and the streets to Laon closed to regular traffic, the Classic procession started at 2 pm.*
This involved Classic starting from 2 points in the town, the top square by the Town Hall and the Train Station. Driving in procession to closed cobble streets was terrific fun, the locals and spectators waving and cheering (with the odd air horn) as cars went by, the 'circuit' must have been around 6 miles long weaving its way around the town.*
As the procession dwained at around 4 pm, there was the opportunity to 'open the throttle' around the hair pin hill climb to the *top of the town and the hilltop castle and ramparts. My standard Z went really well, but I did have a 'Bumble Bee' Dodge Charger growling behind me all the way up, not able to get past on the narrow streets. Sunday closed with another champagne reception hosted by the Town Mayor, Automobile Club President and the Tour Organiser.
Monday was a leisurely drive back to Calais nursing a champagne induced sore head.
It's the first time I have done this sort of tour, and with Laon only being 2 1/2 hours south of Calais, I *thoroughly recommend it. Whether you drive standard, modified, classic or interesting vehicles, it was great fun and a good lads weekend away.
I'm booking for next year, would be great to get a small Z convoy going like the MG and TR people had.
Steve
This was a superb event where 3 Zs attended; my 260, Nick (ZSled) in his 240Z and Malcolm_Paul also in his 240Z.
The first days event on Saturday was a Tulip Rally ending Vervins for lunch and what turned out to be a Classic Car show in the centre of the town. 600 cars attended the event, ranging from a pre-war Bugatti and Mercedes SSK to Cobras, Willys Jeeps, TRs, MGs, E-types, specials, Rolls Royces, and our Zs, right to some up to date Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
The afternoon was another Tulip Rally back to Parc Foch in Laon, to the Concourse and a champagne reception.
Sunday was awesome, with sunny weather (note to self, take hat next time - burnt head!) and the streets to Laon closed to regular traffic, the Classic procession started at 2 pm.*
This involved Classic starting from 2 points in the town, the top square by the Town Hall and the Train Station. Driving in procession to closed cobble streets was terrific fun, the locals and spectators waving and cheering (with the odd air horn) as cars went by, the 'circuit' must have been around 6 miles long weaving its way around the town.*
As the procession dwained at around 4 pm, there was the opportunity to 'open the throttle' around the hair pin hill climb to the *top of the town and the hilltop castle and ramparts. My standard Z went really well, but I did have a 'Bumble Bee' Dodge Charger growling behind me all the way up, not able to get past on the narrow streets. Sunday closed with another champagne reception hosted by the Town Mayor, Automobile Club President and the Tour Organiser.
Monday was a leisurely drive back to Calais nursing a champagne induced sore head.
It's the first time I have done this sort of tour, and with Laon only being 2 1/2 hours south of Calais, I *thoroughly recommend it. Whether you drive standard, modified, classic or interesting vehicles, it was great fun and a good lads weekend away.
I'm booking for next year, would be great to get a small Z convoy going like the MG and TR people had.
Steve
