Date: 10 July, 2017
Location: Royal Borough of Windsor – Woodcote Park, Surrey, KT18 7EW
Britain’s longest-standing motoring organisation is bringing back the much-loved Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial for 2017.
Just like the initial 1000 Mile Trial in 1900, the resurrection of the event in 2014 was a resounding success. The new shorter format shows off the best of the best pre-war cars on a driving mission from Windsor to Winchester.
History of the Thousand Mile Trial
The Royal Automobile Club first put on the 1000 Mile Trial to sway negative opinions of motor cars – in the 1900s, most people thought they were impractical, unreliable and dangerous, nothing more than a silly fad!
To prove them wrong, a demonstration trial was organised for spring 1900, driving 1000 miles in 20 days – from London to Edinburgh and back again.
A modern classic
The modern-day event follows as closely as possible to the original. Competitors and marshals dress in period costume and vintage car owners will follow the route from a tulip style road book.
Covering around 150 miles a day, the 2017 route starts from the Royal Automobile Club’s club house at Woodcote Park. It’s a rare opportunity to see these incredible pre-war cars in full flight, so make sure you find a great spectator’s spot along the route to get close to the action.
New for 2017
This year, a new class has been added to the event for cars registered up to 1949. The eight cars in this new class will compete for class awards and be judged on individual merit.
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