THE LANDS END TO JOHN O'GROATS RALLY

Article and photographs by Ron Crissell

Having done the Lands End to John O'Groats rally in 1997 with my son Nigel in a Triumph GT6, I decided to try again this year with a Morris Traveller. Around August I got in touch with Charles Ware's Morris Minor Centre in Bath. We picked a Traveller with a five year chassis guarantee and worked on the rest of the car, Tim Brennan and his staff at the Centre were very helpful and did all the modifications I wanted in a very short time.

A rebuilt marina 1300 engine was fitted together with a 5-speed Sierra gearbox. Also MG Metro front seats, halogen headlights, brake servo and a larger capacity radiator - amongst other mods. Having met my deadline I was asked to collect the modified car from Bath. I now had enough time left to fit extra instruments and run the engine in - and generally fettle the car for the rally. During the running in I found that the Travellers petrol tank only held 6.5 gallons, 'Not good' considering that we would be motoring late at night and in areas with no petrol stations.

Having decided on a crew of three and to carry 'posh' gear for the start and finish functions, together with emergency food and drink, extra petrol and bad weather gear we realised that weight was at a premium. Our third crewmember, Graham, was due to join us at the Severn Bridge. Nigel and I left at 5.00am on Friday 1st December for the journey to Lands End.

We had torrential rain all the way down to Cornwall and had to evaluate the range of our petrol tank. Our average MPG was 29.6 giving us a 192-mile range per tank. At this point our fuel gauge went U/S on us! On arrival at Lands End for scrutineering, the car passed with flying colours. We had a super meal in the evening at the Lands End Hotel and were entertained by an excellent Jazz quartet.

Saturday the 2nd December we start No. 7 in the touring class and make our way up through Cornwall and many check points to a halt at Sedgemoor services - then on to Bristol to pick up Graham. From Bristol we had to work out our MPG again with three up. We had arrived late in Bristol due to a 40-mile diversion on Exmoor and a washed out bridge, but overall we are still within time.

We now head into Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park, then north again for yet another time check at Landrindod Wells. The run through Wales takes us well into the night (now at 26.9 MPG) and carrying two spare cans of fuel, to arrive at the Telford night halt at 3am Sunday.

Leaving Telford we head towards the Peak District via the Lakes and in total darkness and torrential rain we tackle the fearsome Kirkstone pass, finishing the day at the night halt in Carlisle. From Carlisle we motor on, crossing the Forth Bridge into Scotland pausing at the Knockhill racing circuit where we stopped for soup and chips and to get our route card signed.Then supper at Aviemore and on through the night to arrive at John O'Groats early Tuesday morning to check in at the finish and have some photo's taken before heading back to Thurso for a well earned rest.

After spending most of the day in bed we all put on our smart gear & black ties to be taken by coach to Wick for the end of rally dinner. After piping in the haggis there was dinner and presentations where our team each received a finishers medal - "Well done car and crew"

Crew - Ron Crissel, Nigel Crissel & Graham Barber