Early in the day we had sunshine, but it didn’t last long, alas! J. C. Petitpré
drove back to Paris early, because of family obligations, so now we numbered just 12 (old)
Chryslers. Departure time was 8:30 a.m. but some of the party were late – no wake-up
calls. After filling the tank I headed for Clermont Ferrand, followed close behind by
François, who calls me 
his roadbook. His confidence didn’t keep me from missing an Autoroute
exit and ending up in the middle of Clermont. Traffic wasn’t bad, though, at 10
Sunday morning, and after some fumbles we found the car track at Charade, where Mustang
Day was in progress.
We couldn’t go on the track itself, which was reserved that day for the Mustang Club, so we stayed on the parking lot. There was a lot of wind but some sun, which encouraged me to put the Imperial’s top down. I led off in a "bowling" game where the pins are of plastic and the object is to knock down one of a pair and leave the other standing. The onlookers watched me perform. I asked how I’d done and one of them replied "Fine, you got both of them..." The other Chryslers followed and got better results – maybe because they had better advice before trying.
Around 11:30 we left Charade for the Auvergne mountains and the La Bourboule-Borts les
Orgues district. The sky now grew threatening and I put the car’s top back up. Just
in time, for a fierce downpour followed and didn’t let up for the next 44 miles. At
least the windshield wipers worked. It’s a winding road, and we drove over two hills
drenched in fog. Passing through the villages of Le Mont d’Or, La Tour
d’Auvergne and Bagnols, we came to the lakeside chateau of Val. With all the rain,
wind and chill it was reminiscent of Scotland, 
and we half expected to see a monster
rise from the lake!
The warm restaurant brought relief. After lunch the final ranking of participants is read off. Jean Auvray took first place, followed by Ian Rubrey and Tony Vickers. As for me, I took last place. Everyone receives presents from the Chrysler France organization, represented here by Peggy Alary and Daniel Barrière. Thanks again!
By now it’s 3:30 p.m., time to set out for home. Some are heading north, others south. I covered my 342 miles without car problems – except for those wipers, which quit for good. (To see better through the wet glass I bought some RainX at Brive).
Pau, 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26: the close of Chrysler Anciennes #2, my Imperial having traveled 975 miles and drunk 79 (American) gallons of gas.
I’m already looking forward to Pentecost weekend next year: June 7-9 at Nevers-Magny Cours!
OTHER PICS (click to enlarge)
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| '57 Imp. (top briefly down..) and Viper | Beware Ian ! | Chryslers and a few sun rays, castle of Val in background | |||
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| Sorry Tony, the picture I took at the restaurant was bad so look at your car.. | Ian, 2nd | Jean & Danièle Auvray, first place at the Chrysler Anciennes # 2 | Mustang & GT40 at Charade road race | Need some gas ? | |
Objet: Fantastic weekend in France
Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 12:42:19 +0000
De: "Ian Rubrey" forwardlook59@ A: webmaster AT amerisud.fr
Hi Philippe,
We had a trouble free journey back home on Monday. We were very tired but also very happy.
We had a fantastic weekend and were made to feel very welcome by everybody even with our
lack of french (we will learn some for next year).The tour was good fun, following the
directions and seeing some superb countryside, as well as some beautiful cars.
I still cannot believe that we came second, we were just enjoying ourselves and hoping we
were not going to get lost. It was a big surprise!
We will be returning next year, hopefully with some more people, if we can talk them into
driving instead of polishing! It is hard you know!
Take care and best wishes to everyone.. Ian.
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