La Vie en Bleu 2009 - The sky was blue as well this year!
Third time lucky! How true it was, with brilliant weather and the usual impressive array of French cars (and others - there was a Skoda on the Simca Club stand next to us!) it was all it should have been.
Andrew Stephens manned the Club stand on the Saturday and the writer took over on the Sunday. I thought it was the rain that kept CPUK members away for the previous two years, but as the turnout was no better this year, I cannot imagine what it could be. How could anyone who is interested enough to belong to a car club not be attracted to a classic day out with cars of all ages (just like our Club from pre-First World War to the latest model) with all the side-shows, eats and drinks, stalls catering for every taste, even dancing girls! and all in an exclusive venue (as demonstrated by the presence of four Bugatti Veyrons), at what must be the French car event in the UK? You dont even need a smart car to attend! Maybe next year …
The event followed the same format as previous years, with a different programme on each day. Saturday was devoted to Bugatti and other owners clubs, including Allard, Austin 7, Austin Healey, Ferrari, Ginetta and Lotus. There were Classes to enable all the Clubs represented to race up the hill against their own kind. The two Bugatti races included only two Bugattis out of a total of 37 cars entered, which just goes to prove that it is not the car you drive but the drive that counts. Do we have enough members with cars suited to hill climbing to justify a Class for CPUK next year? Anyone interested, please contact me.
Sunday included exclusive Bugatti Classes as well as the usual pre-war and pre-and post-1971 Saloon and Sports Car Classes, a Racing Car Class and demonstration runs by ex-Ayrton Senna 1985 Lotus T98 F1 car (Ch 004) and two Bugatti Veyrons. The thrill of ownership of these magnificent VAG-Audi test-beds can only be appreciated by a run in (almost) anger up a hill such as Prescott. I bought a raffle ticket, but someone born under a luckier star enjoyed the run.
There were several Peugeots running up the hill, 205GTIs and 309GTIs running against Renault 5 Turbos in the Post-1971 Saloon Car Class.
The great feature of this event is being able to freely wander around the Paddock looking at all the cars and chat to their owners even accompanied by a wandering minstrel! There were a number of unusual cars, several brought over from France to race and some just to spectate. At least six Club members came to enjoy the French atmosphere and will be back next year for more.
Alastair Inglis
