We survived (sort of)

Around the World in 80 Days Motor Challenge

The Around the World in 80 Days Motor Challenge made a one day rest stop in Duluth on Friday, June 30th.

This was the ONLY Rest Stop between Banff and Niagara Falls, Ontario, so many vintage car fans showed up in Duluth for a chance to see the Around The World competitors.

Teams began to arrive in Duluth on the evening of Thursday, June 29th, via MN-210 through Jay Cooke State Park and then to Skyline Parkway to the Hoiday Inn. Cars ranged from a 1929 Bentley Speed Six and a 1934 Aston Martin Lagonda to late 1960s sports cars and sports sedans. Among the entries:

• 1939 Ford V8 Convertible
• 1939 Packard Touring Sedan
• 1940 Chevrolet 102 Coupe
• 1940 Cadillac 62 Coupe
• 1949 Buick Woody Wagon
• 1952 Pontiac Chieftain Torpedo 6
• 1953 Studebaker Commander Skyline
• 1955 Chevrolet 210 Sedan
• 1965 Ford Mustang
• plus several Mercedes-Benz, Austin Healeys, Bentleys, Aston Martins, Porsches, and Citroens.

After three long days (500 miles per day) of driving on secondary roads, maintenance and repairs on their vehicles was of prime importance... that and sleep. Local auto repair shops, machine shops and body shops were on the alert in case any major repairs may be needed. That Old Car Place in Superior, Archer Racing and Foreign Affairs of Duluth all saw some rally cars using their service bays. Tire and glass shops also were kept busy replacing worn tires and broken windshields.

The car display and Dinner With The Drivers at Fitger's went quite well, with visitors numbering in the thousands. Unfortunately, due to a miscommunication with the caterer, the meal (already thought to be overpriced) cost ASCC nearly $1000 more than we budgeted. That puts the club deeply in the red even after depleting the treasury.

More details of the ATW visit to Duluth can be found at the VintageRally.com web site.