The National Rally
| The First one was in Ashby Parva—– | |
| The National Rally is as old as the club itself and has always been the Premier event of the summer season. The very first National of the re-formed club took place on July 5th 1959 at Ashby-in-Parva Leicestershire, where 25 members in 20 BSAs gathered to watch an Autocross meeting, after which the Concours was judged by the President and Secretary of the Leicestershire car club who organised the meeting, and the brand new Club Shield was presented to Bob Thompson of Northampton for his 1935 four cylinder three-wheeler, long distance award going to Ken Davies of Swansea, (round trip of 330 miles!). In contrast The 1960 National set the scene for all future gatherings by taking place in a non-sporting venue – Woburn Abbey. However the number turning up also set the scene for attendance figures for the next two decades, of just thirteen members in thirteen cars. Over the years this event has been staged in many venues by many organisers, and attendance figures have shown a very gradual rise, especially at “Landmark” events such as the fortieth anniversary at Gaydon in 1999, when, over the two days, 53 BSA cars and three-wheelers attended, many having been driven a great distance. This is generaly quoted as the greatest number of BSAs gathered in one place of all time, and the sun beamed down on a perfect day. The “National” continues to attract large numbers of enthusiasts and is indeed a prime showcase for Front as well as Rear wheel drive BSA cars. |
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| John Hebard’s Series one Scout at a “National” during the sixties. The whereabouts of this car unknown to me at present (psb) ‘photo John Joiner |
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| Lars Kristiansen pictured at the great gathering of ’99 with his immaculate series 6 four-seater, Lars, with his wife Alice, travelled 450 miles from their home in Jutland for this event. ‘photo Ray Young |
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| Former President George Savage, who was sales manager for BSA Cars pre-war, does a little Concours judging. 1965 “National” ‘photo Colin Bryce |
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| The games we used to play,—Another sixties “National” ‘photo psb |
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