17th Trophée Jacques Potherat: three days of pure PreWar motoring pleasure

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The Trophée Jacques Potherat is a rally for cyclecars and sports and racing cars dating from the period 1920-1939. The event is named after Jacques Potherat, the renowned French motoring journalist, collector and tireless advocate of the cyclecar. Following his passing, the rally was established as a tribute to his passion for lightweight sporting machines and pre-war motor racing.

Each year, the event is based around Villeneuve-lès-Avignon in the south of France. The 17th edition took place last month and once again attracted a remarkably diverse field of entrants. Among the cars taking part were Bugattis, Jaguars, Amilcars, Rileys, Alfa Romeos and Lagondas. Rarer marques were also represented, including Vernon Derby, Sénéchal and SCAP, as well as a supercharged Rally.

Participants travelled not only from across France, but also from Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and even Japan. The rally is renowned for its combination of pre-war automobiles, scenic routes and a strong emphasis on local culture and gastronomy. This year's edition once again placed regional heritage firmly in the spotlight.

On Friday, the route led competitors through the heart of the Luberon before returning via the historic Route Nationale 7 and the picturesque Alpilles. Saturday was devoted to the quiet back roads of the Gard region, followed by a passage through Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and the spectacular Gorges de l'Ardèche.

One of the highlights came on Sunday. Thanks to exclusive access to Orange Air Base 115, participants were given the rare opportunity to visit a site normally closed to the public. The programme then continued with a visit to the Espace Muséal Caritat. For many, it proved to be one of the most memorable moments of the weekend.

The presence of younger participants once again stood out, both behind the wheel and in the navigator's seat. The 2026 Junior Trophy was awarded to Emmanuel Rauline and Alexandre Boué, who impressed with their elegant 1924 Amilcar Type G.

Following another successful edition, the organisers are already looking ahead to their next event: the Montlhéry Motor Heritage, scheduled for May 2027.

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