"If you dare, you’re in." Challenge accepted! My adventure in a 1907 Itala

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For many people, December is all about Santa, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. But for us, this month is mainly spent in eager anticipation of Prewar Days and the 100 Miles Rally. Three weeks ago, I experienced something I will not soon forget.

If you had asked me five years ago if I would ever be driving through the rain and cold on a December night, the night of the solstice itself, I would have probably called you crazy. Yet there I was, dressed like an onion with five layers of clothing and strategically placed heat packs to fend off the cold.

This year, the 100 Miles took place on December 21st, 2024, and took us right through the heart of Antwerp, passing notable landmarks like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Bourla Theatre, the Meir, the Museum by the Stream, and the Port Authority Building, before exploring the rest of the province. The starting point was the Van Der Valk Hotel in Antwerp.

The rally is organised by my friends, Lawrence and Michael Bossaert. Since they took over the event for 2022, when it visited Ypres, I’ve been following everything closely. While I relax in the evening watching Netflix, I see Lawrence tirelessly working to devise the perfect route. The passion both brothers put into the 100 Miles Rally and Prewar Days is truly admirable. They not only provide an excellent driving route but also offer technical support and, most importantly, ensure the rally is first and foremost about having fun.

During previous editions of the rally, I was always sitting next to Lawrence in the organisers' vehicle. Five days before the start, I received an unexpected message from Laurens Klein, director and owner of PreWarCar. "If you dare, you can join me," he wrote. Dare? There was no question about it. The answer was a resounding "Yes!" This year, the PreWarCar.com team participated with the impressive 1907 Itala 40hp. This car has more than proven itself in historic endurance trials, including participation in the legendary Peking-Paris race. A small but comfortable seat had been reserved for me in the back of the Itala.

The evening began with a delightful dinner, the perfect preparation for the long night ahead. At 7.45 p.m., the first vehicle started, marking the beginning of our adventure. Around 50 brave pre-war teams were eager to set off. Although the weather was far from ideal—rain fell steadily—it didn’t dampen the atmosphere. Our first stop was at Café Welkom in Herentals, a popular cycling café serving a perfect menu of Belgian coffees and beers, with an old-fashioned ambience. After the stop, we faced a challenging technical test, a "herringbone" manoeuvre that really put our skills to the test.

The last stop was at Historic Competition Services. We were warmly welcomed with hot drinks and had the chance to enjoy an impressive collection of classic cars. It was the perfect end to a night full of adventure and nostalgia. When I climbed out of my small seat for the last time, it struck me how unique this experience was.

I’m already looking forward to the next one. For now, I have one task left: convincing my friend to get his own pre-war cars ready to race so that maybe next year, I can participate again—who knows, perhaps as a driver? One thing is for sure: the 100 Miles Rally always guarantees unforgettable moments.

Dorien Christiaen

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