Vintage Roads in Scotland

"Very often, it's only after a brief trip to the south of England or some parts of Europe that I learn to appreciate just how deserted many of our roads are in Scotland, and how little many of them have changed since our vintage vehicles were driving on them daily. One road which I drive regularly in a vintage car is the A93 Spittal of Glenshee road, originally known as "The Devil's Elbow". It's the highest road in the UK at 2199 feet - comparatively small in comparison to the Stelvio Pass at 9043 feet! In 1907 the Scottish Reliability Trials crossed the Devil's Elbow, it was here that the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost made a significant name for itself.

In memory and respect of those who tested cars around the Devil's Elbow 100 years ago, every time I cross Glenshee in a vintage car, I deliberately turn off into the layby halfway up and exit discreetly onto the old road. I've crossed it in my Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, Vauxhall 30/98 and in reverse in a 1914 Renault. Yesterday I did it in my faithful old Austin 12/4. The most frightening part was hoping that the handbrake held as I took the photograph! A nostalgic drive on a forgotten road."

(text and photos Ian Murray)

Published:

Saturday September 12th, 2015

Unknown

14 September 2015, 13:15

Pre-War cars on the highest roads!
Well, in Austin 7's, though rather special ones to works competition spec. we did several of the late Phillip Young's rallies during the 1990's, sometimes with two cars and went over alot of the highest passes in the Massif Central usually on snow and ice in January, as well as any other high spots that could be found around Barcellonette, Digne, Gap, St-Martin-Vesubie ...etc (anywhere high in Haute Provence). Also the Tiz n'Tichka pas in the atlas in Morocco. Over 7400 feet and never any problems - either up or down. Did this twice, 1993 and 1998. I almost forgot the hill-climb course at Canillo in Andorra, so I suppose that we could contribute a few!

All the best, Peter.

Unknown

13 September 2015, 17:02

Wheel chock on a string is an even better solution!

Theme - prewar cars on the highest roads - we can contribute two - Salmson on Col de la Bonette in the French Alps and on Trail Ridge Road in the Colorado Rockies.

Unknown

13 September 2015, 12:11

Ian Murray, I enjoyed your story and photos.I found that carrying a wheel chock block is a good idea.

Happy motoring, Warren

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DC2c0jm-BU

Unknown

13 September 2015, 08:58

-Well done Ian for getting out there, & no sign of any rocks, under the wheels either, very trusting on that Transmission Hand Brake, In my mind I already have the next pic in my mind, a scot in a kilt chasing a 12-4 down the hill.

Tony Hillyard

13 September 2015, 06:25

Truly stunning photographs Ian! Now, what about these for a theme for the prewarcar calendar?

Unknown

13 September 2015, 00:24

I might be wrong saying that this is the highest road in the UK! If so, the old Austin's got some future trips to higher spots...
http://www.ocd.org.uk/uk/HighestRoads.html

Vintage Roads in Scotland

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