Competitors clued up on figures for car economy run (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Competitors clued up on figures for car economy run

CIRENCESTER Car Club's Corinium Economy Run took in a 115-mile route that started and finished at the Highwayman Inn, Elkstone.

But last month's event for the 70 starters began in nearby Centurion Garage where cars were checked for roadworthiness and fuelled to the brim under the watchful eye of MSA scrutineers Dave Bowlas and Paul Loveridge.

On arrival at the Highway-man, entrants were display in order and made for an impressive sight with vehicles ranging from a 1931 Riley Biarritz to a 2005 Daihatsu Copen.

Jeremy Wells and Pamela Moore were first away in their Austin Healey 3000. After an early frost, the sun was out and the route north towards Broad-way and several pretty villages gave crews some glorious views.

At the end of the day, everyone returned to the Highwayman where photo-certificates were presented by joint clerk of the course, Martin Saunders, who had used his unrivalled knowledge of the area to put together a much-appreciated route.

The proceedings were concluded in reasonable time and the second Corinium Run was toasted a huge success.

The Horne's Fiat Seicento Sporting had achieved 57.74mpg (6.84 pence per mile fuel cost) while a Rover 218 managed 57.67mpg/7.14 pence per mile.

Last year's most economical car, the Toyota Avensis of Michael Stevens and Christopher Gregory, finished third this time around with 55.31mpg/7.24ppm.

The Cirencester Efficiency Number calculations put the BMW 320 diesel of Malcolm Middleton-Salt and Neil Forrest at the head of the table with a figure of 28.43.

Cirencester Car Club members, the Vout family of Ian, Christine, Laura and Michael, guided their Audi A4 Estate in to 28.07 - having helped out at signing-on at the Highwayman - just ahead of the Toyota Avensis, which recorded 28.04.

This shows how more efficient modern cars have become.

The 1970 Mercedes 220 of David Smith, Robert Crafar and Kenneth Abrahams again proved to be the best older car on 15.99 with Keith Wilson/Dave Cooper's 1931 Riley Biarritz achieving 13.11 and the Lancia Appia of Peter Baker and Clive Berry returning 13.08.

The Ferrari has something in its favour as it finished ahead of six others with an efficiency number of 7.25!

A notable highlight of the event was an excellent turn-out of club members, both on the organising side and as competitors.

Among them were Ian/Christine/Laura/ Michael Vout (Audi A4 Estate) 28.07 44.79mpg; Peter Harris/Alan Morris (Vauxhall Cavalier) 24.53 46.45mpg; Don Lawrence/Mike Eastman (VW Golf d) 24.42 43.35mpg; Lisa Selby/Toby Harris (Ford Puma Racing) 17.85 39.62mpg; Jim/Audrey Loveday (Jaguar XJS) 13.30 20.99mpg; Charles Todd/Andrew Wait (Sunbeam Mk 3 Coupe) 12.61 22.39mpg; David/Doreen Richards (Morris Minor) 12.44 34.66mpg; Mike Webb/Chris Curtis (Morris Marina 1300) 10.69 28.11mpg; Bill/Celia Linmbrick (Volvo Amazon) 10.22 21.66mpg; Liz/John Stratton (Mini 1275 GT) 9.89 29.89mpg; Ivan/Enid Goodfield (MG Midget) 9.79 30.21mpg; Jeremy Wells/ Pamela Moore (Austin Healey 3000) 8.19 16.87mpg; Andrew Isherwood/Hilary Farbowski (Morris Mini rally car) 6.48 19.58mpg.