M2M13140

[Thotos]

From what I hear I think this seat may already be taken!!  

Yes it is now    

still scratching your head as to why the Cortina outsold the Fiat by such a large margin in the 70s and 80s!  

As a classic car it still overshadows the 131 having multiple owner clubs, even split by version. If you want a chance to get your own back and prove that the 131 has a large following of passionate supporters, make sure you get along to the biggest event to celebrate the car's 40th anniversary and show Ford that they didn't have things all their own way!  

I'm sure the Cortina didn't outsell the 131 in Italy  
Multiple owner clubs simply dilute the enthusiasm. Do Cortina owner clubs organise an annual 4 day meeting with participants from all over Europe? I doubt it. Most Cortina owners wouldn't drive their cars over 3000 Km in under a week  


Perhaps all those Cortina owners should watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdTZCJCkkyA  

[simon131]

Nice one Theo. 

[Robert]

SHOTGUN!!

[bellamacchina]

All hotels booked and we know the car we take

[kev131]

All hotels booked and we know the car we take

Good news Albert...... Is all the family coming?

[c.a.c131]

Thats great Albert

[bellamacchina]

I come together with the old lady my mother. For Eliana it is way too long, so Ela stays home with our little girl.

[131akafa]

Hi everybody,

you can add another attendee to the list: Holger is booked for both ferry and hotels and will join us with his replica.
He has one spare seat (HINT for Heini's passengers )


Cheers,
Ren?

[kev131]

Great news - I hope the hotels still have availaibility.....

Let me know if you have any difficulties and we can look at alternatives....

[Heini131]

Hi everybody,

you can add another attendee to the list: Holger is booked for both ferry and hotels and will join us with his replica.
He has one spare seat (HINT for Heini's passengers )


Cheers,
Ren?

Sehr sch?n 

[kev131]

It's great to see the bookings roll in...I'm convinced this could be the biggest and hopefully one of the best 131 gatherings that we've had to date. It makes me very proud to know that people are driving such a long way in old cars to see our beautiful home.

I've spent some time this evening putting together the summary route maps and it's very clear to me that this will be very much a whistle stop trip through Ireland and that many spectacular spots are being ignored because we just dont have enough time. Hopefully for the visitors, it will give you a taste of what Ireland has to offer and you might come again. 

The route itself is far too long to do the normal pre event recce so it's been created from maps and prior knowledge from both Chris and I.

Key destinations and waypoints will be marked with GPS co-ordinates so having a working and up to date Sat Nav in every car is a requirement. If the event is as successful as we hope, then the convoy will be too large to keep together at all times so having navigational aids (inlcuding a good current road map of Ireland) will help enormously. It will also allow anyone who feels like exploring destinations not on the offiical route ...or to visit their Irish ancestors from generations past...to do so and then to catch up again with the official group. The route maps will be pretty basic and the very opposite of what Robert produced in 2013 ....which had a photo of every junction...as well as the directions!! 

On Day two (the longest trip) there is the oiption to travel by the most direct route to the Galway hotel. The reason why some may like to do this is because it is a 4 star hotel overlooking the bay with lovely facilities. The other option is to head west to Ireland's only fjord before returning to Galway via the lakes and viewing the county's Twelve Pins (mountain range).

On Day 4 there is again an option. The attendees at 3MA07 will recall the highlight of the Healy Pass.



We spent a gloriously sunny morning listening to 131s being driven in anger on the hairpin bends far below the onlookers high above. The option is to do this before going to the most Southerly point (Mizen Head). Alternatively attendees can go directly to Mizen head from the hotel and to spend some time there enjoying the sights and sounds and tastes. If you have time have a look at this short movie from this location.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpKcmDdiVpw

[simon131]

Wow Kev! Looks like you and Chris have been busy once again!

Unfortunately it is looking less and less likely that I will be able to join you as I'm having a few 'life issues' at the moment, not least with HMRC. I also don't have any particularly reliable/proven 131 to use, ferry prices have rocketed and I've 'lost' my passenger - twice! 

It isn't looking good...........but I'm persevering! 

[kev131]

Book a flight to Shannon and you can ride shotgun mate! 

[Thotos]

I have an empty back seat for the way there and an empty front passenger seat for the way back  so you don't even need to book a flight to ride shotgun with Kevin   

[kev131]

Simon doesn't do back seats Theo...especially not in 2 door 131s!!