The Lige-Brescia-Lige rally in 1958 was a brave attempt by the Royal Motor Union of Lige, organisers of one of the toughest new car rallies of the time, to show the world just how good some of the tiny cars being built in Europe really were.

The Suez crisis of 1956 had forced the motor industry to look at economy and the result was an increasing number of bubble cars, or microcars, on the roads. Some were dreadful, but others were very competent and only snobbish attitudes prevented people from buying them. Indeed, if attitudes had been different, we might well not have as much of the global warming problem we have today.

To mark the 50th anniversary of this pioneering event, when cars with engines of below 500cc raced across the Alps and Dolomites from Belgium to Yugoslavia, then back over the Dolomites and southern Alps to Brescia, then back up over the Alps to Belgium, almost non-stop for three days and nights, I'm organising a special commemorative rally on July 11-20, 2008 - finishing 50 years, to the day, after the original rally.

The 2008 event will not be flat out - in fact we'll cover 200 miles a day, visiting places of interest en route such as the BMW Museum at Munich, but following the exact route of the original event. Cars of the same specification as in 1958 will compete in the 'Authentic' category, while selected cars of up to 700cc and up to 1967 will join them in the 'Spirit' category.

With 11 nights' hotel accommodation and all meals, the projected cost is just 2400 all-in and the event will be run as a tour, with navigational challenges and optional tests on go-kart circuits and private roads to add a competitive element. The route is stunning, particularly the Stelvio and Gavia passes and some amazing roads entering Slovenia.
For more details, see http://www.classicrallypress.co.uk. .
Malcolm McKay, Motorbase News Editor