Now and then we publish articles on Autogespot from the French club, Asphalt Heritage. This club has a big passion for everything that has to do with cars. Especially driving a historic rally is a big passion of these guys. Maroc Classic drew our attention. An amazing rally with Bentleys, Aston Martins, Ferrari’s and many other cars through a country with breathtaking landscapes. Thanks to Matthieu Brotal and Amaurry Laparra we present you their story and a beautiful series of photos of the rally they drove.
This photographic work is primarily a story of a "car chase" through an extraordinary country. A search for perfect corner shots that would best describe this epic adventure. Under the patronage of HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, the 18th (eighteen) edition of the Classic Rally Morocco took place over seven days, 18 road regularity sections, and 2147 km traveled between Rabat, Tangiers, Fez, Erfoud, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech. It has two plateau of 75 crews in total. The plateau "Classic" open to cars from 1930 to 1983, and "rally Prestige" which is reserved for modern GT built since 1984. The diversity of landscapes and climates encountered contributes greatly to the attractiveness of this rally. By engaging in this luxurious travel you would have thought not to encounter the slightest drop of rain, or a single blade of grass. It was not counting on the allure of Atlas and Middle Atlas we walked!
After the departure of Rabat, the capital of Morocco, the rain and the cold soon appeared rapidly, making the roads of the sea around Tanger very slippery and "tricky"! It was common to see some cars driven at walking pace in the ruts left by trucks. The rally started strong!
Soon on the hood of these beautiful cars stormy passages, fine rain and hail will ensue. This is just the beginning, because if the rain continues around to Erfoud "the door of the desert." the snow will travel quickly, and soon we surveyed portions of snow stained asphalt where some Jaguars and Aston Martins will may slip due to their insolent travel speeds. The many snowy mountain passes give surreal images, which soon will be replaced by vast deserts around Ouarzazate. The sun and heat will stick close the event, and arid landscapes accompany participants to Marrakech "Red City" which welcomes the arrival of the rally.
A racing reserved for "gentlemen drivers" must be felt the name Morocco Rally, but it still remains a fierce competition for each 18 seconds during the regular road tests the goal is not the outright speed, but the regularity. Once the trial commenced, no pardons! All eyes on the Trip Master, everyone fights for victory, aboard cars that we would not dare rush on. Despite crossing fords, ruts and chaotic roads, more is needed to discourage the Mercedes 300 SL roadster and his crew! We must therefore acknowledge the bravery and daring courage of the owners of these wonderful vintage cars. Who do not hesitate to cross all kinds of contour, as seen in the photographs. The diverse landscape is also felt on the choice of terrain. The highway between Rabat and Tanger turn very quickly into steep mountain roads, and sometimes bumpy gravel. So to speak, the filth on the cars express the magnitude of the 2147 km traveled. It was daring!
This fabulous story could not have been written without the flawless organization of the Rally Morocco Classic 2011. These achievements have emerged through the seriousness and the kindness of the entire staff, and its chief organizer Jean‐Francois Rageys. It's the same for the entire population of outstanding hospitality! In each village, each intersection, each did his best to facilitate the passage of these cars sometimes fiercely. The enthusiasm of the population justifies the term for this adventure: "Morocco Classic, The drive from the heart ".
Photography by: Matthieu Brotel
