An eclectic group of cars and drivers stormed into town on Tuesday, on a cross-continent classic car rally.
The oldest car on hand, a Lancia Theta, rolled off the factory floor in 1916, which is a mere two years older than the oldest participant: navigator Dorothy Caldwell.
Dorothy, along with her son Alastair, an ex-team manager for the McLaren F1 team, decided that the 13,500 km classic rally would be a great way to bond.
“I don’t have much time with (Alastair) – he lives in England, I live in New Zealand – so I don’t see him, normally, very much. I thought this would be a great way of seeing him,” she said.
They’ve had plenty of time to catch up in the plush interior of the 1960’s Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III that Alastair chose to take on this year’s rally. A car he has a fondness for driving sideways on the competitive ‘trial’ sections of the rally.
While age might hold some people back, it was more of an incentive for Dorothy.
“I decided why not. What have I got to lose? I’m 94 now and if I die, that’ll be ok.”
She started her tour of North America a little early, driving to St. Louis for her sister’s centenary.
With her living in St. Louis, it’s not the first time Dorothy’s seen North America; it is, however, the first time she’s been to Canada, which she has enjoyed.
“Every bit of it’s been lovely,” she said
The troop of cars heads up to Smithers next and then continues northward for Anchorage.
