The Morgans Go European

May 1, 2018 The Wales Rally Comes to Harlech

The first day of May started out just like any other day; sunny skies dotted with occasional clouds, some chirping birds, and the distant crash of waves on the beach. But today the sounds of rich, gravelly exhaust notes bounced off the dark stone Welch buildings, catching my ear of course. We were in a second hand antique store, and I was, coincidentally, looking at a pair of leather driving gloves, and suddenly I heard the unmistakable noise of something cool coming down the road. I stepped outside and saw a group of cars making their way through town. Old Aston Martins, Jaguars, and an Austin Healey gleamed in all their bug-eyed, cheeky grilled, wire-wheeled glory. These are cars you generally don't see in the States, and if you do, it's a big deal. As they passed me looking for a parking spot, the smell of old, emission-free exhaust tickled my nostrils. Gotta say, it smells better than a Prius.

All the cars had these plates on the front and rear, labeling them as a part of the 30th May 1st Wales Rally from Belgium to Wales. These old gents and their wives pull out their mechanical babies from the recesses of their garages, pack some essentials, and drive across the U.K. on a tour of the country, all in their cars from an older era. If that isn't living the dream, I don't know what is. We later found out that they were doing a Welsh castle tour, and had stopped in Harlech for its main attraction. Curvy old cars lined the streets for the entirety of the day.

We continued our shopping tour and outside of each store was parked something that made my eyes bigger than E.T's. The old Aston Martins looked like they came right out of a James Bond flick, and some were made by companies I had never heard of (Riley Motors). I like this continent more and more. Seeing all this history and pride all grouped together for a communal cruise stirred my passion for cars even more. I hope to one day include myself in a group of enthusiasts, driving a car I'm proud of, enjoying the countryside with the wind in my hair and the tinge of burned dinosaurs permeating the air. I hope you can enjoy these cars as much as I do! ~Collin