Rush hour in Ethiopia

I did just get this mail from a lodge where the Via Flaminia will be staying:


Dear Bart,

I don’t know if you use facebook, but there is a group called Ethiopian Highland Rallyhttp://www.facebook.com/groups/5901294571/

You will see a lot of current and classic pics of motor events in Ethiopia. My father himself was the last winner of the Highland Rally in 1973 (over 5000kms) before a 20 year stop was imposed by the government. Rallies started again in 1993 and there again my dad won the Highland Rally. Some of those cars racing in the 70s are still running now, a friend of mine for example has a Ford Escort works car in complete restored condition, some have Fiat 131 Abarch, some Datsun 1600ss etc.

In all these years the motorsport was held alive by the italian community, almost still is upto date, although is currently in a deep decline. The “Circolo Sportivo Juventus Addis Abeba” is an italian club that has always been closely connected to all motorsports events. Perhaps you would consider having something done there as well as it could attract all the italian community for sure, which are all very enthusiastic about such events.

I understand your rally is not a competitive one, but we would enjoy such an event as well. To list you the cars we have that perhaps we could use to join:

- Autounion Munga 1949
- Mercedes 190 – 1959
- Renault 12 TL – 1972
- Mini 1000 – 1972
- Mini Van – 1962
- Ford Capri 2300 GT – 1971
- Fiat 125 Special - 1972
- Chevrolet Impala - 1972

I will look for a Lancia Truck for you!

Best regards,

Stefano

To be exact:
The Via Flaminina Coloniale is open for cars built up to May 5 1941, the date at which Emperor Haile Selassie returned to the throne. For cars up to the September 12 1974 (the date at which the Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed) acceptance is on invitation only.

Africa is a continent, not a subcontinent