Italian racing in Eritrea-Ethiopia.

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By Bart Kleyn (+ a note by Simon Moore): Italians love racing and in the few years they colonised Eritrea and Ethiopia they did bring their hobby and their cars along as can be seen in the 1938 Christmas race in Asmara (Eritrea), main photo. After the defeat from the British many cars remained there. A British serviceman bought the car in the middle of the grid for £ 40,-. When he was transferred to Addis Abeba he sold the car. In 1952 the car had undergone some changes but was still racing in Eritrea (below, second photo from left). Eventually this car made it to Ethiopia. It was discovered in the desert  in the early sixties. Another 8C with Eritrean roots never made it to Ethiopia (below, last photo to the right). But this may change during the coming Via Flaminia Coloniale in November 2013. We even came across a 6C with a plate reading "Campionato Eritreo  Montagni; 1951; Romeo Paulo; A.C.E." (see photo of inscription). Tuesday the 11th at 8 p.m.  there will be a presentation about this extraordinary rally at the Royal Automobile Club. If you are interested to learn more you are more then welcome. Please notify the organisation at [email protected]
 

Originally published on September 5, 2012!

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