Automotive Art in Motion was the title of the third Supercar Rallye held on the weekend of 25 to 28 September 2003. The event was organised by Stephan Ratel’s Organisation SRO in London and 50 exclusive supercars cars of all makes plus a few real prototypes participated in the four-day trip from Geneva to Biarritz.

The undoubted success of the previous two editions convinced Ratel and his team to respond to the need of his enthusiastic clients, by continuing the adventure for the immense pleasure of the general public. They were able to enjoy the sight of these prestigious set of cars illustrating, away from the static displays at international motor shows, the whole reason for being of these works of automotive art: Movement.

Over the first two editions, a number of car manufacturers – Audi, Bentley, Maserati, Lamborghini, Peugeot – Designers – Giugiaro, Stola, Opac – and ambitious craftsmen – Dauer, Edonis, Pagani, Koenigsegg, Venturi – have entrusted the Supercar Rallye to add to the promotion of their name and image. Even more met up on 25 September 2003 in Geneva at the Parc des Eaux-Vives, along with some of the privileged owners of the most beautiful cars in the world. They all competed for the special jury prize, which was awarded to the most extraordinary creation which competed the 1856 kilometer route. This included some of the most beautiful roads through France.

Speed was not a criteria for eligibility for this event. First and foremost this rallye was a moving automobile exhibition and a regularity competition and with its warm and convivial atmosphere a unique event.

Throughout this prestigious rallye participants were astounded by the beauty of the landscapes, the steadily increasing interest of the public during the stopovers and by the visual impact of fifty extraordinary cars, some of them totally unique, driving through the countryside and villages.

Geneva, Megève, Monaco, Carcassone, the Mont Ventoux region, the circuit of Nogaro, and finally Biarritz were the main stages. At Geneva the cars were displayed and the administrative controls took place. Following a welcome cocktail the rallye began and cars drove off towards Megève, the luxury mountain resort in France. Friday was a long and exhausting drive on great country roads to Monaco where the participants then had dinner at the legendary Hotel de Paris. The trip continued on Saturday with the drive from Monaco to Carcassone. From there the group of supercars went to the circuit of Nogaro on Sunday. Timed sessions were held here and that’s where one of the Ferrari drivers slightly damaged the bodywork of his car. In the evening the participants finally arrived at Hotel du Palais in Biarritz at the Atlantic coast.

No fewer than thirteen Ferraris participated in the 2003 Supercar Rallye. There were two F40s, a yellow one and a bright red one which had been heavily modified with an air intake in the roof and a special rear spoiler. The owner, an Italian from Ravenna, designated the car as an F40 Competizione. A Frenchman arrived in his F50 and there were several 550 and 575 Maranellos. Also participating were two 360 Spiders and a Swiss-owned 550 Barchetta. This car had been sold at the Bonhams auction in Geneva in March 2003. Most spectacular however was one of the new Ferrari Enzos, apparently the first one delivered in France. Originally four Enzos had been entered for the Supercar Rallye but one British driver chose to use an Aston Martin Vanquish instead and the other two Enzos simply did not show up. There were also two of the new 360 Challenge Stradales, one from France and the other from Monaco. A few of the cars which started in Geneva did not arrive at the finish in Biarritz.

But the supercar rallye also included several fantastic Aston Martins, two big Bentleys, a great blue Bugatti EB 110 Supersport from Holland, two Chrysler Vipers, and at least six Lamborghinis of the Diablo, Murcielago and Gallardo type. An orange painted Gallardo with Italian license plates was piloted by the German Baroness Gloria Von Thurn and Taxis, apparently a marketing effort from Audi who owns Lamborghini. There was also a Maserati Spider in Vodafone sponsors colors, two of the outstanding Pagani Zondas, many Porsche GT2s and Venturis plus three Peugeot prototypes. One was a sensational buggy type with huge wheels, a prototype which had just recently been shown at a major international motor show. Many spectators also liked the gorgeous and ultrafast McLaren F1, a copper metallic example with Swiss license plates.

© Marcel Massini 30/09/2003