Banger rally
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[edit] Banger Rally - what is it?
Banger • noun chiefly Brit. informal an old car.
Rally • verb (rallies, rallied) bring or come together as support or for united action, drive in a motor rally. • noun (pl. rallies) a long-distance competition for motor vehicles over public roads or rough terrain.
Not to be confused with Banger racing
A banger rally is simply a rally in a banger.
A banger is a UK slang word for a Car that is past its best in terms of condition, either mechanically or bodywork wise.
Banger rallies chiefly appears to be a UK based phenomenon and most involve driving through Europe to various destinations. Many rallies use different routes, different rules and for many different reasons. They are open to anyone willing, or mad enough, to coax an old car from one place to its destination (and most likely resting place)! A banger rally can be done to raise money for a charity, for your own achievement or just because you can!
Although the cars are supposed to be bangers they all must be legal - needed a valid MOT and Road Tax for the UK - and they should meet all legal requirements for the countries that the car will attempt to pass through.
Some events have a limit on how much a participant can spend on buying a car in the first place, normally a few hundred pounds at most. Then the car can then be prepared, this can also have budget restrictions, but this doesn't normally stop people from making some 'choice' improvements, such as a new paint job with a roller, brush or spraycans, musical horns, flashing lights or even customising to a theme: Knight Rider, A-team, cartoon characters, film, etc Normally a costume is also adopted to finish the look off.
These events may well raise money for worthwhile charities, but people also take part on these rallies because of the opportunity to have fun, travel, try new food, visit interesting places, see some fantastic scenery and revel in the camaraderie of fellow ralliers. And where ever you get bangers you get breakdowns, and what better way to make friends then to go to aid of a fellow driver! It's all a challenge and a unique and memorable way to spend a week away from the dull English weather!
[edit] Places to search for a banger
- Local newspaper adverts
- ebay motors
- Online car forums
- Word of mouth
- Main dealers may have part-exchange cars they are willing to part with cheaply
[edit] Banger Rally organisations
www.motoscape.co.uk 7 countries, 7 days, 1500 miles, Calais to Krakow.
Street Safari was conceived in 2003 by Justin Clements and runs several well-known rallies: Staples2Naples, Home2Rome, CzechWrecks, Calais2Casablanca and an America based venture The BABE rally - New York to New Orleans. They have a comprehensive site.
Ramshakle Rally. Have two routes, both starting Calais but one ending in Valencia and the other in Krakow.
Plymouth - Dakar Plymouth - Banjul Challenge. Started in 2003 by Julian Nowill the name was originally Plymouth to Dakar. Due to popularity of the original, an additional run called 'The Bamako Run' has been added. All vehicles must be LHD as they are given away at the end off the rally. They have a comprehensive site.
Barcelona Bangers Calais to Barcelona
Scally Rally Calais to Rimini
Sucata Run Rouen to Portugal
This is a UK based entry. Not all organisations are listed. Entry will be updated regularly.DK 2007.
