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How this Competition Thingy Works

We're driving around Eurasia in cars which are quite elderly. It therefore stands to reason that, at some point, we may (and probably will) break down.

Although bad for us, it's good for you - because if you can guess how many miles elapse before we conk out, you can win a prize by correctly guessing this mileage. You'll even get a mention on a Hall of Fame (to be displayed on this site) if you allow us.

The winner, with the closest mileage, will receive a case of champagne (not the cheap stuff) and if you wish to participate do please make a donation to my chosen charity, the Samaritans. (A breakdown is an unscheduled stop for repairs where we are unable to mend the car and it has to be towed to a garage or civilisation). The person nearest to the actual breakdown mileage wins the champers.
 
Please email your guesses here to Jane. All entries will be eligible if you have made a donation to the Samaritans. Jane will collate all guesses and her decision is final. Do not argue with her - it is not worth it and you will lose!
 
If you have guessed a figure which clashes with someone else (unlikely - it's a really long route), we'll round your guess up by one mile.

Thanks for supporting us. Obviously, we'd prefer not to break down but we are realists.

Our car is a 1923 Vauxhall 30-98.  The first 30-98 was conceived in 1913 for the purpose of winning hill climbs which at the time took place on public roads.  It had a simple 4 cylinder side valve engine with a 4.5 litre capacity in a very light chassis with simple body works and modest breaks (rear wheels only).  The car was an outstanding success but production ceased on account of the First World War.  Production started again in 1919.  In 1923 the engine was upgraded to have overhead valves and our car, OE 60 was the 60th car produced with overhead valves and the last car off the production line with only rear wheel brakes.

Trials Photograph

In 1923 the Vauxhall 30-98 was possibly the fastest production car available on the market with a guaranteed top speed of 84 miles per hour.

Michael has owned OE 60 since 2000, having bought it at auction.  The previous owner had owned the car for 66 years and whilst various modifications and improvements have been made, eg the fitting of front wheel brakes, the car is substantially original and has certainly not been subjected to a cheque book restoration as is apparent from the photographs!!

The car still carries its original coach work by Mann Egerton. For a full run-down including technical petrol-head data and big-end con rod stuff, click here.
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fine tuning by zincweb internet www.zincweb.co.uk