Although Peugeots of all shapes and sizes had been on Australian roads for many years prior to 1953, it was then that Peugeot became a household name in this country with a stunning victory in the very first Redex Trial. Ken Tubman and John Marshall not only came home ahead of far bigger and more powerful cars, but amazingly their Peugeot 203 was in stock condition.

Then, in 1956, Wilf Murrell and Alan Taylor won the incredibly tough Ampol Trial in the newly released 403, a model that carried on the 203’s tradition of rugged reliability.

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the original Ampol Trial win, a plan was implemented to re-run the event in a meaningful, enjoyable and responsible way, which was also the case for the 2003 event that celebrated the anniversary of the 1953 victory.

The ‘Peugeot Round Australia Re-Run’ will start from Sydney on Sunday, 23rd April and chart a course that will take in the route from several of the original Ampol Trials. The 80 or so expected competitors will travel over 12,000 kilometres which will take them around much of eastern Australia, albeit at a much more leisurely pace than was the case 50 years ago. The convoy will return to Sydney on 21st May.

In partnership with Peugeot Automobiles Australia, the Peugeot Car Club of Victoria is organising the event with the assistance of their associate clubs from the other states. The field includes pre-1970 Peugeots as well as a group of representative cars of other marques from the early 1950s. Participants and cars from the original events will also form part of the re-run, adding greatly to the nostalgic appeal of the event.

The fact that cars over 50 years old can still drive 12,000 kilometres around the country while giving their owners great pleasure goes part of the way to explaining the mystique and strength behind the Peugeot name. Peugeot has a long and proud history in Australia, with 57 years of continuous representation. Peugeot also has a strong link with rural customers, evidenced by the success of the company’s diesel models.

The Peugeot Round Australia Re-Run will be highly visible as the convoy makes its way around the country. Receptions and displays have been organised in the towns and cities along the way, and the public will be given many opportunities to view this historic event.

The field will begin their journey from Parramatta Park, at 9am on Sunday 23rd April, from the Amphitheatre 12 area.

Further information can be gained by visiting www.peugeot.com.au and selecting the newly added ‘Peugeot Round Australia Re-Run’ section in ‘Sponsorships and Events'.

Just like 2003 with the 50th Anniversary of the Redex win, this event will see classic Peugeots, some over 50 years old, travel around the country.

Peugeot Round Australia Trial 50th Anniversary
3rd December, 2005
In April 2006, to mark the victory of a Peugeot 403 in the first Ampol Trial in 1956, Peugeot Automobiles Australia will sponsor the Peugeot Round Australia Trial 50th Anniversary Re-Run ..... more