The Lombard Rally Festival at Craufurdland Castle has been one of the standout events in the series, bringing historic rally cars back to life in a truly unique setting in Ayrshire.

Across previous years, the event has welcomed an exceptional entry of historic rally cars, running on a mixed surface, period-style rally stage within the castle grounds. Spectators have been able to enjoy these iconic machines in action, alongside a strong display of classic and sports cars.

The festival has also featured some of rallying’s most recognisable names, including Harri Toivonen, Dai Llewellin and Jimmy McRae, all connected to the legendary MG Metro 6R4 era of 1986. Their presence, alongside the cars, helped bring the history of rallying to life for spectators.

 

Alongside the rally action, the event has included:

  • A tour run for classic, sports and supercars arriving into the estate

  • A large static display of classic and sports cars

  • Strong support from local car clubs, including Ayrshire Classic Car Club

  • A full spectator experience with excellent viewing areas and commentary throughout

One of the most popular features has been the opportunity to see rally cars up close and, in some cases, experience the stage from inside a rally car with a professional driver.

The Craufurdland Castle event will not take place in 2026, but it remains an important part of the Lombard Rally Festival calendar and is expected to return in 2027.

In the meantime, you can relive the atmosphere and action from previous years below.

We would like to thank all drivers, teams, car clubs, partners and spectators who have supported the event to date. Craufurdland Castle has played a key role in establishing the Lombard Rally Festival in Scotland, and we look forward to returning in the future.

Grimsthorpe waiting for the Start

At our Lombard Rally Festival Grimsthorpe Castle event, Escort M2, Escort G3 and Ford RS200 waiting to start

John Whalley Stratos

We like to see a Lancia Stratos or two on our events - this one at Lombard Rally Bath in 2023

NCZ_1897_DxO

We love to say 'Sideways is Best' and this Escort Mk1 is certainly living up to it!

The First twenty entries at Craufurdland Castle:

1  Craig Gibson. Escort Cosworth Mk1 

2  Special Guest Vauxhall Firenza Can-Am/Opel Ascona 400

3  Dai Llewellin Audi Quattro

4  Cameron Williamson Subaru Impreza

5  Dave Turner Escort Mk2

6  Harri Rovanpera TBC

7  Martin Roberts Audi Quattro S1E2

8  Robin Hamilton Metro 6R4

9  Harald Demuth Audi Quattro

10  Neil Brighton Peugeot 206WRC

11  Harri Toivonen Ford RS200

12  Dave Shipton Mitsubishi EVO8

  1. Kevin Adrain Ford Escort Mk2

15  Simon Powell Opel Manta 400

  1. Phil Welton Audi Quattro Sport 
  2. Jim Patterson Opel Ascona 400
  3. Adam Marsden Audi 200 Quattro
  4. Steve Harkness Rover SD1 'Golden Wonder'
  5. Mick Strafford Vauxhall Firenza Can-Am

And twenty more entrants:

  1. Kim Mather Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
  2. TBC Mitsubishi EVO
  3. Kenny Blair Citroen WRC
  4. David Bowman Escort Mk2 'Eaton Yale'
  5. Bill Dobie Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1
  6. Tom Wilkinson Hillman Avenger
  7. Jimmy Knox BMW 325i

28  Jonathan Young Ford Escort Mk2

  1. TBC Triumph TR7V8
  2. Mark McMinn Escort Mk2

31  Michael Morton Peugeot 205GTi

  1. Jim McDowall Ford Escort Mk2
  2. Andy Ace Harrison Morris 1800 ‘Landcrab’

34  Rob Pollock Hillman Avenger*

  1. Duncan Ferguson Ford Escort Mk2 BDG*
  2. Kevin MacIver. Ford Escort Mk2 *

37  Andrew Borthwick Talbot Sunbeam Lotus*

38  David McLeod Hillman Avenger *

39  Michael Lawson Opel Ascona

40   Lauchlan Hunter MG3 

 including the 'future of rallying' - the group of Junior 1000 drivers we are delighted to have join us:

41  Gavin Chisholm Saab 99

42.  Kevin Maguire Hillman Avenger

43.  John Dickson Lancia Beta Monte Carlo

44.  Kevin Salter Hillman Imp

45.  Jamie Turner Ford Escort Mk2

46.  Bob ‘The Log’ Dennis Opel Manta “A”

47.  Alfie Letham Skoda CitiGo

48.  April Blair Skoda CitiGo

49.  Gregor Beatson Skoda CitiGo

50.  Gregor Reid Seat Mi

51.  William Thompson Nissan Micra

52.  James McLaughlan

53   Alan McDowall Escort RS1600 Mk1

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Resize lombard-rally-bath-2021 Mick Strafford at Great Tew-1
These great photos were taken at the Great Tew stage on Lombard Rally Bath in 2021 of two cars that we love to see and hear on our events MIck Strafford's Firenza Can-Am with its V8 engine and Eian Pritchard with the 1976 Lombard RAC Rally winning 'Cossack' Ford Escort RS1800. 
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