DAY 8, HALF-WAY AND HISTORY IS MADE IN SPECTACULAR FASHION

The Centenary Alpine Trial's half-way stage was heralded with an evening that promises to live long in the memories of those that attended and will also be firmly cemented in Rolls-Royce's history. The event marked 100 years to the day that the original 1913 Alpenfahrt Rally would have been preparing to set off.

The largest gathering of Silver Ghosts in living memory was not enough – a gala evening followed by a spectacular firework display did so much to rejuvenate road-weary participants.

HRH the Duke of Gloucester, Honorary President of the 20-Ghost Club, joined the celebrations. The number of cars and participants swelled with the arrival of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club, who are currently touring through the Alps.

A celebratory atmosphere was reflected in the words of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, who gave a nod to the company's founders and recognised the spirit of adventure and kindship on which the Trials are based. He said "I'm sure that somewhere in this room this evening the spirits of Sir Henry, Charles Rolls and Claude Johnson are watching us with profound approval and pride."

Tomorrow an early start will see the magnificent cars covering the first part of the Great Dolomite Route, over the highest passes on the tour leading back from Italy to Austria.

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