Peter Davies

1995. The first competitive test for the prototype Liege was the MCC’s Exeter Trial on 6th/7th January 1995. The Liege was then launched at the London Classic Motor Show at Alexandra Palace in March 1995. The first success for the Liege in competition was in April, taking a Bronze on it’s first attempt at the 20 hour Lands End Trial. This was followed by the 1600mile 'Le Jog ', a 72 hour Reliability Trial from Lands End to John O'Groats, the Liege winning the up to two litre GT class and a Bronze Medal.

1996. In October 1996 the Liege was driven to southern Morocco as a test, 6500 miles without a problem (having been a bare chassis two weeks prior to leaving). The Pyrenees and Atlas mountain roads were impressive, as was the performance of the Liege through them. The 16inch wheels and tyres were a great success. Strong and light, they made easy work of a 50 mile off road trek to Erg Chebbi on the edge of the Sahara. A few days later the Liege was 7000 feet up in the Pyrenees leaving Avon tread patterns in the snow. The Reliant engine's performance was amazing, it never missed a beat and returned over 50 mpg, even the radiator refused to be topped up.

The other purpose of the run was to carry out a route recce for an event organised by the Guild of Motor Endurance. The Liege-Agadir-Liege. A 5000 mile International Endurance Trial which took place on the 4th-16th October 1997 for specialist cars and specials. 33 specialist cars competed on this arduous endurance event with gold awards to the most accomplished, the Liege sporting car was amongst them. When confronted by landslides blocking the Khenifra road at altitude in the Atlas mountains, the Liege just drove over them and kept going.

For all but two, the road to Marrakech meant returning down the mountain. Well done Gari & Nathan Jones / Liege. On both trips to the Sahara the Liege was able to carry all the necessary soft luggage and equipment for the journey (on the first three week trip, a tent and two sleeping bags were also taken). There is a boot compartment over the 6 gallon fuel tank at the rear, space behind and under the seats and useful space in the double skinned doors. The adjustable seats were amazingly comfortable, even on 12hour driving stints.

A Liege has finished the ‘95,‘96,‘97,‘98,‘99,‘00,’ 02 & 2003 Easter Land’s End Trials. Each over 20 hours long and really good tests under arduous conditions. The agility of the suspension and the light and responsive steering makes the Liege always a joy to drive. The supercharger was fitted for the 1997 Trial, it sounded gorgeous and pulled like a train, all very enjoyable, just what owning a Liege is all about.

1998. On the 21st May 1998 Gari Jones, partnered by Leeza Rose of Channel One television, took part in the ‘Guild of Motor Endurance Six Hour’ at Mallory Park. The Liege completed the six hour endurance without a problem. Afterwards other competitors commented on the undiminished speed of the Liege through the corners and it’s remarkable handling, especially flat out through Gerrards. Even more amazing is the fact that the suspension was still as set up for the Lands End Trial. The Liege has a low centre of gravity and it’s relationship to the roll centre axis means no anti roll bars are required. From high speed to braking into the hairpin for 219 laps, the braking capability also received much praise. The Liege lightweight design together with the reliability of the Reliant engine and running gear, makes a complimentary package.

1999. In October 1999 Gari Jones partnered by his wife Do completed the demanding 1999 Liege-Targa-Liege. This 7000km Endurance Trial from Liege in Belgium to the Targa Florio in Sicily and back was a tough event. Well done, achieving a Gold again. Also in 1999 Gari Jones took his Liege to the race circuit in Anglesey, lapping for 3.1/2 hours.

2000. Gari and Do Jones started 2000 with the Exeter Classic Trial, always held on the first weekend of the year, this was followed in May with them being in the winning team on the 20 hour Endurance Tour of Wales. Dave Holroyd also competed in this event in his newly built light blue Liege. Dave won the self-built class and then went off on holiday in his Liege to the Alps and Lake Garda.

In July, James Elliot, the editor of Classic and Sports Car carried out a back to back test with Stuart Turners Dellow, the article is in the November 2000 issue of the magazine. On the Edinburgh Trial on the 6th & 7th October 2000 Gari & Do Jones successfully climbed all the hills and were awarded a Gold Medal. Simon & Matt Robson a Bronze.

2001. Fifty specialist sportscars entered the Liege-Corse rally on the 21st - 27th April 2001. Four Liege competed in this competitive Six Day Reliability Trial, starting at Spa in Belgium, via Marseille, and the competitive rally section in Corsica. Awards went to: Howard Blackwell & John Reeve (Silver) and Gari & Do Jones (Bronze). Also in 2001 Simon Robson and his son Matt competed in their yellow Liege, having great success in Production Car Trials and Auto Tests, winning overall or in class on most occasions.

2002. Six Liege started the MCC’s Exeter Classic Reliability Trial, 4th-5th January 2002, sixteen hours later, six Liege finished. Five Liege took part in the 80th Lands End Trial, 29th-30th March 2002. The Targa-Liege 2002 took place on the 21-25 September 2002. A 2000km Endurance Rally for specialist sports cars from Spa to Florence, two Liege took part. Geoff and Ben Lindon made it to the finish, as did Keith Nicholls & Sandy Bull who also won the up to 1000cc Class.

2003. Six Liege competed in the 75th Exeter Trial, 3rd-4th January 2003, all six finished. Martin and David Price of InGear Motorsport magazine took part in the MG Car Club ‘Spring Trial’ in Ledbury. They won overall, especially pleasing as it was their first drive in a Liege.

Ten Liege competed on the 2003 Land’s End Trial. On the MCC Edinburgh Trial; Simon & Matt Robson and Arthur Jones & Paul Hemmings won Gold Medals, Colin Marshall & Dave Grimwood won Silver.

2004. Ten Liege started the January Exeter Trial, 16 hours later all ten Liege finished.