Many moons ago a red Alfa Romeo Guilia 2.0 appeared on the startline for the Jurgens International Rally in the hands of unknown Tzaneen based driver, Johan de Jager. It would be easier to say what did not break on the car but somehow it made the finish and even reached the Wheels annual for it’s efforts.
The car started Friday without any service crew or any spares other than what they could carry onboard but they lacked nothing in enthusiasm and so the Guilia grew it’s reputation, even scaring the Mortimer Quattro in the mist as one stage along the way.
The Tzaneen based Guilia had a number of colour schemes along the way and a number of navigators, starting with Hannes van der Walt, a Greek with the surname Fortius, Patrick Vermaak and brother-in-law to Johann, Christiaan Barrett “Chris” Tollner.
As with most real privateer teams at the time there was no budget, or anything new to play with but there were some impressive and encouraging results along the way.
Unfortunately the 1980-1984 SA and then Transvaal seasons passed and a lack of support eventually drew the curtain on what was an enthusiastic team that could result in a few great stories.
Chris never lost his passion for rallying, but sadly lost his battle with illness and passed peacefully in his sleep on 16 June 2025 leaving his daughters Lynette Oakley, Carlene Bowker and Joni Tollner.
Incredibly, this Guilia still exists
Published by: Patrick Vermaak
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