Classique drive on the Monte Carlo rally
Alva man’s European trip
An intrepid Alva man jumped in a 56-year-old Rover and negotiated hairpin bends and hair-raising heights in an epic 1500 mile rally challenge.
Gordon Best encountered deathdefying Alpine roads and testing hill climbs through fog, snow and ice during the three-day Ralleye Monte Carlo Classique.
The 71-year-old was taking part in the challenge to honour a promise he made to his wife Moira before she passed away following a battle with cancer in October.
And he managed to raise more than £6000 for Strathcarron Hospice and Beatson Cancer Charity – Moira’s two chosen charities – through participation.
Gordon, who is a member of Stirling and District Classic Car Club, was joined by friend-turned-navigator David Hendrie as he made his way from the start ramp at Paisley Abbey to the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo in his treasured Rover 100 named Cuthbert.
And he said: “We made it with 28 minutes to spare over diabolical deathdefying alpine roads and hill climbs – twenty-two of us started from Paisley but only nine got to Monaco in one piece.
“It’s colloquially known as ‘Monte Carlo or Bust’ – the latter literally and metaphorically bust, ie bust physically, financially and mechanically. It’s not for the faint hearted anyway.
“However Cuthbert the Rover ran without a problem and it was the trip of a lifetime driving through ten countries.”
After setting off Gordon made his way down to Dover before catching the ferry to France. From there he made his way through numerous remote French villages and towns, lined with thousands of spectators, while meeting around 400 similar crews en route from Barcelona, Lisbon, Copenhagen and Reims.
Exhausted but exhilarated he roared on to the Monte Carlo rostrum three days later, with 28 minutes to spare, before being presented with a unique silver trophy to celebrate his epic achievement – both in the rally and in his fundraising.
He then made his way home on a spectacular 1800 mile route along the Italian Riviera and through the Swiss Bernese Oberland before travelling through Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium and France.
Gordon and Moira purchased Cuthbert two years ago so they could take part in the adventure together. Sadly she was lost to an aggressive and rare form of melanoma last year – just before they could submit their entry.
Shortly before she passed away she made Gordon promise to complete the challenge while raising money for two of her favourite good causes.
He told the Observer: “The Monte Carlo rally is something that was on our bucket list – something we wanted to do together. Before she passed away Moira had her frock looked out and a bottle of champagne for when we arrived. Tragically Moira never got to live that dream.”
Gordon added: “I would like to thank my sponsors FES for electrical components, Gateway PFI for accommodation, D Signs for the rally logos and Menstrie Motors for some ‘panic mechanic’ assistance shortly before the official scrutineering.
“A big thank you to all the many generous donors who helped reach the £6000 charity target for Strathcarron and Beatsons.”