Motorsport fans will be all revved up when classic rally begins in Scotland

Famed event will see entrants drive 1,300 miles to Monte Carlo

Glasgow is to retake its place as the UK starting point for the historic Monte Carlo classic rally when the epic endurance event gets under way in January.

The start ramp in front of Glasgow City Chambers will see enthusiasts from across the country embark on a 1,300mile drive to the south of France – cars and crews will compete in three separate categories – in an array of vehicles of the type that competed during the heyday of the legendary motorsport challenge.

Brought Ferry man Douglas Anderson was responsible for bringing the Monte back to Scotland in 2001 and when the flag drops on the evening of January 29 it will be the third time Glasgow has hosted the “grand depart”.

An afternoon show of classic cars will be staged as the competitors line up for the evening departure and Mr Anderson is confident motorsport enthusiasts will turn out for the event.

He said: “The Monte competitors will be thrilled to be leaving from Glasgow, one of Europe’s great cities.

“The people of Glasgow are sure to make their send-off from George Square an occasion never to be forgotten.”

Crews have regularly participated in the gruelling event and Glasgow is the only British start point out of seven European cities including Athens, Milan and Barcelona.

In 2017 Angus enthusiast Andrew Goodfellow and brother-in-law co-driver Derek Coghill made the trip in an opentop 1930 Austin 7.

The following year, Carnoustie pals David Tindal, Alan Falconer and Stephen Woods raised thousands of pounds for Prostate Scotland with a trouble-free run in a newly-restored 1950s Ford Prefect named Bella.

In recent years, Glasgow, Paisley and Clydebank have featured as the only UK start locations.

Ready for the off: Andrew Goodfellow and Derek Coghill in the open-top 1930 Austin 7.