The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Clydeside jaunt for full Monte car enthusiasts
Classic car buffs gear up for motoring event with links to Courier Country
Classic car enthusiasts will be heading to Clydeside for the Scottish start point of next year’s Monte Carlo Classic Rally.
Dozens of participants are expected to roll off the start ramp at Clydebank in January after the town took up the chance to wave off the crews on their 1,500-mile dash to Monaco in an event with strong links to Courier Country.
The event harks back to the days of one of the great automotive adventures, with rally crews starting from points across Europe and converging on the principality after eight days of competition.
Both the Historique and Classique events which make up spectacle the are staged by the Automobile Club de Monaco and take place entirely on open public roads, featuring classic marques which took part in the heyday of the competition.
Broughty Ferry classic car buff Douglas Anderson was responsible for bringing the Monte back to Scotland a number of years ago, and has watched it move through the gears since then, with thousands turning out to send the crews on their way.
It is the second time Clydebank has hosted the prestigious race, with more than 14,000 people turning out to watch the cars depart from the town in 2012.
“It is wonderful to have the Scottish start returning to Clydeside,” Mr Anderson said.
“The event grows in stature every year and we’re confident the 2019 event will attract another record number of entries and crowds to match to wave them off on their drive to the sunshine in the south of France.
“They’ll all be sharing the magic of the Monte”.
Angus, Dundee, Perthshire and Fife have all been well represented in past events, with seasoned historic rally enthusiasts being joined by newcomers to the burgeoning sport.
Last year, Carnoustie pals David Tindal, Alan Falconer and Stephen Woods enjoyed a memorable debut with a trouble free-run to Monte Carlo in their 1956 Ford Prefect.
Through their “Kilts to Carlo” jaunt they raised a four-figure sum for prostate cancer research after David promised to restore the car belonging to his teenage son, Craig, in return for being allowed to drive it in the rally.
Baillie Denis Agnew of West Dunbartonshire Council said: “It is a real privilege to welcome the Monte Carlo Classic car rally back to Clydebank.
“The event is famous around the world and should hopefully bring a significant economic benefit to our area.
“When we last hosted the rally not only did we have drivers from all over the country, but also visitors from throughout the UK.”
The event, which takes place on January 30, will see classic cars available for viewing by the public from 3.30pm, with the rally beginning at 6pm.