Monte Carlo here we come
80 classic cars set to compete for international glory
Drivers from all over the world are getting geared up for tonight’s launch of the historic Monte Carlo Rally in Paisley.
This is the fourth time the town has been selected as the only British starting point and up to 80 cars will be flagged off from Paisley Abbey at 6pm.
Final preparations are now being completed, and Douglas Anderson, the UK co-ordinator and the man responsible for bringing the rally back to Scotland in 2011, believes this year will be the best yet.
He said: “This year’s start has all the ingredients to make it a unique mid-winter festival which is guaranteed to lift the spirits of all the folk from Paisley and beyond who come along each year to enjoy the wonderful carnival atmosphere.”
The 1,300-mile trip to the South of France has attracted a stunning range of classic cars and these will leave the start ramp in three separate categories.
The Historique class, being run for the 20th year, is restricted to car models that competed in the Monte Carlo rallies between 1955 and 1980.
It will take place over eight days on open public roads with the cars and crews undertaking a series of 14 demanding test stages in the mountains of southern France.
Included in the line- up will be an ex- BMC works Mini Cooper S, which competed in the Monte Carlo Rally 50 years ago, finishing sixth overall in the hands of rally legend Paddy Hopkirk.
The Classique event is for older cars – from as early as 1911 to 1980 – and follows the same route to Monte Carlo, but does not include any test stages.
Among the cars in this category are a 1930 Austin 7 Ulster open two-seater sports and a Sunbeam Stiletto – which was built at the Linwood car plant and looks as good as it did when it rolled off the production line in 1968.
Once again, the event will also feature the popular Monte Heritage Runs, which will take in a series of short classic routes in Scotland.
Last year a crowd of more than 10,000 motoring fans gathered in the centre of Paisley, with the magnificent backdrop of the abbey to wave off the crews in a party atmosphere with lights, music, street food and fireworks.
Renfrewshire Council has laid on a programme of entertainment, which starts at 4pm, and includes car-themed arts and crafts, street entertainment and music from Pulse FM.
Douglas will also be doing the trip to the Mediterranean in his MG Midget, which will run ahead of the group as the official opening car.
He joined some of the entrants who’ll be heading off on Burns Night as they proudly posed with their cars in Paisley’s Fountain Gardens
Against the striking backdrop of the park’s A-listed ornate Victorianera fountain was Paddy Hopkirk’s Mini, Cuthbert the Rover, a Volvo Amazon and a branded Paisley for UK City of Culture 2021 Sunbeam – which will also be making the run to Monte Carlo.
Provost Anne Hall said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming the Monte Carlo Classic Rally back to Paisley for the fourth year in a row.
“Hosting such a tr u l y international event as this is really helping to put Paisley on the map ahead of the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 being submitted in a couple of months.
“Paisley Abbey always makes a fantastic backdrop for the spectacle of these classic cars setting off for France.
“The people of Renfrewshire have given the event great backing in previous years as they turn out in their numbers to wave them off and I am sure they will again – I’m looking forward to being part of another memorable night.”
We are thrilled to welcome the Monte Carlo Classic Rally back Provost Anne Hall