Cars set to depart Paisley for historic Monte Carlo Rally

The clock is ticking to the start of the 2017 historic Monte Carlo Rally when up to eighty cars will be flagged away from the centre of Paisley.

Article Source: Paisley 2021
Last Updated: 24 January 2017 15:48

It’s the fourth time the town – which is bidding to be UK City of Culture 2021 – is the only British start point out of seven European cities including Stockholm, Lisbon and Barcelona, for the 1300-mile trip to the South of France.

A stunning range of classic cars will leave the start ramp outside Paisley Abbey at 6pm tomorrow (Wednesday January 25th) in three separate categories.

The Historique class is being run for the 20th year and is restricted to car models which 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 fourteen 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 6th 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 2-seater sports and a Sunbeam Stiletto, built nearby 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 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 pyrotechnics.

Working with staff from Renfrewshire Council and volunteers from many motorsport clubs in Scotland, the organisers expect this year’s start to be even bigger and better.

The 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
Final preparations are now being completed and Douglas Anderson, the UK co-ordinator and the man responsible for bringing the Monte back to Scotland in 2011 believes this year will be the best yet.

He said: “This year’s Monte 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.”

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 the shadow of a statue of the Bard in Paisley’s Fountain Gardens

Against the striking backdrop of the park’s A-listed ornate Victorian-era 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.

The event is being supported by Renfrewshire Council. 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 truly 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."

Tomorrow afternoon, the cars have to undergo strict scrutineering checks to make sure they comply with the Rally’s regulations. Among those casting a careful eye over the cars will be apprentices at GTG Training in Glasgow.

Ian Taylor, Group Operations Manager at GTG said:”It's wonderful to once again have the Monte Carlo Rally cars here. Our apprentices look forward to working with the cars which gives them fantastic, hands-on experience. We wish all cars and drivers taking part this year the very best of luck”.

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Scot no loyalties: Glasgow and Aberdeen rank top cities to skip anniversary with a partner to watch sports

34.2 million Brits admit to ditching work and responsibilities for sporting events.

READ MORE

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

READ MORE

Summerlee celebrates four millionth visitor

Summerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988.

READ MORE

Spread your wings with new butterfly experience at Amazonia

Amazonia, Scotland's popular temperature controlled tropical indoor forest, has launched a new butterfly experience.

READ MORE

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

READ MORE

Topgolf Glasgow to host live Masters watch party

Calling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!

READ MORE

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

READ MORE

Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.

READ MORE

POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores

This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.

READ MORE

Meet your favourite superheroes at M&Ds

M&D's is to host a free weekend for comic fans and movie buffs at Scotland's Theme Park with the chance to meet a packed line-up of favourite characters!

READ MORE

Lanark Amateur Musical Society raise a thousand pounds for their 2024 charity partner

Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have raised £1000 for Cancer Research UK as part of their 2024 charity partnership.

READ MORE

Airdrie Town Hall to reopen with exciting entertainment lineup for 2024

Airdrie Town Hall will reopen in April as an entertainment and arts venue, following its use in recent years by NHS Lanarkshire.

READ MORE

Bothwell Castle reopens to visitors

Bothwell Castle, one of medieval Scotland's most outstanding monuments, has reopened to visitors.

READ MORE

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

READ MORE

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

READ MORE

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

READ MORE

Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

GP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.

READ MORE

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

READ MORE

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

READ MORE

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

READ MORE

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

READ MORE

Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

From an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.

READ MORE

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

READ MORE

Double billed award winning dance theatre show involving Cumbernauld youth talent, prepares to take the stage at Lanternhouse

And The Birds Did Sing, presented by Curious Seed, will be arriving in Cumbernauld on Thursday 26th March, for one performance.

READ MORE

Energy leaders to host open day for local community

LEADING UK renewable energy developer, OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables), is set to host an open day for community grant funding generated by a nearby wind farm.

READ MORE

M&Ds will host a special Preview Weekend to launch their new season!

Centre stage will be the unveiling of a new ride – the Air Raid - a thrill ride that will take you to your limits!

READ MORE

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

READ MORE

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

READ MORE

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

READ MORE

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links