MONTE MINI MISSES ITS SPARK…
A graphic example of the challenges facing the crews in next year’s classic Monte Carlo rally was highlighted today in the centre of Glasgow.
A Monte Carlo Mini from the Sixties – identical to the ones which scored success in the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally – should have been squeezed into Glasgow City Chambers to launch the start of the historic re-run of the event from the city for the third time in January next year.
The city is the only British start point out of seven European cities including Athens, Milan and Barcelona. In recent years, Glasgow, Paisley and Clydebank have featured as the only UK start locations.
But the 1966 Mk1 Austin Mini Cooper S 1275, an exact replica of the five cars which took the team prize in the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally, developed ignition problems overnight and failed to make its media appearance
Its owner, Geoff Marr from Stirling who has spent the past four years rebuilding it into a convincing “Works” Monte Mini, was frustrated.
“These are the sort of problems you face with any old car….and the Monte crews will have to be prepared for a whole lot of technical issues, but that’s part of the challenge,” he said.
He’s now working on the car to make sure it’s on its best behaviour for the rescheduled launch event, which will be announced in due course.
The 2020 start on January 29th will take place in front of Glasgow City Chambers in George Square for the epic 1300-mile drive to the south of France.
The start is being supported by Glasgow Life, the charity that delivers cultural, sporting and learning activities on behalf of Glasgow City Council.
More information can be found at www.monte.scot