Three car-mad Angus pals are about to embark on the motoring trip-of-a-lifetime after taking on a remarkable classic event for their debut endurance outing.
The trio are burning the midnight oil in a Carnoustie garage to make sure their Ford Prefect is in perfect order for the challenge of a Scotland to Monaco trek which will get underway later this week.
David Tindal, Alan Falconer and Stephen Woods will be among the field of classic cars which will gather in Paisley on Wednesday for the start of the 21st Rallye Monte Carlo Historique, a spectacle which has rocketed in popularity and sees crews depart from a string of destinations, including Oslo, Barcelona and Reims.
The international field features cars of the type which previously participated in the famously demanding rally – and which saw the Mini Cooper catapulted to cult rally car status in the 1960s thanks to Northern Irishman Paddy Hopkirk’s Monte victory.
Dave, who owns Carnoustie Tyres, is hoping he and his teammates can have a trouble-free run to the chequered flag at the end of the 2,000-kilometre route.
The car belongs to his 18-year-old son, Craig, who agreed to let the trio enter the 1956 Ford for the principality event in return for a restoration job.
Classic cars are a new hobby for the family, who are more used to the hills and glens of the area through their involvement in off-roading exploits with the Tay 4×4 club.
“We’ve spent a lot of hours restoring and rebuilding it, but it’s been very rewarding,” said Dave.
The Carnoustie trio are running under the banner of Kilts to Carlo, and are already winners in the fight to raise awareness of prostate cancer after donations to a Justgiving page hit double their £300 target.
Dave added: “While doing the rally we hope to raise some awareness of prostate cancer to those along the way.
“As it’s mainly men in the rally and cancer seems to unfortunately touch too many of our lives, we thought what better way for us to support those in need and ourselves by knowing vital information and keeping risk-free if possible.”
