Following in his footsteps
Following in his footsteps
GTG Training welcomed some classic cars onto the premises in preparation for the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique. A number of drivers are taking on the challenge to compete, while others are just proud to be part of the event. One participant, taking his first foray into the rally scene, is looking to complete the race his grandfather started back in 1953.
This year, there were 20 cars in the GTG workshop as they made final preparations and underwent inspections in order to get ready for the long journey ahead. The Scottish starting point is around Paisley Abbey, a mere 2,668 km from the finishing point of Monte Carlo.
Classic cars undergoing scrutineering included a 1964 Rover 2000, a 1952 MG YB, a 1968 Sunbeam Stiletto and a 1974 Fiat 124 Coupe.
One Fiat 127 Abarth stood out from the crowd, not because it was the oldest or most beautiful, but because it displayed two Monte Carlo plates, one from 2017 and the other from 1953.
With every classic car comes a story, as well as a very long service history. Many of the drivers are veterans of the events, while others have their own reasons for taking part.
David Power, driver of the Fiat said: ‘This all came about because my granddad did the Monte Carlo Rally in 1953. I’ve always had his original plate for as long as I can remember, so it’s always been an ambition to do this. He was driving an Austin Sheerline, which if you saw a picture of it, you would say it was a hearse.’
David won’t be competing in the same car, but instead has carried on the family tradition of motoring passion by restoring a classic car back to working health.
‘We bought the car and have done a lot of preparation on it – everything is new. The Fiat 127 Abarth was a typical commuter car back in its day. Abarth tuned it but it’s a fairly low-powered 900cc engine, two wheel drive. Obviously we’ve added racing seats and belts and everything you need for a rally.’
While this is a race for many, for David it’s a chance to connect to a past that’s lost, but not forgotten.
‘We’ve got no family records of it, which is a shame. There’s no pictures, but at least the plate will be hopefully going the whole way this time. It’s the first time we’ve done any rally, let alone Monte Carlo. He started in Glasgow but he didn’t finish. He only made it to Paris, so as long as we get further than that, it would be a result.’
Everyone at Arnold Clark wishes David the best of luck in reaching Monte Carlo and completing this incredible family journey.
