All aboard for Monte Carlo

1956 Daimler Conquest Century

- Peter Baker

CALL ME SPOILT but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve escaped England in January and headed to Monte Carlo. Thus, when friend and Scottish rally enthusiast Douglas Anderson held an event celebrating the Hon Victor Bruce’s victory of 100 years ago on the Monte Carlo Rally, how could I resist? My 1956 Daimler Conquest, equipped with chunky winter tyres and snow chains, stood at the ready, and long-suffering friend Clive agreed to take up the left-hand seat. Remembering England’s first ‘Monte’ winner was never going to be as easy as just sipping sugary Lucozade on a wet and windy day in John O’Groats. The ‘Rallye Monte Carlo Classique: A 100-year Celebration’ ran in support of the main Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique and offered competitors a chance to reenact the first time John O’Groats was on offer as a start point. If there is enough interest this one-off could well become an annual feature.