A Belgian classic fan is preparing to drive in an Austin taxi from Scotland to Monaco in the next Rallye Monte Carlo Historique, starting on 27 January.
Monte or bust in an FX3 taxi
Jean-Marie Herman will re-enact a publicity stunt originally pulled off in 1961 by Tony Brooks and navigator Willy Cave by piloting an Austin FX3 from the start point at Paisley 1700 miles to the finish in the south of France.
The 64-year-old bought the cab in Germany for €4000. He said: ‘It was not too expensive to buy but the restoration has cost quite a bit. The car is nearly ready – I need to attach all the rally-specific additions and the taxi meter!’
Event spokesman Kenneth Stephen said he was looking forward to seeing the FX3 setting off from Paisley, possibly helping to create as much publicity for the Monte Carlo Rally as the Brooks and Cave initiative. He said: ‘Jean-Marie’s taxi journey will add yet another layer of colour to an already classic event.’