Monte Carlo is the rallying cry for Shropshire pair
It will be Monte Carlo or bust for the current and former owners of a Shropshire business as they prepare to set out on the famous rally.
Mark Butler, who runs Historic Motorsport Ltd at Eaton Constantine, near Shrewsbury, will set out for the French Riviera with David Sutton, the man he bought the classic sports and race car business off two years ago.
With Mr Butler driving and Mr Sutton navigating, the pair will drive a vintage Lotus Elite across France, aiming to arrive in Monte Carlo next weekend.
They set out for John O'Groats yesterday where they will prepare to embark on the rally proper tomorrow.
Mr Butler said he would be in good hands with Mr Sutton, who is no stranger to rallying.
He said: "David has been building rally cars all his life, he built Rothmans in the 1980s and Quattros for Audi. He was the only privateer to win two world rally championships."
He said they would be accompanied by friends from his own motorsport days in a 'chase car', and the four aimed to meet up with other drivers along the way before finishing in the famous Monaco district.
"We aim to be on Monte Carlo pier a week today," he said.
"We've got to get there first, but I'm quite confident in the car we've got.
"It's got quite an interesting history, it's a 1961 Elite that is unrestored on the body – so underneath it's like a new car but on the outside it looks period, the paintwork is from the time.
"Taking part in the rally is good for the business."
