Monte Carlo Rally’s centenary story retold at Race Retro

The Monte Carlo Rally celebrates its centenary this year and Race Retro is marking this motoring milestone with a selection of cars from different decades that have competed in this tough event. From 25-27th February, enthusiasts will be able to admire these amazing marques at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.

Cars that headed to Monte Carlo from different destinations will be displayed, and while some came first overall, some finished further down the table. They represent the way the rally changed – from gentlemen competitors in large pre-war grand tourers, as exemplified by a 1931 Invicta 4.5-litre driven by Donald Healey that started in Stavanger and finished first overall to a replica of the 1953 winning Ford Zephyr Six driven by Maurice Gatsonides.

Smaller family saloons that also took place on the Monte are represented – there’s the 1966 Morris Mini Cooper S, driven by Timo Makinen and Paul Easter that was first overall but then disqualified on a technical infringement - a judgement that caused uproar in the motoring press as it then ensured a Citroen placed first.

Three British sports cars that entered the Monte are also being shown. The 1962 MGA 1600 entered by East Anglian farmers Donald and Earle Morley takes a bow: The brothers started their MG from Oslo and came 28th overall, and first in class. The 1965 Sunbeam Tiger, crewed by Peter Harper and Ian Hall is proof it wasn’t just circuit racing in which the V8-powered sports car fared well: starting in London they came fourth overall and first in class.

And there’s another car driven by Maurice Gatsonides: a 1959 Triumph TR3A driven by the Dutchman started in Athens and finished 68th overall, giving the Coventry manufacturer a useful leg-up in the car-buying public’s perception.

Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and Saturday, £15 for Sunday when booking in advance. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit raceretro.com.