From Monte Carlo to Turin
Monte Carlo or Bust
Before The Italian Job came Monte Carlo or Bust — our first movie-inspired banger rally. Sixteen cars, 28 people and a dog set off across Europe, raising money for four charities and coming home with a lot more than just mileage on the clock.
These are some of the cars, people and memories that made the trip what it was — told in the words of the people who took part.
The send-off
Leaving
The rally began with all 16 cars assembled at Thames Hospice in Maidenhead, decorated and ready to go. Most people had already met, but this was a chance to catch up, talk about the adventure ahead and enjoy the excitement of finally getting started. More than 100 people came along to see us off, and we spent over an hour at the Hospice before the convoy finally got underway and headed for the Channel.
“As one of the organisers, I was a bit nervous as we started the trip. But the atmosphere was really buzzy and everyone was genuinely looking forward to the adventure ahead. As you might expect, something soon went wrong: one of the people joining us was delayed. My co-driver and I waited for them and ended up missing the ferry! That’s the nature of a banger rally. We eventually caught up with everyone in Le Touquet and had a great first night.”
— One of the organisersThe BMW team
BMW
The Monte Carlo trip was an amazing experience from start to finish. Being the young lads of the group, we obviously had to arrive in style, hence the convertible BMW. Of course, that also meant breaking down in style a few times along the way — still worth it!
Our highlights included becoming regulars at the London Taxi pub, racing the Fiat Panda through the Alps, and forming great friendships with people we probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.
“For anyone considering joining the next rally, it’s hard to know what to expect until you’re there. Get involved, embrace the chaos, and make the most of every moment. You’re guaranteed plenty of laughs and memories that will last a lifetime.”
— BMW team
A proper character car
Beetle
“Despite being an avid traveller, there are few trips which invoked such a multitude of positive emotions as the drive to Monte Carlo. What started out as trepidation at planning the unknown soon became a sense of adventure, and was then overtaken by the pleasure of meeting like-minded people joined together for the same cause.
And what a worthy cause — raising money for charity!
All in all, it left me with lots of pleasant memories and a wonderful feeling in the heart, which made it all very worthwhile. Already looking forward to the next one — The Italian Job!”
— Beetle teamThe Mini team
Mini
“Nine days, 2,222 miles in a car under £1,000! Sounds like a recipe for disaster, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.
We began as 28 strangers and a dog in 16 cars and ended as one big group of friends who had made it to Monte Carlo and back, raised a lot of money and awareness for four amazing charities, and created some very special memories.
So when Darrell said, ‘Shall we do it again next year?’ the answer was always going to be a big, excited yes!
Get ready Turin — we’re coming.
To sum it up, it was challenging, exciting and definitely rewarding, with great camaraderie and a huge sense of achievement.”
— Fran & Mark
Definitely not standard
London Taxi
“Two lads in a taxi gone wild, Purple paint and a party-cab style, With a bar built right in, And the decks in full spin, Monte Carlo just couldn't stop smile! Down through France went the horn-honking pair, Mirror ball throwing light everywhere, A cold beer, a good tune, Under warm southern moon, Then home — with some tales to declare!”
— London Taxi teamThe people behind the cars
Group
The cars may be what get people interested, but the social side is a huge part of why these trips work. These photos capture the group travelling, eating and spending time together.
What a fantastic adventure.
“Sometimes you just have to challenge yourself and say, ‘I’m going to do it!’ Driving to Monte Carlo and back was one of the biggest challenges I’ve taken on, but also one of the best things I’ve ever done. The people I met, the laughs we shared and the memories made were unforgettable.”
— Lee
