Wheelbase covers the 38th Monte Carlo Rally

The British have a special place in the history of the 'Monte.' For nearly sixty years they have been its strongest supporters. This January there are more than forty private competitors from Britain spending their £50 holiday allowance on a rally which they have little chance of winning against the factory teams of Ford, Lancia, and Porsche.

What is the great attraction of this week at the wheel? A chance to get away from the office? A challenge to middle age? A few days of Riviera sunshine at the end of the road? To find some of the answers Gordon Wilkins and Michael Frostick compete in a British Leyland Mini Cooper for a new award open to private drivers who have done the 'Monte' at least five times.

(Colour)