Paris to Peking ready to go

Ninety intrepid crews from 25 countries are embarking on the Classic Rally Association’s Peking to Paris Motor Challenge — a celebration of the 1907 event, albeit over a more southerly 10,000-mile route — on September 6.

Eleven countries, the first rally crossing of Tibet, the mighty Himalayas, three deserts and, doubtless, enough memories to last a lifetime lie between them and comfortable beds in the French capital on October 18.

Entrants include Lord Montagu of Beaulieu in a 1915 Vauxhall Prince Henry and three Iranian teams in Peykans (locally-built Hillman Hunters). A 1907 La France, Aston Martin DB5s and DB6, Citroen 2CVs, and a Ford Anglia Estate have also been entered, but we wouldn’t want to guess the fuel bill for the Chevrolet Camaro of Howard Bellm and Chris Taylor.