A grandfather who has completed the Italian Job Rally has described it as the “best experience of my life”.
Martyn Wadsley, of Wisbech, and his cousin Andy Stimpson drove from Dover to Turin and back, more than 2,500 miles, in a 1969 Land Rover 109 Diesel Hard-top, which is an exact replica of the van which appears in the classic Michael Caine film.
The convoy, made up of 60 Mini’s, a Ferrari and the pair’s Landrover, travelled through France, Belgium, Germany, over the Alps into Austria and then on to Italy.
While in Italy, they were allowed to race on both the banked and F1 track at the Monza cirucit. A visit to Turin, where the bulk of the film was shot, included a full police escort through the centre of the city.
On the return leg, they drove through the Mount Blanc tunnel and stopped off at the Champs Elysee in Paris.
Mr Wadsley said: “It was the most amazing 13 days of my life, a complete experience of a lifetime.”
The pair, as well as having a memorable time, raised more than £1,500 for children’s charity Variety, which helps sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.
The Land Rover, which is worth more than £20,000, made an appearance at the Goodwood Revival earlier this year, turning many heads in the process.
You can still donate at https://www.justgiving.com/martyn-wadsley/
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