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 | | JUICE TRADERS TAKE BUDGET CLASSIC CARS ACROSS EUROPE TO MEET THE MAN FROM DEL MONTE! | | | Cobell Ltd | | 30/11/2007 | | | Four intrepid businessmen will need more than just juice in their tanks when they drive a fleet of classic cars to Monte Carlo for charity.
The four partners of Exeter-based Cobell, the fastest growing fruit supplier in Europe, will be driving a staggering 2,400 miles in just three days.
The pithy car enthusiasts got the idea from BBC’s Top Gear and decided to organise an endurance road trip – The Melon Ball Run - to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance.
With a budget of £700 each they’ve invested in two Jaguars, one Daimler and a convertible Ford Escort – all more than 15 years old.
David Pearce, Cobell’s Commercial and Financial Director is driving the 1984 Ford Escort cabriolet. “There’s a split in the soft top held together with gaffa tape, said David. “So I’ll be wearing a hat, gloves and scarf and when we get into Austria I’m hoping there won’t be too much snow. The car’s allegedly only done 49,000 miles but I reckon it’s more like 490,000 miles.”
Although all the cars have had safety checks, Cobell founder and Managing Director, Nick Sprague is praying the journey goes...... smoothie. “I’ve bought a Jaguar Sovereign 3.6 litre petrol. It’s done 106,000 miles and had eight previous owners. I just hope it doesn’t let me down.”
But if the cars do break down, then they’ll be able to call for help thanks to Cobell directors Graham Holland and Ian Taylor from the company’s Bishop Stortford office in Essex.
“Speaking several languages not only helps when we’re buying from our foreign suppliers but will also be really useful if we break down or get lost,” said Graham Holland.
Graham’s car a 1986 Jaguar Sovereign was previously owned by a doctor- so he’s hoping it’s been given a clean bill of health. Ian Taylor’s Daimler Sovereign has the highest mileage of all the cars – it’s already got 144,000 on the clock.
The team will be under starter’s orders as soon as they leave the Channel Tunnel at Calais. Their first destination is Stockach in Germany, on the edge of Lake Constance – a journey of 600 miles. Then they’ll be cruising around Lake Constance to Rankweil in Austria to meet one of their suppliers, Rauch, before setting off for Monte Carlo.
Once in Monte Carlo they’ll even be having dinner with the man from Del Monte and hoping he says “YES!” to paying the bill for dinner. But its fruit juice all round as they have another 180 miles to drive before they can hit the sack in Avignon. And once they’ve driven back to Exeter they will have covered an amazing 2,400 miles.
The four are all raising money for Devon Air Ambulance. “My Dad had a heart attack a few years ago when he was driving and Devon Air Ambulance saved his life,” explained David Pearce. “We are hoping to raise £10,000 for this very worthwhile charity.”
Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said “We are delighted Nick, David, Graham and Ian have chosen us as the beneficiary for their journey of a lifetime. They have set themselves an amazing challenge and we wish them a safe and enjoyable trip.” | |
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