A DUNTOCHER driver and his 1968 Hillman Imp stopped off in Dalmuir – along with 20 other classic cars – ahead of last week’s famous Monte Carlo Rally.

Scott Fanning was joined by his co-pilot Hugh Little for a send-off at Dalmuir public park ahead of the official start of the prestigious event in Aberdeen on Wednesday.

The pair then drove 1,500 miles over five days throughout the length of the UK, across France via the French Alps and finished in Monte Carlo on Sunday.

Scott, 44, speaking to the Post ahead of the race, said they were “excited but apprehensive” as they prepared to take on the mammoth drive.

There had been plenty of late nights and early mornings working on the car, taking it to bits and putting it back together, just to make sure it was up to the challenge.

But the hard work hasn’t gone unrecognised, with one local car enthusiast saying their achievements had “brought people together”.

Tom Brown, 68, from Dalmuir, said: “It brings them out of the house on a wet day, even if they have to bring their brolly.

“It’s good to see old cars from Scotland going the distance.

“We’re supporting them 100 per cent, that’s why I’m here in the rain.

“It’s good for the council and it’s good for the drivers.

“It gives everybody a bit of encouragement and let’s the young folk see, if they behave themselves, then they can have old cars too.”

Bailie Denis Agnew, who instigated the event, praised crowds for turning out in the rain.

He added: “For me it’s very important for the community, in West Dunbartonshire and particularly in Clydebank, that we are participating.

“I take my hat off to them [the drivers]. They’re going to travel through the Alps and everything. I think they’ll do it and I’m confident in the Hillman Imp.”

The car’s entry in the race re-established the link between the council and the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique.

In 2012, Clydebank was the official Scottish start of the rally and attracted a crowd of around 14,000 people.

The Monte Carlo Rally was started in 1911 by Prince Albert I of Monaco. Cars start at different European start points, equal distances from Monte Carlo, before emerging at the coastal city.