Rolling to the Rock: an ambitious fundraising drive by Model T

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Larry Riches is not a man to shy away from a challenge. An experienced long-distance vintage motorist, he has a penchant for the almost polar extremes of pre-war motoring, Rolls-Royces and Ford Model Ts, and has undertaken some very adventurous drives in both. His 1923 Model T has proven itself to be a particularly durable steed—just a year after purchasing it in 2008, he decided to drive it for twenty thousand miles across America, and succeeded.

On April 21st, he began his latest Model T epic, a drive from Gibraltar Point in Lancashire to the better-known Gibraltar on the Iberian Peninsula, a distance of some two thousand miles. Having received a blessing from the Rev. Dr. Alexander Borman just before departure, the Model T and its crew—Larry and Christine Riches and their friends, Ralph Kemp and Margaret Sowerby—should now be making good south-westerly progress on the Continent under the watchful eye of St. Christopher.

The expedition left England by ferry from Portsmouth, after a diversion to the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, to arrive in Saint-Malo. From there, their route leads through Saint-Nazare, Royan and Soorts-Hossegor, to cross into Spain near San Sebastián and proceed viâ Santander and Potes, before attempting the 5,282ft. ascent of the Puerto de San Glorio. After that, the road winds through the Picos de Europa to Riaño, Ledesma, Salamanca, Cáceres, Seville, Carmona and Ronda, with the ultimate destination of Gibraltar expected to be reached by 1.00 p.m. on May 6th, with the party receiving a welcome reception at the airport.

Upon arrival, the Model T will remain in Gibraltar for a few days, being displayed at various locations, including in Casemates Square, at the foot of the famous Rock, on May 8th. The Gibraltar Classic Vehicle Association will be hosting its annual rally on May 11th, starting in Casemates Square and driving in procession along the main street, and the T will be among the ranks.

Should anyone be wondering what this expedition is in aid of, one reason, the Riches admit, is simply that they are very fond of driving their Model T. The other reason, though, is to raise money for a good cause, namely Cancer Relief Gibraltar, with a target of £7,500. We're sure readers will join us in wishing the Riches every success on their journey, and those wishing to donate may do so by following this link to JustGiving.

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