IN 1956, the Monte Carlo Rally included Glasgow as one of its several starting points.
These cars, among a total of 351 taking part, attracted plenty of attention as they prepared for the race.
In all, 21 Fords, 10 Standards, eight Jaguars, seven MGs, six Austins, five Sunbeams, three Rileys and Bristols, two Vauxhalls and one each of Humber, Allard, Daimler, Rover, Jowett, Aston Martin and Wolseley set off from the city.
It is interesting to note that extras on the cars to help with the journey included average speed indicators - a precursor to the cruise control now common on many cars. The device had two indicators which, when matched up, let the driver know he was keeping to the average speed required to complete section in the required time.
From Glasgow, the competitors followed a set route to meet up in Paris with rivals who started in Stockholm for the race south.
Those in the know thought the trip from Glasgow was the simplest route but after three days on the road, tiredness would make sure that little was straightforward.

 

1974: Marlborough Avenue, Broomhill, Glasgow, looked a leafy part of the city in July 1974. With blooms on the flowers, anyone would think it was summer – but the coats indicate this was no heatwave

Glasgow Times: