THOUSANDS of people are expected to wave 70 classic cars off from Paisley tonight (WEDS) as the 105th Monte Carlo Classic Rally takes to the roads.

Around 10,000 spectators are due to gather at Abbey Close for the start of the annual spectacular for an event hosted by Renfrewshire council as part of the build-up to the town's bid for UK City of Culture 2021.

Entertainment starts in the town centre at 4pm and is hosted by Clyde 1 DJs on the main stage. Activities include street performers, food vendors, and children's entertainment including a giant Scalextric set and Sega rally simulator in the town hall.

Drivers of 70 classic vehicles, including a 1920s world record breaker and a 1950s London taxi, will be flagged over the start ramp at Paisley Abbey.

The 1,7309 mile trip to the Riviera, via the Alps, is expected to take around a week, with crews meeting drivers from Barcelona, Oslo, Reims and Bad Homburg.

Ranald White, 59, from Bearsden, will drive the only Rover 2000 in the rally.

He is hoping for less drama than last year when a problem affected both ends of his journey and nearly jeopardised his chances of finishing.

He said: “The car developed a problem before I even got on the start ramp in Paisley but we managed to get it going. Then, when we were on the final stage in France, the car gave up again.

“It was the last major time control but, fortunately, we managed to get it onto the ramp, 45 seconds before being disqualified. We were certainly cutting it fine so we are hoping things are less eventful this year.”

International entrants include Belgian driver Jean-Marie Herman, who is setting his meter running at Paisley and hopes his 1950s taxi makes it to Monaco.

A specially-branded Paisley 2021 Sunbeam car, piloted by local driver Jim Megatt, will guide the competitors on their journey, with drivers also competing in heritage run support events.

Council leader and chairman of the Paisley 2021 Partnership Board Mark Macmillan said: "We are delighted to welcome the only UK start leg of the Monte Carlo Classic Rally back to Paisley for the third year in a row.

"In previous years there's always been a great family day out as crowds gather to watch the cars set off for France against the unique backdrop of Paisley Abbey, and I am sure this year will be no different.

"Being the host of such a glamorous and international event is really helping to put Paisley on the map ahead of the town's bid for UK City of Culture 2021."