A 1,700-mile, five-day dash across Europe in a Land Rover Freelander disguised as a vintage steam engine has made an unlikely dream come true for West Somerset banger rally enthusiasts Claire Stevens and Andrew Mitchell, and raised a substantial sum for the Against Breast Cancer charity.

As winners of last week’s European Wacky Rally from Brooklands, Surrey, to Bologna, in Italy, the team could not have been more surprised and delighted.

The light-hearted rally attracts a fleet of decorated ‘banger’ cars with eccentric themes from boats to cartoon characters, with many not making it to the finishing line.

Mr Mitchell said: “We had been putting plans in motion for quite some time, the car was purchased specifically for the European Wacky Rally event.

“The car was chosen for the ‘Exmoor Flyer’ steam train theme because it had a removable rear cabin.

“We then sourced a second cabin and started converting the whole setup into the footplate of a steam locomotive.

“The dials and details were made from old clocks, and some of the piping has been repurposed from my mum’s central‑heating system, so the build is as resourceful as it is eccentric.

“Add a bit of smoke through the pipework and, suddenly, it starts looking, and behaving, like the real thing.

“There have been challenges along the way, especially after we bought a 2,000 watt smoke machine and 700 watt spark effect machine.”

It was after leaving the historic Brooklands museum that the Exmoor Flyer’s troubles began.

Andrew Mitchell with his Exmoor Flyer at Williton Fete highlighting the 'Against Breast Cancer' charity. PHOTO: George Ody.
Andrew Mitchell shows off his Exmoor Flyer at Williton Fete. PHOTO: George Ody.

Mr Mitchell said: “By the time we reached Stuttgart, we had completely lost the clutch and all gears.

“Exhausted, we decided to call recovery, who told us ‘it has cooled down now, so carry on.’

“Naturally, we accepted this highly technical recommendation.

“Thankfully, on day three, from Stuttgart to Lausanne, Switzerland, the temperature eased slightly and the clutch behaved itself, possibly out of guilt.

“We made steady progress, stopping regularly to let the car cool down.”

Mr Mitchell said day four’s climb up the Alps and St Bernard Pass was spectacular, with stunning views, a beautiful lake, and a restaurant area at the top.

He said: “After making plenty of noise and entertaining the public, all in the finest Wacky Rally tradition, we continued to the ski resort, which included another determined climb.

“The evening was excellent, with the town kindly organising a barbecue and disco for the rally teams.

“We were even asked to take the car to the top of the resort, where it delivered a suitable helping of steam-powered silliness and general frolics.

“On day five, the final leg was a long run across the straight Italian motorways, which gave us plenty of time to reflect on the adventure, the scenery, and whether the clutch was planning one final dramatic gesture.

“Fortunately, we arrived in Bologna in good time for the presentation, and were absolutely delighted to receive first place.

“It was a brilliant end to a memorable rally and proof that persistence, humour, and a mechanically questionable Land Rover Freelander can take you surprisingly far.”