Dozens of classic cars set off from John O'Groats in Scotland for Monte Carlo rally

Almost 50 classic and historic cars have set off from the northern tip of Scotland on a 1,500-mile journey to the South of France as the Monte Carlo Classique gets under way.

The crews, travelling from across the UK, Europe and the United States, departed from the John O’Groats signpost on Thursday, marking the centenary of the rally’s original Scottish start.

1952 Sunbeam Talbot Susie Mackenzie/SDM Photography

In 1926, a group of pioneering drivers set out on the long drive from John O’Groats to Monte Carlo, laying the foundations for what would become a famous motorsport event.

A hundred years later, competitors are recreating that epic journey in a wide range of vehicles, some dating back to the early years of the rally.

Iconic models are making the journey to Monaco. Susie Mackenzie/SDM Photography via Supplied

Among the standout cars is a 1952 Sunbeam Talbot, owned by a couple from California, which was driven by Stirling Moss in the 1953 Monte Carlo Rally and still bears its original competition plate.

Also taking part is a 1934 Lagonda, driven north from the south of England to join the event, alongside a diverse mix of more modern classics including Minis, MGBs and Ford Escorts, as well as iconic models such as the Triumph Herald, Sunbeam Alpine, Austin Healey Sprite, Riley and Hillman Imp.

While the rally has begun from various Scottish locations in recent years, including Paisley, Glasgow and Clydebank, organisers returned to the traditional John O’Groats start to mark this historic milestone.

Cars were played off by bagpipes as they departed. Susie Mackenzie/SDM Photography via Supplied

From the north, the crews are travelling south through Inverness and Glencoe before arriving in Stirling this afternoon for a public “Monte Fest” event at Stirling Castle. The castle will be floodlit in red, and spectators will have the opportunity to view the cars and meet the competitors.

Following an overnight stop in North Queensferry, the rally will continue through the Scottish Borders on Friday before heading to Hull for an overnight ferry to Rotterdam.

From there, the crews will travel across Europe, with their final destination being Monaco.