HALF a century since it was built, a Morris Minor 1000 will soon be heading to the Arctic Circle.
HALF a century since it was built, a Morris Minor 1000 will soon be heading to the Arctic Circle.
But the convertible's adventurous owners, John and Sheena Steel, have no qualms about making the trip.
Their trusty vehicle, with 85,000 miles on
the clock — has already taken the Newton Mearns couple to Croatia, Slovenia and over The Alps.
But this latest outing differs from past adventures with caution thrown to the wind, the top rolled down on Wedgie and the intrepid travellers driving off with nothing more than ferry crossings confirmed.
John told The Extra: "These aren't holidays, they're adventures.
"We just choose a country, book the ferry, pack the car and head off. It saves all sorts of hanging around in airports."
Sheena added: "The car is 50 this year and John and I are celebrating a big birthday too.
"I've always wanted to visit Norway and the trip, which is a special one for us, is in aid of Strathcarron Hospice in Denny where a close family friend was cared for."
But first, this week the cream-coloured Wedgie must undergo (and pass) its latest MoT.
John explained: "This isn't a vintage car, it's used like our other car — a Peugeot 307."
Wedgie's only once let them down on their travels, in Bosnia, and even then plodded on to Germany before having to be towed to the ferry at Zeebrugge.
Other travellers' tales with Wedgie include the time John and Sheena were mistakenly ushered into a vintage car show as participants in Slovenia but ended up helping another Morris owner find spare parts.
Impressively Sheena says: "We went right over The Alps in it, up the Grossglockner Pass among glaciers at two and a half kilometres above sea level.
"There were cars steaming up and breaking down at the roadside — we just zipped up no problem. Bikers at the top couldn't believe we made it."
Sheena added: "We've no reason to worry, it's proven capable in the past.
It's so comfortable and people always stop to admire it."
To support the fundraising and make a donation call 01324 826222 or go to www.strathcarronhospice.org.
