Peking to Paris Rally with Michelle Jana Chan
After nearly a month on the road, Michelle Jana Chan and Mike Reeves are coming to the end of the marathon Peking to Paris vintage car rally. Driving a 1940 Ford coupe called Shiner, they have driven through China, Mongolia, Russia and are now on the final stretch of the journey from Ukraine through to France.
The Race
This is one of the longest and toughest challenges undertaken in a classic car.
The first race in 1907 was entirely off-road without maps, rules, passports or garages. Competitors were all vying for the prize -- a magnum of Champagne -- and, of course, the glory.
The Route
Beijing - Ulaan Baatar - Novosibirsk - Kiev - Krakow - Bratislava - Salzburg - Gstaad - Paris.
"What needs to be proved today is that as long as a man has a car, he can do anything and go anywhere. Is there anyone who will undertake to travel this summer from Peking to Paris by automobile?"
The Car
The 1940 Ford Coupe is a classic American WWII model.
The V8-powered Model B was the getaway car of bank robbers Bonnie & Clyde. Clyde wrote to Henry Ford: “...even if my business hasen't been strickly legal it don't hurt enything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8”.
The Drivers
Mike Reeves and Michelle Jana Chan.
Michelle was working as a journalist in China during the mid-90s when she first heard about the rally -- and has since been seeking a co-driver for this transcontinental adventure. Mike has always had a passion for fast cars.
Finish line: Shiner places third!
Read more here how the race unfolded as we travelled half-way around the world in Shiner, a 1940 Ford Coupe. This is our blog from the journey. How we miss the road! Thanks to our supporters, our sponsors, our followers and our friends -- who all helped make it possible.
