23 NEED SOME EXTRA SUPPORT...

We were discussing the rally with Richie and Rachel the other day; she is still very much up for buying a little Abarth, customising it and charging around the continent; he is even more concerned that his dickie hip might not make the trip in such a small car with rigid suspension and tiny seats.  This is a real blow; Richie is one of my best mates and makes anything we do that much better.

He said he would need something bigger and possibly a higher driving position.  I joked we could get him a van so he could lug around all our cases while we blasted around the alpine roads!  Thinking about it, that might not be a bad idea.

If we use the same principle of buying a vehicle, modifying it so it can make the trip, and then selling it when we return, then, in theory, it will be a cash-neutral trip (barring modifications and fuel, obviously).

A quick look at Auto Trader shows a 03 plate, short wheelbase, Ford Transit with just 75,000 miles on the clock going for £1500 - a bargain! 

Give it service and a good clean, and we will probably make your money back on that quickly.  You could even wrap it and make a lot more money from one of the self-employed Amazon/DPD drivers who are dazzled by how good it looks and how low the mileage is!

I also said he should look at funeral cars or a hearse.  They are uber comfy and have massive, smooth-running engines that would be great for wafting around the continent.  I wonder how much they go for…