Cape Crusader: This MG ZR rally car conquered Africa and won’t quit

Among the assorted hatchbacks competing in his local rally, Edward Luxton’s MG ZR is something of a celebrity. Fourteen years ago, it took part in the London to Cape Town Rally – 29 days of hard driving across some of the world’s most unforgiving terrain. Prepared by Owen Turner of Complete Rally Services and crewed by Rachel Vestey and Suzy Harvey, it finished 28th out of 41 cars.

And now here it is, at the ripe old age of 25, still doing the business but this time on a challenging course around a military base in north Devon. “It’s my first time behind the wheel – until now I’ve been the navigator and Dad’s done the driving – but I’m loving it!” says Edward, an apprentice with National Grid and soon to turn 19.