Meinhardt is delighted to be supporting Scott Colegate from architects Marchese & Partners as he attempts to get a 1970’s Mercedes from Perth to Darwin, all in aid of Cancer Research.

The ‘Shitbox Rally’ challenges entrants to drive dilapidated cars, with a value less than $1000, improbably long distances over challenging and unsuitable routes. The annual event this year runs between May 31st and June 6th. Last year over $1m was raised for the Cancer Council.

Things haven’t started brilliantly for Scott, however, who is taking part in his second rally.

For starters this isn’t even the original car he planned to race. Late last week Scott’s $200, 1983 2-cylinder Suburu Sherpa blew a head gasket and had to be replaced by the Mercedes

To be honest things didn’t bode well for the Suburu from the outset. First it was stolen from the Marchese & Partners office car-park. An enterprising scrap metal merchant decided it was an abandoned car (it currently doesn’t have licence plates) and hauled it off to the scrap yard. Fortunately the ‘theft’ was witnessed and Scott got it back.

Daniel Moore (left) with Scott Colegate

He then had it towed to his home in the Adelaide hills where the tow truck dumped it on the public street in front of Scott’s neighbour’s house. The neighbour promptly called the police and reported it as an abandoned car. Fortunately it was saved by Scott’s fiancé from being towed away for the second time that day.

Finally, to add insult to injury, the photoshoot organized by Daniel Moore, Associate – Building Services in Adelaide was moved from outside Meinhardt’s offices to Scott’s house because the car broke down in the driveway. An emergency run to the auto electrician has now fixed the problem.

Braving the journey with Scott as co-driver is his fiancé Melanie. Hopefully the relationship survives and they marry in early October as planned!

Good luck Scott! We have everything crossed for you!

Donations can be made here:

https://shitboxrally2014.everydayhero.com/au/no-coffee-no-likey