Few vehicles capture the spirit of historic motorsport quite like a period race transporter.

They are as much a part of the paddock scene as the competition cars they carried, quietly working behind the scenes while becoming an integral part of racing history in their own right.

'Rita Alice' is one such vehicle, a wonderfully preserved and sympathetically restored 1964 Leyland Leopard that has spent almost half a century serving some of the most respected names in historic motor racing.

Built in 1964 as a Plaxton-bodied European touring coach (Coachwork No.

642258) on a Leyland Leopard chassis number #120011, the coach began life with Cotter's Tours of Glasgow, transporting passengers throughout Britain and continental Europe.

It remained in commercial service until 1977, when its destiny changed dramatically.

Purchased by legendary Bentley racers David and Tim Llewellyn, 'Rita Alice' was transformed into a dedicated race transporter, carrying the family's famous Bentleys to race...