In a whirlwind four-day adventure around Ireland, teams from the motor trade have triumphed in the latest Bangers4Ben event, albeit with a few amusing mishaps along the way. The annual challenge saw 42 teams embark on an unforgettable journey, with the goal of purchasing a car for under £750 and then creatively decorating it for an equally thrifty sum.

The teams of 2023 fully embraced the challenge, dazzling onlookers with some of the most eccentric customisations ever witnessed. Among the standout creations were a 'Beer Busters' hearse, a WWE wrestling ring van, and a horse and jockey-themed Ford Focus. The sheer ingenuity and resourcefulness of the participants were on full display.

The epic adventure kicked off with teams converging in Holyhead, where they boarded a ferry bound for Dublin. From there, they journeyed south along the picturesque Irish coastline, culminating their first day in Waterford. Day two continued with a scenic drive along Irish roads, eventually leading to the unforgettable 179km Ring of Kerry route.

Day three saw the teams embarking on a return journey to Galway before looping back eastwards to Dublin on an arduous eight-hour drive. The final day allowed the participants some leisure time in Dublin before making the return trip to Wales.

However, not all was smooth sailing, as one unfortunate casualty of the event was the Car Quay wrestling ring van, which suffered multiple breakdowns and even caused a traffic jam of disgruntled Irish motorists. Despite these setbacks, the team soldiered on, leaving the van behind upon their return to Derby, with plans for its retrieval underway.

The true spirit of Bangers4Ben lies in its charitable mission. Teams have been diligently fundraising for the Ben charity, which provides vital support to those within the automotive industry. The cars used in the event will soon go under the hammer at BCA auctions, further contributing to the noble cause.

Andy Entwistle, CEO of Automotion, the event's organiser, expressed his delight, stating, "This year's Bangers4Ben has been one of our biggest ever, with 42 teams participating, making it one of the most popular events to date. The teams did a fantastic job with their cars and certainly attracted plenty of attention as they navigated the beautiful Irish coastline."

Entwistle also noted the event's significance, particularly in light of the recent loss of a beloved industry colleague. "This just reiterates how important it is to keep getting the message out about Ben and the great work they do," he said. "With all of this year's cars heading for auction, the total raised isn't finalised yet, but it looks like being a record year."

In conclusion, the motor trade teams' adventurous journey around Ireland for Bangers4Ben has not only entertained but also highlighted the industry's commitment to supporting the vital work of the Ben charity. As the cars go to auction, the total fundraising figures are anticipated to reach new heights, reaffirming the industry's dedication to this noble cause.

[Original Article: cardealermagazine.co.uk]