The Peking To Paris Motor Challenge, which is celebrating its centenary this year started in Beijing, China, today. Ten Chevrolet teams are among the 130 vintage cars that will follow the same trans-continental itinerary forged in 1907 by five cars from Peking (today known as Beijing) to Paris, France, covering 13,000 kilometers in five weeks. All Chevrolet cars participating in this year’s challenge were built between 1928 and 1950.

One of these cars is a 1930 Chevrolet coupe. It was built in 1930 and is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine delivering 50 hp. Michele Shapiro, 37, will be behind the wheel of the historic vehicle and vehicle owner Dan Rensing, 57, will act as co-driver, navigator and mechanic.

Dan Rensing explains he bought the 1930 Chevrolet coupe especially for the Peking-Paris race: “When I decided to participate in the race, I was, of course, looking for a car that would be available in running condition and at a reasonable price: The Chevrolet car was the perfect solution. For me, Chevrolet has always stood for solid build quality and durability.” He found the car in Minnesota and drove it back to Ohio where he restored it completely and prepared it for the race.

A lover of cars, fashion and extreme adventure, Michele Shapiro says: “I’m constantly looking for new ways to challenge myself. My favorite challenges involve driving cars I’ve never driven before in places I’ve never been before”.

The list of Chevrolet teams participating in the race includes:
#26 Andrew Bailey (IRL) / Michael Bailey (IRL) 1929 Chevrolet Roadster
#29 Barrie Frost (AUS) / Lynn De Lacy Frost (AUS) 1928 Chevrolet AB Roadster
#34 Dan Rensing (USA) / Michele Shapiro (USA) 1930 Chevrolet Coupe
#79 Richard Taylor (USA) / Antoinette Taylor (USA) 1940 Chevrolet Coupe
#85 Xavier del Mármol (B) / Catherine Janssens (B) 1937 Chevrolet Convertible
# 87 Paul Merryweather (GB) / Sandra Merryweather (GB) 1938 Chevrolet Fangio Coupe
#88 David Williams (GB) / Sadie Williams (GB) 1938 Chevrolet Fangio Coupe
#89 Alain Grisay (B) / Tracey Curtis-Taylor (GB) 1941 Chevrolet Fangio Coupe
#97 Teresita Aguilar (UY) / Haile Aguilar (UY) 1939 Chevrolet Coupe TC
#109 Phillip Haslam (GB) / Ivonne Haslam (GB) 1950 Chevrolet Bel Air

To celebrate the launch of the rally, all of the teams were honored in a Chevrolet-hosted kick-off event on May 25 in downtown Beijing. The iconic vehicles were on display for all to view and the drivers were farewelled in a show of support as they prepared to commence the long journey.

Traveling from Asia to Europe, the birthplace of Louis Chevrolet, the teams will complete the journey in Paris on June 30, 2007.