A ROADSIDE mechanic is gearing up for a challenge of a lifetime - to drive a Del Boy-style three-wheeler to Germany and take it for a spin on the famous Nurburgring.

Chris Davies, who owns the newly-opened Kath’s Diner, Old Hill . named after his mum, Kathleen, who died from cancer aged 71 a year ago, hopes his wacky drive will raise funds for Compton Hospice.

Long time friends Chris Barnett, aged 50, from Blackheath , will be his co-pilot and Neil Gantley, aged 37, his back-up, driving a classic Citroen 2cv “Dolly.”

Mr Davies, also aged 37, from Halesowen , said he wanted to raise money for the Wolverhampton hospice which had provided “wonderful” care for his dying mother.

The idea sprang from a conversation with friends in a pub and he bought the Robin Reliant through eBay and has been overwhelmed by offers of help.

A Reliant parts company in Birmingham is providing spares, ATS has given tyres and Cradley Heath ’s Chapelhouse Autocentre has sprayed it the distinctive Trotter yellow.

Mr Davies’ bosses at Fraikin Truck Rental, where he works as a vehicle breakdown controller, have pledged to rescue the trio if the three-wheeler suffers a terminal breakdown en route.

“In its 70-year history, I don’t think anyone will have gone round the Nurburgring as slowly us. Jeremy Clarkson did it in seven-and-a-half minutes. I think we will take about 30 minutes,” he said.

The friends will set off on the five-day 1,000 mile plus round trip on Saturday September 29.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the challenge can do so at justgiving.com/chris-davies12