TWO clapped-out bargain bangers will set off on a 1,200-mile rally this week.

The Barcelona Bangers race will see Aaron Phull and Carl Jackson lead teams from across the length of France, over the Pyrenees mountains and into northern Spain – in cars that cost less than £400.

They have been preparing for months, and on Friday they will set off from Swindon to Folkestone, through the channel tunnel and into Calais.

There they will join around 70 teams from around the continent, all vying to be first into Barcelona on Sunday.

But the real question is – will they make it at all?

Mr Phull is leading a team in a 14-year-old second hand Volvo V40 which cost around £400, and Mr Jackson a £215 bright pink Saab 9000.

If they do make it all the way there, they will leave what is left of their cars as a tip for a waiter.

Mr Phull, a 26-year-old software worker from Somerdale Close, Westlea, said: “It seems to be ticking over. I’m pretty confident that we’ll get there.

“Maybe it sounds like I’m just trying to convince myself it’s alright.

“It’s going to put a lot of strain on the car, it’s gearbox and radiators. We can but try. We’ve got four mechanics with us.

“We’ll just have to take it steady, see how the journey goes.

“We’ll have to make a decision whether the car is going to make it not.”

The unusual rally is an attempt to raise thousands of pounds to research a cure to muscular dystrophy, a crippling disease which affects Mr Jackson’s 28-year-old brother Ben.

Mr Jackson, 30 and of Egdon Close, Abbey Meads, said: “A lot of my mates are very close and wanted to get involved. It’s just built up really from something that was just a bit of fun to raising a lot of cash for a worthy cause.

“Muscular dystrophy affects quite drastically his muscle ability. It’s a muscle decaying condition that progresses through life.

“As a kid it didn’t affect him very much, and as he gets older it affects him more. He requires full-time care and assistance, and needs assistance making dinner, getting out of bed.

“It’s just about finding a cure.”

They paid for the cars and transport home themselves, and now aim to raise up to £5,000 by sponsorship for the rally.

“I’m really, really excited to see which to see which car is going to make it furthest,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll all make it. It’ll be a great atmosphere. I can’t get wait to get down there.”