They could be described as an odd couple: one, the tall, clean-shaven David Currow, is Professor of Palliative and Supportive Services; the other, more grizzly, Colin Carati, is a Professor in basic medical sciences.

Together, however, they share a passion for motorsports and many years of experience as a driver (Currow, pictured) and navigator (Carati).

They have come together for the very first time to race as a team in a tiny but very nimble Steyr-Puch 650, an Austrian car based on and identical in appearance to the more famous Fiat 500.

Team Currow/Carati will take part in the Supaloc Classic Targa Adelaide, leaving the Goyder Pavilion at the Adelaide Showgrounds and making their way to Tanunda on the first day of the four-day event which will take them through the Adelaide Hills and Mt Lofty Ranges.

Professor Currow is clear that, as far as racing teams go, he has the upper hand in this relationship.

“I have the steering wheel,” said Professor Currow, who has competed in the Targa Tasmania almost every year since 1999.

“Can you imagine what it’s like sitting in a car like this with someone built like me behind the wheel?” he said.

Professor Carati points out, however, that he gets to tell Professor Currow “where to go” at every turn.

While it has the potential to reach 160km/h, the set-up of Professor Currow’s Steyr-Puch sacrifices top speed for acceleration.

“Our passion is to come back each year with a stronger, better car. Given that we have the slowest car in the Targa, that isn’t too hard,” he said.

“We don’t take it too seriously.”