In previous years I have been pleased to publicise the Historic Rally Car Register Open Day held at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, in the events section of the CSI website but this was the first time that I had attended. I am so pleased I did, it was a joy for any “petrolhead”. I had intended to get there before the 10.00 am opening time but in the event I didn’t arrive until twenty minutes past ten. I have to tell you that I struggled to find a parking space; the venue was already “heaving” and was not what I had expected.

My rallying days (in a Mini Cooper 998cc) are well behind me. My greatest claim to fame in this arena is that I had a lot to do with Des O’Dell, the very successful Rootes/Chrysler/Talbot/Peugeot Competitions Department manager. Ironically, it was not rallying that caused our paths to cross but circuit racing, I was a member of the Mopar team that campaigned the championship winning Mopar Avenger driven by Bernard Unett. Later in my Chrysler/Peugeot career I was responsible for publicising the Peugeot 205 T16s success in the World Rally Championship. In that capacity I organised a reception party in Nottingham, prior to the start of the 1985 RAC Rally. The purpose was for Peugeot dealers to meet Jean Todt. Todt, who had been a very successful rally navigator, was then Peugeot’s director of Motor Sport and guided the team to two World Rally Championships in 1985 and 1986.

Jean Todt
Jean Todt
Des O'Dell
Des O’Dell

If I am honest, I have recorded my tenuous links with rallying because I felt humbled to be in the company with such obviously committed enthusiasts. And what a friendly bunch they were, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I hope that the following photos do justice to the occasion.

ALFA ROMERO

1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT in rally trim
1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT. This car is for sale see the bottom of the page.

1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT. Rear

1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT. Engine

BMC

1964 Austin Mini Cooper S
1964 Austin Mini Cooper S

1964 Austin Mini Cooper S. Rear.

1965 Morris Mini Cooper S
1965 Morris Mini Cooper S
Austin 1800
Austin 1800

Austin 1800. Rear.

FORD

Colin McRae's 2001 WRC Ford Focus
Colin McRae’s 2001 WRC Ford Focus

Colin McRae's 2001 WRC Ford Focus. Rear.

1978/9 Ford Escort
1978/9 Ford Escort

1978/9 Ford Escort. Rear.

1967/8 Ford Cortina
1967/8 Ford Cortina. This car is for sale see the bottom of the page.

1967/8 Ford Cortina. Rear.

LANCIA

1974/5 Lancia Stratos.
1974/5 Lancia Stratos.

1974/5 Lancia Stratos. Rear.

1971/2 Lancia Fulvia
1971/2 Lancia Fulvia
1975/76 Lancia Fulvia 3
1975/76 Lancia Fulvia 3

1971/2 Lancia Fulvia. Rear. 1975/76 Lancia Fulvia 3. Rear.

MG

1968 MGC GT
1968 MGC GT. This car is for sale see the bottom of the page.

1968 MGC GT. Rear.

1976/7 MGB Hardtop.
1976/7 MGB Hardtop.

RENAULT

1980 - 84 Renault 5 Turbo
1980 – 84 Renault 5 Turbo

ROOTES/TALBOT

1965 Ex Works Hillman Imp
1965 Ex Works Hillman Imp

1965 Ex Works Hillman Imp. Rear.

1968/69 Hillman Imp
1968/69 Hillman Imp

1968/69 Hillman Imp. Rear.

1980/81 Talbot Sunbeam
1980/81 Talbot Sunbeam

1980/81 Talbot Sunbeam. Rear.

1972/3 Hillman Avenger
1972/3 Hillman Avenger. This car is for sale see the bottom of the page.

1972/2 Hillman Avenger. Rear.

SAAB

1972 Saab 99
1972 Saab 99

1972 Saab 99. Rear.

VAUXHALL

1978 Vauxhall Chevette HSR
1978 Vauxhall Chevette HSR

1978 Vauxhall Chevette HSR. Rear.

VOLVO

1964 Volvo Amazon B18
1964 Volvo Amazon B18

SPECIAL

FROGEYE SPRITE SPECIAL (ONLY 4 BUILT)

FrogEye Sprite Special the 3rd of only four built.
FrogEye Sprite Special, the 3rd of only four built. Fitted with Ford Kent 4cyl. engine.

FrogEye Sprite Special the 3rd of only four built. Rear.

CARS FOR SALE

Please mention Car Scene International if you enquire about any of these cars.

1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT in rally trim
PHONE – 07761 823609
1967/8 Ford Cortina
PHONE – 07966 321333
1968 MGC GT
PHONE – 07587 005992  Offers over £25K
1972/3 Hillman Avenger
PHONE – 07775 935813

Nick

 

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