AN IDEAL TARGA CAR — AND ONE WITH HISTORY, TOO.

MORRIS MARINA 1.8 TC COUPÉ

If you are looking for a way to take part in the Targa New Zealand, the tarmac rally which lets you drive as fast as you can on closed sections of some of New Zealand’s best back country roads, then this has to be the most cost effective way in — with a genuinely interesting historic car factory-built for hard-charging, competitive use.

This rally car was built by British Leyland’s Competitions Department, in Abingdon, UK. GC2 was one of a pair of Morris Marinas built for the 1972 Heatway Rally, along with a pair of Mini Clubmans.

Originally entered for Andrew Cowan and Jim Scott — who eventually won in a Clubman — this car was driven in the event by Jim Richards, with Jim Carney as codriver. After winning a special stage early in the event, and running second overall behind Andrew Cowan, Jim Richards was forced to retire midfield with suspension problems and a failing gearbox.

It’s got a better box

Late in 1972, GC2 was acquired by Chris Kirk-burnnand, followed by brother Barry, who campaigned the Marina in national rallies, club rallies, and hill-climb events.

During this time the gearbox, which was not up to the rigours of harsh competition,

was eventually replaced with a Hillman fourspeed gearbox, and the SU carburettors were replaced with a twin-choke Weber.

From 1977 to 1992, GC2 passed through a number of owner and registration-plate changes before it was purchased by Bob Hulme. Bob campaigned the car in sprints, hill climbs, and circuit-racing events with the licence number RR9291. Research revealed its origins, and Bob personalized the plate to 1 GC2 1.

Bare metal rebuild

The car was passed to Andrew Scott in October 1997, and was given a baremetal rebuild and paint. The roll cage was uprated for side intrusion, and the Hillman box was replaced with a fivespeed Rover SD1 unit. The engine was fully rebuilt — it was not the original by this time — along with the suspension, brakes, and many other components.

The current owner, Judith Edwards, has finally decided to pass this significant piece of New Zealand rally history to another custodian by offering it for sale.

The asking price is $12,500, and includes an assortment of parts. The registration is on hold.

Contact Judith on 07 825 9973 or Scott on 027 687 8263, or email judye@kinect.co.nz.