Metro magic as Breen brings across 6R4
It is 35 years since the MG Metro 6R4 arrived and to mark that occasion, Wiltshire will reverberate to some of the finest V6-sourced sounds around.
And who better to lead a modernday celebration of Austin Rover’s finest hour than Craig Breen.
Breen, who drives for Hyundai Motorsport in the World Rally Championship, makes his Rallyday debut on Saturday and brings the family 6R4 over from Waterford with him.
“There’s always been something about that car for me,” said Breen. “My dad drove one at home when I was young and impressionable, and you never forget that noise.
“It used to shake the walls in the house when he fired it up in the garage. I’ve such good memories from standing watching him and then chasing about the place following him.
“To get the chance to drive one is really nice, they are a hell of a thing to drive. It’ll be great to be at Rallyday and have the chance to see and catch up with a few folk. And, of course, to see plenty more 6R4s.”
And there will be no shortage of Metros on display and on track. The 6R4.net stand is your best bet – and that’s where you’ll find Jim Leask’s ex-tony Pond car.
As well as the ex-factory cars around, there’s also Prodrive’s beautiful Rothmans-liveried example which Jimmy Mcrae drove through the 1986 British Open Championship and to eighth place on that year’s RAC Rally.
While much of this page has focused on Italy, Scotland and the Austin Rover Group, we should not forget Ford. Want to see the Blue Oval’s first – and aborted – effort at Group B? Then you are in luck: one of Bgmsport’s big 21 is an RS1700T. That is one of only five cars remaining anywhere on earth. Add to that an ex-roger Clark Lotus Cortina and all manner of Escort loveliness and you have got yourself a great day out.
The day starts at 0900hrs on Saturday, with tickets available on the gate.
For more details see rallyday.com.