THE ICONIC SALE AT RACE RETRO 22nd February 2025

+ buyer’s premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT) 39 As is well documented elsewhere, the world of International Rallying was devastated in 1985/1986 by a number of high profile fatal accidents resulting in ‘Group B’ rally cars being outlawed for the 1987 season, effectively ending the 6R4’s International career which, owing to its long gestation period, had started a couple of years too late anyway. On offer here is chassis #208 which is fresh to market having been owned privately by our vendor since 1996. C818 FFC was entered and driven by Tony Pond and Rob Arthur in the infamous 1986 Rallye de Portugal. During the rally, an RS200 tragically left the road killing some spectators and injuring many others. A number of drivers, including Tony Pond, understandably refused to drive for the rest of the event on the basis that it was unlikely that spectators lining the stages would be deterred in their traditional quest to get as close to a speeding rally car as possible, so chassis #208 was withdrawn. During 1986, #208 was also used as Tony Pond’s test car in the Tour de Corse, was Malcolm Wilson’s test car at the 1986 Rallye San Remo and post-Portugal, was entered in the Marlboro Port Talbot rally achieving an impressive third overall, driven by David Llewellyn with Phil Short in the hot seat. It was subsequently sold to ex-Austin Rover Tyre Department Manager, Ian Beveridge, who campaigned the Metro with his wife Pat in the BTRDA Championship in 1987, 1988 and 1989 achieving much success including winning the Severn Valley Stages and the Wyedean twice. For these UK-based championships, the engine was de-tuned into ‘single-plenum spec’ in order to comply with the regulations and it has remained in this configuration ever since. In 1996, the car was acquired by its current owner who has used it as intended ever since, achieving some impressive results over the past 29 years including winning the Tempest rally in 1999 and numerous class wins at the Rallye Sunseeker from 1997 to 2012. More recently, C818 FFC has become synonymous with Goodwood in current ownership, entertaining the crowds on the Goodwood Festival of Speed rally stage on no less than 16 occasions from 2005 to 2024. More recently, the car was selected as one of six MGs used in a special parade at the Festival for the MG 100 year celebrations, as well as competing on the infamous hill climb. The car has also competed at the Goodwood 72nd and 78th Members Meetings as part of the Rally Sprints, as well as the one off Goodwood Speed Week during COVID. Our vendor’s mantelpiece is adorned by ‘Driver of the Day’ silverware from 2006, 2009 and 2016 and in more recent times, his son won the ‘Group B’ class in this car at the Goodwood FoS in 2019. A year earlier, in 2018, at the Festival, the car was driven by Jimmy McRae (who signed and dated the driver’s side door panel) and at the 2023 event, it was driven by former World Rally champion, Peter Solberg, who also signed the car. #208 subsequently appeared on the front page of Autosport magazine in August 2023 with Peter Solberg doing a feature on iconic machines after his drive in the 6R4. #208 also adorned the front cover of the 1986 Autosport magazine after Rallye de Portugal. #208 has frequently been in the public eye over the years including a feature by Classic and Sportscar magazine in 1999 where Tony Pond was reunited with the car driving it with the current owner at the Bill Gwynne Rally School and offering him some driving tips. In 2015, it featured in an award-winning short film starring Game of Thrones actor, Richard Madden and in 2020, it took part in promotional filming for the inaugural Goodwood Speed Week racing against a Gravity ‘Jet pack’. The car was looked after by the late Rod Lynne (ex-Works Austin Rover) from 1987 until 2006 and since 2010 has been prepared to a high standard by Historic Motorsport, with engine and differential maintenance entrusted to Autosportif. It’s accompanied by a set of Rob Arthur’s overalls, historic rally road books and the original sales invoice from Austin Rover. With a straight line of ownership and available for the first time in 29 years, this may well be an unrepeatable opportunity and we welcome any enquiries. An important Works 6R4, entered in the infamous 1986 Rallye de Portugal for Tony Pond and Rob Arthur and fresh to market having been privately owned and successfully campaigned since 1996. Registration: C818 FFC Chassis No.: 208 Estimate: £275,000 - £325,000 Specialist: Harry Whale Telephone No: 07919 887374 Lot 519 1986 MG Metro 6R4 ‘Group B’ Ex-Works ‘C818 FFC’ More Details Lot 519 Bid On Lot 519