Photo: SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS
Back in 1982, FIA gave birth to the Group B of the World Rally Championship, a series that forced virtually no restrictions in terms of boost on the cars taking part. This crazy regulation led to a host of insane machines, some that developed more than 600 hp.
Among these racers was the 1985 MG Metro 6R4, Austin Rover’s entry into the rally world. The model was developed specifically for Group B with the aid of the Williams Formula 1 team and entered the 1985 Rally GB, which it finished third.
In 1986, Group B was banned halfway through the season, meaning MG Metro 6R4 fell short of showing what it was truly made of. For collectors, however, the car remains one of the most coveted racing cars.
Very few of them were made, only 200, so when one is up for sale it’s only natural expectations are high.
Next month, at the Silverstone Auctions’ Autosport International sale, one of these MG Metro 6R4 cars will be up for grabs for an estimated price between £180,000 and £200,000 ($225,000 to $250,000).
The car in question, number 123 of 200, is with its current owner since 2015, when it was purchased from The Tifosi Garage, which in turn bought it from the Williams F1 Reserve Collection. It was reconditioned in 2017, including with an overhaul of the fuel system and fuel pump.
At the heart of the car sits a 3.0-liter mid-mounted V6 engine that develops 250 bhp. Only 175 miles are registered on the odometer, making the car virtually new.
“One of rallying’s true icons, the MG Metro 6R4 stands up there with legendary 80’s classics like the Audi Quattro, Lancia 037 and Renault 5 Turbo,” said in a statement Lionel Abbott, classic car specialist at Silverstone Auctions.
“This is the closest you can get to driving a Group B rally car on the road. A homologation special like this with such low mileage presents a rare opportunity for rally fans and enthusiasts alike.”
In 1986, Group B was banned halfway through the season, meaning MG Metro 6R4 fell short of showing what it was truly made of. For collectors, however, the car remains one of the most coveted racing cars.
Very few of them were made, only 200, so when one is up for sale it’s only natural expectations are high.
Next month, at the Silverstone Auctions’ Autosport International sale, one of these MG Metro 6R4 cars will be up for grabs for an estimated price between £180,000 and £200,000 ($225,000 to $250,000).
The car in question, number 123 of 200, is with its current owner since 2015, when it was purchased from The Tifosi Garage, which in turn bought it from the Williams F1 Reserve Collection. It was reconditioned in 2017, including with an overhaul of the fuel system and fuel pump.
At the heart of the car sits a 3.0-liter mid-mounted V6 engine that develops 250 bhp. Only 175 miles are registered on the odometer, making the car virtually new.
“One of rallying’s true icons, the MG Metro 6R4 stands up there with legendary 80’s classics like the Audi Quattro, Lancia 037 and Renault 5 Turbo,” said in a statement Lionel Abbott, classic car specialist at Silverstone Auctions.
“This is the closest you can get to driving a Group B rally car on the road. A homologation special like this with such low mileage presents a rare opportunity for rally fans and enthusiasts alike.”
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