A delectable selection of
rally cars from the 1970s to the present day, let out by
the world's most famous rallying brand - Lancia, will be
out in force at this year’s Race Retro, held at
Stoneleigh Park, Coventry in the UK from 25-27 February,
demonstrating rear wheel, front wheel and four
wheel-drive action on the Live Rally Stage.
The live action, which
takes place on the Saturday and Sunday, will see rally
legend Miki Biasion behind the wheel of the Lancia Delta
Integrale, the car he drove to two world titles (1988
and 1989), perfectly showcasing the Italian car maker
that 2011’s Race Retro is also celebrating.
Joining the celebrations will be the Lancia Fulvia HF,
an authentic recreation of a 1970s works rally car
driven by Tony Graham on his return from Monte
Historique.
As well as the pretty
Fulvia, the pinnacle of 1970s rallying might is further
represented by the Lancia brand, Race Retro’s
celebrated marque for this year's edition, with a
Stratos being joined by a Fiat 131 Abarth, while from
the 1980s, a Fiat Ritmo Abarth will be in action.
Also on the starting
line is a Vauxhall Chevette HS works rally car,
hopefully with original driver Jimmy McRae at the wheel
in support of his charity, built by Bill Blydenstein's
famous Dealer Team Vauxhall (DTV) outfit at Shepreth in
1978 and run by works manager Gerry Johnstone. The car,
in Jimmy's hands, competed in numerous Rallies in 1978,
and achieved seventh on the Mintex, second on the
Circuit of Ireland, as well as making starts on the
Welsh and Scottish events.
'Jumping' Jeff
Williamson will debut his recently acquired ex works FIA
Group A Mercedes 190 Cosworth, built for Danny Snobek to
drive in the 1987 Monte Carlo Rally. This is one of only
seven cars built. The rally programme was subsequently
abandoned when these two wheel drive cars were deemed
uncompetitive against the crop of new four wheel drive
cars. They were subsequently used for the European
touring car racing series run on behalf of M-B by Danny
Snobeck Racing.
The Firenza V8, a
recreation of the 1972 South African GM Dealer Team car
used by Jan Hettema, will also make another appearance
after its debut in 2010. Only 100 of these 360 bhp cars
were built as 'homologation specials' to compete against
South Africa Fords, V8 engined Perana (Capri). Hettema
himself gave builder Mick Strafford a great deal of
technical advice and help with original details during
the building of this car to ensure it is a faithful
representation of the original works car.
Also in action will be
three of the small yet mighty Metro 6R4s, which remain
as popular with rally fans as they were 25 years ago.
They are joined by two Ford RS200s, a pair of Opel Manta
400s, an Audi Quattro Sport and a Peugeot 205 T16 –
models representing the pinnacle of mid-‘80s rallying.
There will also be an example of its arch-rival Ford
Escort Mk2, a highly-rare Nissan 240RS and a Triumph TR7
V8. A brace of Talbot Sambas revives ‘80s-style club
rallying and proves they can still be on the pace. And
big car rallying is represented by a 1986 Rover Vitesse,
this rear-wheel drive V8 titan providing ample evidence
that family cars can be on the face just as much as cars
with a more sporting pedigree.
