Background
The 4 wheel drive mid engined MG Metro 6R4 (6-cylinder, rally car, four-wheel-drive) was
developed and built by Williams Grand Prix Engineering on behalf of Rover.
The car was powered by a longitudinally mounted 3 ltr DOHC 24 valve normally aspirated V6 engine, which is rotated 180 degrees so the gearbox is in board of the rear mounted engine.
The four-wheel-drive was permanently engaged, and drove separate propshafts to the front and rear differentials. The rear differential was mounted on the side of the engine sump with one driveshaft running through the sump to the nearside rear wheel.
There is very little remaining of the original bodywork, with the doors and roof being the only metal parts of the bodyshell, as the wings, bonnet and tail gate are constructed of GRP.
The 6R4 originally appeared in two variants, the first of which was the Clubman spec which was the road going version developing in the region of 250 bhp, which cost £40,000, the second was the International spec which developed around 410 bhp.
The 6R4 never reached its full potential on the rally scene, as its only real season of competition was marred by teething trouble with the engine, and as Group B cars were outlawed by the FISA in 1986, its development was cut short. Despite its world rally championship appearances being cut short, the car did go on to substantial success in both the British and European Rallycross Championships.
This Car
Started its life in the hands of Ian Donaldson whom won the 1986 EARS/ Motoring News Championship in the car, before it passed on to John McKerrel. John then owned the car for a number of years using it to compete in over 100 rallies.
The car was then purchased by its current owner, who has totally refurbished it and made the required modifications to ensure the car is MSA compliant. He now competes on a small number of stage rallies each year and demonstration events.
Technical
Engine : six-cylinder, 3ltr, in-line, longitudinally mounted in the middle of the car, twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, 410 bhp
Induction : Fuel Injected, Normally Aspirated
