Background

The 4-wheel drive mid-engine MG Metro 6R4 was developed and built on Rover’s behalf by Williams Grand Prix Engineering.

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 prop shafts 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 Metro bodywork, with the doors and roof being the only remaining metal parts of the body shell.  The wings bonnet and tail gate are all constructed of GRP

The 6R4 originally appeared in two variants, the first of which was the Clubman spec and 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. 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

A genuine original clubman car built in 1985 and originally campaigned in the 1987 and 1988 British National Rally scene by Steve Harris. The car then passed through a number of owners, including Will Gollop, until 2007 when it was owned and driven through to 2016 by Sandy Arbuthnott.

Since then, the current owner has used the car for both show events, rally events and number of television appearances.

Technical specifications

Engine: 3000cc V6 Jaguar engine.

Induction system: Naturally aspirated, fuel injection.

Transmission: 4WD, Sequential rallycross gearbox.

Power output: 380 BHP.