1986 MG Metro 6R4

In the mid-1980s, the Group B race category of the World Rally Championship inspired the wildest, most powerful rally cars ever built. The MG Metro 6R4 was born out of this short-lived turbocharged era and Austin Rover's optimistic thirst for motor sport success after the TR7 V8 and TR8 rally cars had hung up their competitive boots. The entire project was the brainchild of Austin Rover Motor Sport Chief, John Davenport. Davenport decided to follow the lead of Audi's revolutionary permanent 4WD transmission and once the green light was given, he collaborated with the best engineering brains in the land. Patrick Head and John Piper from Williams F1 were brought onboard as not only were Williams the best F1 team at the time but they were also sponsored by the company.

In December 1982 the finished prototype was delivered to Cowley for in-house development to begin. However, it wasn't until 1984 that the 6R4 was introduced to the press in order to quell increasing speculation surrounding the project. Beneath its skin, the puny A-Series engine/front-wheel-drive package was replaced by a David Wood designed 3-litre, 90-degree V6 situated behind the front seats and driving all four wheels. Twin-cam cylinder heads modelled on those of Cosworth's Formula 1 DFV V8 engine ensured the 6R4 was a true giant killer.

The car appeared in two guises. There was a so-called Clubman model, a road going version developing approximately 250 bhp, of which around 200 were made and sold to the public. A further 20 were taken and built to International Group B specifications. However, in 1986 Group B rallying was scrapped after a series of fatalities among drivers and spectators. Just as teething problems were being ironed out, the 6R4 was denied any chance of glory on an international stage.

This highly original Clubman model shows only 4,000 miles on the odometer and has only recently re-surfaced after many years in discreet storage. 'J172 JRN' is one of' the last original 'Gates' demonstrators and was used for all manor of promotional purposes, such as course car on the 1991 Pendragon Stages. Consequently, this 6R4 was not registered until the 20th August 1991 and has been hardly used since.

The car has not competed, never even rallied and has recently been completely refurbished. Supplied with a new MOT and fitted with a fresh Cliff Humphries (the original BL Abingdon Competitions engine guru) International Specification 400PS engine, the car is fully sorted and ready for use. In addition, the original 200PS Clubman engine has been located by the owner and is available through separate negotiation. This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase one of the last surviving unmolested 6R4s in highly original condition.