1985 MG Metro 6R4 #091 C84 RBD

In the early 1980s, fully aware of the influence of motorsport success on their sales figures, the British Leyland hierarchy were seeking another model to continue to carry the company name to sporting success however, in reality, there were no obvious candidates. It was only with the announcement of a new 'Group B' category for rally cars that the way became clear to commence what was to become the 6R4 programme. Under the new regulations, only 200 units were required for homologation (plus 20 Evolution models) and there were relatively few design restrictions. Turbocharged engines, four-wheel drive, state of the art materials and lots of aerodynamic modifications were allowed resulting, over the next four years, in some of the wildest and most powerful competition machines ever produced.

This MG 6R4 was supplied new to Finnish rally sensations, Mika Arpiainen and Jarno Mustonen, to compete in the 1986 Rally of 1000 Lakes in Finland in an entrant list that included Salonen, Kankkunen, Alen, Blomqvist, Grundell, Toivonen, Ekland, Wilson and Ericsson. Arpiainen had won the Finnish Rally Championship in 1984/85 driving an Audi Quattro.

The Metro was prepared to International Specification and converted to left-hand drive for the event by the Motormec OY Rally Team and Mika was running in a strong ninth place until an accident on the 19th stage finished a fine home effort. In November, after it was repaired by Motormec, Mika won the Helsinki Rally, however, further potential success was thwarted by the demise of 'Group B' cars at the end of the year.

In 1987 Mika sold the Metro to Pasi Mustonen, who competed in various Rally Sprints, winning the Finnish Rally Sprint Championship. In 1997 Mustonen sold it to Likka Aminoff who sent it to David Appleby's renowned DA Motorsport UK who commenced a full rebuild of the car's 410bhp 'International' engine and gearbox. It was duly returned to Aminoff for 1998 and he completed just two rally sprints when a differential failed. A new differential was purchased and awaited refitting but Likka decided to retire and the Metro and its new diff were stored in his summer house until 2012. Timo Heliston had heard of the 6R4’s whereabouts and purchased the car and differential and sent it to Makela Auto Tuning for a full restoration to its original International specification. From 2013 to 2018 it was used occasionally at MAT ice driving events but was then returned to the period livery from the 1986 Rally of 1000 Lakes when Mika rallied the car.

Purchased by our vendor in 2021, it was treated to a full cambelt change and large service on the engine by the respected 6R4 specialists, Goodman Engineering, returned to 'tarmac' specification and remains essentially original, including its very rare steel exhaust system. It was UK-registered on its correct #091 chassis number with help from David Sims and given a 'C' reg before subsequently being re-registered on its correct C84 RBD registration. The car presents really well in its iconic Rothmans blue and white livery and, we understand, is 'on the button'. It's also supplied with a full history file of original receipts.

In a market still fascinated by the power of 'Group B', this International-spec Metro 6R4 represents a great chance to own a 1986 WRC top-ten runner in a field that truly reads like a who’s who of rallying’s most elite drivers and manufacturers .