One of only 200 produced, and this own originally owned by Williams Grand Prix Engineering, a “super-low mileage” 1985 MG Metro 6R4 rally car will cross the block at Silverstone Auctions’ inaugural Autosport International auction scheduled for January 12 in Birmingham, England.
The car was one of the 200 homologation specials produced so the Metro 6R4 would be eligible for the World Rally Championship during its spectacular but dangerous and thus short-lived Group B era.
“One of rallying’s true icons, the MG Metro 6R4 stands up there with legendary 80’s classics like the Audi Quattro, Lancia 037 and Renault 5 Turbo,” Lionel Abbott, a Silverstone Auctions classic car specialist, is quoted in the company’s news release.
“This is the closest you can get to driving a Group B rally car on the road,” he added. “A homologation special like this with such low mileage presents a rare opportunity for rally fans and enthusiasts alike.”
The car, originally used by Williams GP marketing staff, has been driven only 175 miles since new. Silverstone Auctions expects it to sell for £180,000 to £200,000 ($228,750 to $255,000).
While Group B rally cars were small and lightweight, they carried engines capable of pumping out more than 600 horsepower thanks to unlimited turbocharger boost regulations. The MG Metro 6R4, Austin Rover’s WRC entry, carried a 3.0-liter mid-mounted V6 engine that provided 250 horsepower in its road-legal “clubman” guise.
The car on offer was owned by Williams Engineering, which helped Austin Rover develop the WRC competition cars, until 2005, when it was sold at auction and purchased by The Tifosi Garage. The consignor obtained the car from that garage in 2015, according to Silverstone Auctions, which adds that the car was recommissioned in 2017 by rally specialists BGM Sport.
“Rally cars from this period have a certain mystique and have become highly sought after by collectors,” Silverstone’s Lionel noted. “This is an unusual, and probably unique, opportunity to acquire an original Group B homologation car.”
