Historic Marathon Rally Group - Page 6 of 24 - The home of the Historic Marathon Rally Group. The Historic Marathon Rally Group (HMRG) is a friendly UK-based network of enthusiasts dedicated to reuniting historic rally cars, competitors, service crews, and supporters from around the world. Our mission is to celebrate and promote the legendary Marathon Rallies and Classic Car Endurance events of the past while fostering a shared passion for motorsport history.

Ford XT Falcon GT arrives Freemantle

On This Day 52 Years Ago.

At dawn on Friday, 13 December 1968, the P&O liner S.S. Chusan docked at Freemantle in Western Australia.

Car 29, an XT Falcon GT, registration number ‘KAG003’ – One of three Ford Australia factory works’ entries, prepared by Harry Firth; driven by Bruce Hodgson, and navigator Doug Rutherford, was unloaded before embarking on the final 2,600 mile drive to Sydney.

Where they would finish 6th outright after a gruelling 10,000+ miles of the London to Sydney Marathon.

Thanks the Old School Aussie Fords group on facebook for allowing me to share this post.

British Leyland hired a Caledonian Bristol Britannia

Caledonian Bristol Britannia used during the 1970 World Cup Rally

The trip home from the end of the 1970 World Cup Rally as remembered by Bill Price.

British Leyland hired a Caledonian Bristol Britannia to transport spares/wheels/tyres and service personnel to Rio.

After the last drop-off in Lima the aircraft, sometimes called “Brownings Bomber” returned to UK.

After the finish in Mexico City the crews and mechanics were due to travel home in the Britannia.

However, inboard to USA the aircraft suffered a bird-strike damaging the wind-screen and was diverted to Montreal.

All those due to fly were now booked on a Brannif DC8 to Montreal to connect with the Britannia which was having a new windscreen fitted.

A long flight home but a chance for the team to recover some sleep. Ran out of milk on the flight so chief mechanic, Doug Watts was obliged to have brandy on his corn flakes !!

At London it was straight into a London Hotel for lunch with Lord Stokes – pity we only came second !!

Bill Price

Datsun180B SSS being restored

A Datsun 180B SSS that took part in the 1977 Singapore Airlines Rally is being restored by Craig Shiel. The car number 53 was crewed by 3 Australians Rod Jones, Arthur Davis and John Latham.

It finished in 18th place overall and was 4th in its 1300cc to 2000cc class.

1977 Singapore Airlines Rally regulations front cover

Thanks to Craig Shiel for posting news of this restoration to our facebook group and sharing a photo of his car with us.

Triumph 2.5PI XJB302H found

The Triumph 2.5PI as used by Paddy Hopkirk has come into view again after a very long rest.

At last I can release some pictures of the works Triumph 2.5PI of Paddy Hopkirk. Which we have finally got to a safe place XJB 302H. Still in amazing condition been hidden away since 1977 still has the maps inside it from a Scottish event
Tim Cousins via facebook 10 October 2020

Triumph 2.5PI XJB302H image26 – Kevin James Card says that “The car is a time capsule it has only original equipment. There are two map lights in either end of the centre consul. The relays are 6ra all lines are inside. The have used some parts from the other triumph cars like the tr6 stag etc.”

Triumph 2.5PI XJB302H image25 – I’m not sure the fia would pass them now. They are standard with lambs wool covers glued on. As you might guess just a little crunchy now. My friend Nobby said that they probably still have paddy’s DNA on them.

As found the car is still in amazing condition been hidden away since 1977 still has the maps inside it from a Scottish event

Triumph 2.5PI XJB302H image10 – – It has been said that the wiring was done by John Smith of Lucas.

Several engines were found with the car. Some photos of the oily bits on the next page.

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DAF 55 serviced by DC3

DC3 service for WCR DAF55 — DC3 service for LSM DAF55

DAF entered two DAFs 55 Marathon in the 1968 London Sydney Marathon Rally. Rather than using a traditional service vehicle to provide parts and service support en route from London to Sydney they used a DC 3 airplane.

1970 London to Sydney route — 1968 London to Sydney route

This story and the images were originally posted by Piet de Jong in a facebook post on the Rally Service Van group.