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.
Thanks to Ken Green for sharing this video he took at the 2004 Abingdon Car Show.
This Morris Marina was entered as car 23 in the 1971 Daily Mirror RAC Rally. It was driven by Brain Culcheith and finished 20th place.
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
BMW 2002Ti reg VAP16H on the World Cup Rally 1970 image 02
BMW 2002Ti reg VAP16H on the World Cup Rally 1970 image 01
Ford Capri GVX40H 1970 photo