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.
Abingdon Competitions Department, prior to the World Cup Rally 1970. One of the XJB series cars under construction, could it be XJB302H, Paddy Hopkirk’s car?
Building Works Triumph 2.5PI MkII. Looks like Abingdon, prior to the WC in 1970. Can’t be sure but the 2.5 PI in the corner could be XJB302H, the Paddy Hopkirk car – I say this because of the positioning of the spot light mounts on the roof.
Not a lot of roof for luggage! The rear of a works Workd Cup Rally 2.5 PI is a crowded place – when running on a long Prime (special stage) there would have been another spare wheel on top, hence the bumpy boot lid. Standard fuel tank is suplemented by two Autovita bag tanks in either wing. Twin Bendix pumps sit under the twin Lucas pumps on the left inner arch, these were used to transfer feul from the bag tanks into the main tank.
Brian Culcheth looking pensive at the start in Wembley
At the start in Wembley, a gurning Lord Stokes suited with the crew of Car 92 – XJB303H. From left to right Evan Green, Hamish Cardno and “Gelignite” Jack Murray. Picture courtesay of John Lindsay.
LKV 701H Car 39
World Cup Rally Official Regulations – featuring works Triumph Mk1 UJB643G. Picture courtesy of Dave Hiscocks
Competitors Information Bulletin featuring Triumph Mk1 UJB642J Picture courtesy of Dave Hiscocks
Daily Mirror World Cup Rally poster
World Cup Willie 1970 British Leyland Souvenir Sticker
Castrol Promotional sticker featuring my mother in law
BL Team photo of the official Works cars. There were 2 more Triumphs in the hamds of privateers, Car No 1 – DYE377H Bobby Buchana-Michaelson and Car No 39 UKV701H Brian Englefield
XJB305H Entry 88 looking clean and fresh amongst other cars, could this be ta the start? Picture courtesy of Brian Englefield.
BYE377H Triumph 2.5PI
Model of Triumph 2.5PI car number 1 from the 1970 World Cup Rally
UKV701H Entry 39 Picture courtesy of Brian Englefield.
Paddy Hopkirk at the wheel of a works Triumph 2.5PI skates over the loose surface of the 65 mile long San Remo Prime