What is it about rallying? The thrill, the speed, the style – and, of course, that crucial injection of danger. Although there are always new rules and regulations being used to try and curb some of the more dangerous aspects of the sport, these have never been enough to take away its edge – after-all, that’s exactly what makes rallying appeal to so many in the first place.
Still, if you think that today’s rallies offer an extreme blood rush then you should have been around in the ‘80s, when rallying was on another level entirely. That’s right, we’re talking about Group B: the golden era of rallying, the triumph responsible for bringing us some of the most powerful cars ever to tear up the track.
Before its cancellation in 1997, the low regulations associated with Group B saw manufacturers producing cars that tested the limits – and then tore straight through them. So, what were these incredible vehicles?
Lancia Delta S4
0-62mph in 2.3 seconds. Need we say more? This car’s rate of acceleration puts it instantly as one of the all time greats, and when you factor in other killer features such as an all-wheel drive system, and the fact that it was the first car to incorporate twincharging, combining supercharging and turbocharging for reduced turbo lag, you begin to see exactly why it’s one of the all time greats.
The Lancia Delta S4 proved to be competitive gold as well, winning its first ever event and ultimately collecting a number of trophies over its short life span.
Austin Metro 6R4
What do you get when you cross a 400bhp, 3 litre V6 engine with… a mini hatchback? Top marks if you said the Austin Metro 6R4, a car which shot to instant fame when driver Tony Pond brought it crashing through the cinema screen at its press debut. From its introduction in 1984 to the car’s sad retirement in ’87, the Metro 6R4 went through a number of tune-ups which ultimately gave it the power to accelerate from 0-60 in an impressive 3.2 seconds.
A Group B latecomer, we may never have really seen the full potential of the Austin Metro 6R4 – but that matters little when you consider how it has gone down in rallying history. In this case small is definitely mighty, and as Austin’s John Davenport has said: ‘A small car makes a small track look bigger’!
Audi Quattro Sport S1
Audi took advantage of the Group B regulations to break out several new versions of their Quattro, starting with the A1 and A2. While these were both formidable cars in their own right, it was the Sport S1 which really took things to the next level, a beast of a car which celebrated much well-deserved success.
Even after Group B had been discontinued, driver Walter Rohl was able to bring the Quattro Sport S1 one last success by taking it up the Pikes Peak run in Colorado in 1987. This completed a hat trick of runs for the car, with its best time of 10 minutes, 47.85 seconds staying unmatched for many years to follow.
Whichever Group B era car you consider to be the ultimate great, there’s no denying that the powerful motors designed during this period remain some of the best cars of all time. If you’re a petrol head then CWS 4×4 can help you to keep your car on the road by providing top quality 4×4 part, and by using parts from our 4×4 breakers yard you can save yourself money without compromising on your car’s needs. Get in touch at 01458 834930 to talk to a member of our friendly team and find out more.