In the early 1980s, fully aware of the influence of motorsport success on their sales figures, the British Leyland hierarchy was seeking another vehicle to carry the company name to sporting success however, in reality, there were no obvious candidates.

It was only with the announcement of a new 'Group B' category for rally cars that the way became clear for what was to become the 6R4 programme.

Under the new regulations, only 200 units were required for 'homologation' plus 20 'Evolution' models and there were relatively few design restrictions.

Turbocharged engines, four-wheel drive, state of the art materials and lots of aero mods were allowed resulting, over the next four years, in some of the wildest and most powerful competition machines ever produced.

As is well documented elsewhere, the world of International Rallying was devastated in 1985/1986 by a number of high-profile fatal accidents resulting in 'Group B' rally cars being outlawed for the 1987 season, effectively endin...