In the early 1980s, fully aware of the influence of motorsport success on their sales figures, the British Leyland hierarchy were seeking another model to continue 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 to commence 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 aerodynamic modifications were allowed resulting, over the next four years, in some of the wildest and most powerful competition machines ever produced.

This MG 6R4 was supplied new to Finnish rally sensations, Mika Arpiainen and Jarno Mustonen, to compete in the 1986 Rally of 1000 Lakes in Finland in an entrant list that included Salonen, Kankk...