61 replies to this topic

[drivers71]

There's been a few mentions on other threads of this event, but I've not been able to find much in the way of details. I'm cataloguing my old photos, and short of the dates, entry lists, results etc.
If anyone could point me at a site/person/place where I could find them, I'd be most grateful.
I've already tried the BRSCC, Avon and Motor, and although they acknowledge they were involved (!) none have the info.
Here's what I have:

1972 -
1973 - James Hunt won in Camaro
1974 - 12-14 July - Roger Clark won in Escort
1975 -
1976 - Ari Vatanen won in Escort

Were there any more?

In a blatent attempt to get your attention, this was 1975:



I'd appreciate any more information.

Rich

[Vitesse2]

1973 Team Award: Alfa Romeo

3rd John Handley/John Clegg
6th Stan Clark/Chris Witty
11th Peter Hilliard/Nicholas Price

All in 2000 GTVs

(Source AR advert, The Times, July 14th 1973)

1974 Triumph Dolomite Sprints 1st and 2nd in class, 4th and 5th overall. Drivers not quoted.

(Source BL advert The Times, October 22nd 1974)

Dates for 1975 August 1-3. Clark's winning car from 1974 was an Escort RS.

(Source The Times Dec 6th 1974)

1975 result:

1 Tony Pond (Ford Escort RS2000) 9376 penalty secs
2 Brian Culcheth (Triumph Dolomite Sprint) 9423
3 Bernard Unett (Hillman Avenger GT) 9641

(Source The Times Aug 4th 1975)

There are two pics in the LAT Archive. One shows an unidentified BMW, the other James Hunt in the Vauxhall he shared with Noel Edmonds (yes - really!), both in 1976.

[Vitesse2]

Gerald Donaldson's James Hunt biography devotes about a page to the 1976 Tour - by that time it was sponsored by Texaco, which partly explains James' participation: Texaco were McLaren sponsors at the time and also gave him personal sponsorship (plus there was that advert with Eric and Ernie!). He drove a Magnum, again thanks to a personal sponsorship deal with Vauxhall.

Reading between the lines, James wasn't all that bothered about the event, but perhaps "Supernoel" took it a bit more seriously. The tabloids had a field day, especially after James was reported to have been variously racing Lord Hesketh's Rolls-Royce on public roads; hit a tree; being chased by the police and then remanded in custody to help with inquiries ....

They retired, from way down the field. There were apparently disagreements over this, with Edmonds arguing they should continue - the car seems to have also had Radio One sponsorship, and the station was apparently involved in the coverage.

[drivers71]

Thanks Bob

I was involved with the BRSCC at the time of these 'Tours', and remember the Hunt/Edmonds episode in 1976.
No wonder they didn't win, as dialogue between driver and co-driver would normally be a pre-requisite for an event like this.

Rich

[Odseybod]

If you can get hold of an October 2003 issue of Classic Cars, there's a nice 5-page feature by Tony Dron on the various Tours plus some interesting photos which might help with some of the IDs. He of course had a Penthouse Pet as his navigator on the 1975 Tour (as per your taster pic).

[RS2000]

I think you will see from previous thread references that entry lists and results are already sought, so anyone on here would by now have come forward if they had that data and were willing to post it.
There was one later similar event around 1988 or 89 under a slightly different name, which has also been mentioned on here.
The initial events were for Gp1 cars, the later event for GpN cars. References to winning Escorts in 74-76 above are therefore to RS2000s, not "RS" (which is the official FIA homologation title of the re-homologated in Gp4 RS1800).
I have a few photos from 1976 at Weston Park but we have struggled on an earlier thread to identify cars from reg numbers or comp numbers, even with the help of Gregor Marshall from on here regarding a Magnum that may have been his father's entry.

[Gregor Marshall]

I have videos (now on DVD) of the '73, '74, '75 and '76 and can get the top 6 from each of them, plus I have the full results for at least '74 in Autosport that I can scan in.
Off the top of my head though James won in '73, Roger C won in '74 (with my Dad 2nd and the Chrysler team taking the team prize and Tony L 3rd in the BMW), can't remember '75 (Dad retired) and '76 was won by Ari Vatenan (Dad was 4th), with Roger 2nd and I think Gordon Spice 3rd and was now sponsored by Texaco.
I think there was one 1987/8 that was sponsored by Autoglass but was more rally orientated, I have this on video/DVD too.
I will try and remember to have a look tonight but will definitely be able to update more than already.

[Gregor Marshall]

Originally posted by RS2000 I have a few photos from 1976 at Weston Park but we have struggled on an earlier thread to identify cars from reg numbers or comp numbers, even with the help of Gregor Marshall from on here regarding a Magnum that may have been his father's entry. [/B]

If you have some photos of any cars I can try and cross reference them to the video/DVD - Dad's Magnum was normal DTV colours (number 5 and registered NHW4) and James' was white with a red and a blue stripe horizontally down the sides.

[Odseybod]

The registration number of the Hunt/Edmonds Magnum was WXE 935M, if that's any help.

[Gregor Marshall]

Originally posted by Odseybod
The registration number of the Hunt/Edmonds Magnum was WXE 935M, if that's any help.

Which is a Luton registration number.

[Tim Murray]

The 1973 Tour ran from Friday 6 July to Sunday 8 July. There was a preview in the 5 July issue of Autosport, including what appears to be a full entry list, and a comprehensive report the following week. For 1974 Autosport again ran a preview containing a list of 'leading entries', followed the next week by a full report. I don't have anything for 1975 or 1976, and I'm pretty sure there was no event in 1972. I can scan and e-mail any or all of this if needed.

[drivers71]

Thanks to each of you who added details.

Tim - I'd really appreciate a list of entries for the 1973 event.
My copious display of photos of this event are on Photobucket:
http://s271.photobuc.....20of Britain/
and you'll notice I've added the date, but missing the titles of the photos.
I do, however, already know the obvious ones!

Gregor - I'll PM you with the illegal but obvious request for your videos.

So, if there was not one in 1972, the winners were as follows:

73 Hunt
74 Pond?
75 Clark
76 Vatanen

Thanks again
Rich

[Gregor Marshall]

Originally posted by drivers71
Thanks to each of you who added details.

Tim - I'd really appreciate a list of entries for the 1973 event.
My copious display of photos of this event are on Photobucket:
http://s271.photobuc.....20of Britain/
and you'll notice I've added the date, but missing the titles of the photos.
I do, however, already know the obvious ones!

Gregor - I'll PM you with the illegal but obvious request for your videos.

So, if there was not one in 1972, the winners were as follows:

73 Hunt
74 Pond?
75 Clark
76 Vatanen

Thanks again
Rich

Rich - '74 Clark and '75 Pond. As for Videos/DVD I'm sure I can legally lend them to you.

[Tim Murray]

Originally posted by drivers71
Tim - I'd really appreciate a list of entries for the 1973 event.

Rich, I've e-mailed you (through TNF).

[Gregor Marshall]

I watched the DVDs of '73, '74, '75 & '76 last night and unfortunately the detail of the results varied on each year. I've put the cars I know in brackets but I can find out the others if needed.

'73 - 1st James Hunt (Camaro), 2nd Gordon Spice (Capri), 10th Andy Dawson.
'74 - 1st Roger Clark (Escort), 2nd Gerry Marshall (Escort), 3rd Tony Lanfranchi (BMW), 8th Will Sparrow (Magnum), 10th Peter Hansen.
'75 - 1st Tony Pond (Dolomite), 2nd Brian Culcheth, 3rd Bernard Unett (Avenger)
'76 - 1st Ari Vatanen (Escort), 2nd Brian Culcheth, 3rd Will Sparrow (Magnum), 4th Gerry Marshall (Magnum), 5th Chris Field, 6th Chrias Watham (sp), 7th Charlie Wood, 8th Mike Freeman, 9th Andy Smith, 10th Tony Foulkes (sp).

I didn't get a chance to check my magazines but I know I definitely have the full entry/results for '74 so will try and dig them out tonight and check the other years too.

[drivers71]

Originally posted by Gregor Marshall
I watched the DVDs of '73, '74, '75 & '76 last night and unfortunately the detail of the results varied on each year. I've put the cars I know in brackets but I can find out the others if needed.

'73 - 1st James Hunt (Camaro), 2nd Gordon Spice (Capri), 10th Andy Dawson.
'74 - 1st Roger Clark (Escort), 2nd Gerry Marshall (Escort), 3rd Tony Lanfranchi (BMW), 8th Will Sparrow (Magnum), 10th Peter Hansen.
'75 - 1st Tony Pond (Dolomite), 2nd Brian Culcheth, 3rd Bernard Unett (Avenger)
'76 - 1st Ari Vatanen (Escort), 2nd Brian Culcheth, 3rd Will Sparrow (Magnum), 4th Gerry Marshall (Magnum), 5th Chris Field, 6th Chrias Watham (sp), 7th Charlie Wood, 8th Mike Freeman, 9th Andy Smith, 10th Tony Foulkes (sp).

I didn't get a chance to check my magazines but I know I definitely have the full entry/results for '74 so will try and dig them out tonight and check the other years too.

Thanks Gregor......I trust you had nothing better to do last night?!!
An event where it's possible for a Hillman Avenger to finish third can't be taken seriously, can it?

Rich

[Gregor Marshall]

There wasn't much on tv and it was raining out, plus I've just had loads of video put onto DVD and had to watch them all (got some great Aston stuff!!). I also learnt I have two versions of '74, one with Simon Taylor narrating the other Dickie Davis and they are different, so more footage.

The '75 event didn't have much in the way of results and they mention the Avenger because Will Sparrow and Gerry Marshall finish 2nd & 3rd in class with the Avenger winning and also finishing 3rd overall - not sure where Dad was actually classified though.

[jrally]

Here the 1973 final classification

1-James Hunt-Robert Fearnall (Chevrolet Camaro) 1.54.46,2
2-Gordon Spice-Stanley Robinson (Ford Capri 3.0) 1.55.12,3
3-John Handley-John Clegg (Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV) 1.56.16,6
4-Adrian Boyd-Beatty Crawford (Ford Capri 3.0) 1.56.29,5
5-Dave Matthews-Charles Reynolds (Ford Capri 3.0) 1.56.31,9
6-Stan Clark-Chris Witty (Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV) 1.56.36,5
7-Holman Blackburn-Chris Hollingham (Ford Capri 3.0) 1.59.38,9
8-Mike Crabtree-Alan Henry (Ford Capri 3.0) 2.00.48,7
9-Bernard Unett-Brian Coyle (Hillman Hunter 1.8) 2.01.22,1
10-Andy Dawson-Andrew Marriott (Ford Capri 3.0) 2.01.28,0
11-Peter Hilliard-Nicholas Price (Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV) 2.01.44,5
12-Hugh Olivier-Bellassis - Martin Neal (2.02.46,5
13-Barrie Williams-David Hardcastle (Vauxhall Firenza 2.0) 2.02.53,3
14-Mike Chittenden-John Bloomfield (BMW 2002 Tii) 2.02.53,6
15-Rosemary Smith-Pauline Gullick (Ford Capri 3.0) 2.03.06,4
16-Nigel Clarkson-Prince Michael of Kent (Ford Capri 3.0) 2.04.39,8
17-Graham Hill-David Benson (Datsun Bluebird 1.8) 2.04.49,6
18-Peter Harper-David Follard (Vauxhall Firenza 2.0) 2.04.57,9
19-Howden Ganley-Ray Hutton Citroen SM) 2.05.07,6
20-Wendy Markey-Jenny Bell (BMW 2002 Ti) 2.05.26,6

Some famous names such as Hunt, Boyd, Dawson, R. Smith, Hill, Harper and Ganley !
Hope it helps

Best regards from Portugal
Jorge

[RS2000]

The Avenger GT was quick because it was homologated in Gp1 with twin 40s by the end of 72. The Escort RS 2000's homologation in Gp1 with twin Solex came through so close to the 74 event that no one else realised it had gone through until they appeared with the kit (which used a cut and shut BMW air box!) IIRC(later the RS2 was homologated in Gp1 with twin 44IDFs).
Finishing 3rd may have been more about not going off or having other problems as about how fast it was. All were fairly long events but I think each one moved a bit closer to rally stages deciding the results rather than race circuits - and I think this was a major factor in killing it off - it was becoming just another rally and other rallies did that far better. A 10 lap race, despite its greater distance, might leave most within a few seconds of the leader but a long forest stage would produce much bigger gaps and that affected overall results. Out of the first 4 in 76, if the event had been primarily race circuit orientated, it's easy to envisage a result of Marshall 1st, Culcheth 2nd (on sheer power over 3rd and 4th), Sparrow 3rd, Vatanen 4th, if all had clear runs.

As for names and spelling, would Chrias Watham be Chris Wathen (Vospers of Plymouth, Ford)?
Tony Foulkes is presumably Tony Fowkes? (although I don't recall him doing the events).
Interesting that Chris Field finished ahead of Charlie Wood in Avengers - it was invariably the other way round on the UK forest International Rallies.

[Gregor Marshall]

Originally posted by RS2000
Finishing 3rd may have been more about not going off or having other problems as about how fast it was. All were fairly long events but I think each one moved a bit closer to rally stages deciding the results rather than race circuits - and I think this was a major factor in killing it off - it was becoming just another rally and other rallies did that far better. A 10 lap race, despite its greater distance, might leave most within a few seconds of the leader but a long forest stage would produce much bigger gaps and that affected overall results.

As for names and spelling, would Chrias Watham be Chris Wathen (Vospers of Plymouth, Ford)?
Tony Foulkes is presumably Tony Fowkes? (although I don't recall him doing the events).
Interesting that Chris Field finished ahead of Charlie Wood in Avengers - it was invariably the other way round on the UK forest International Rallies.

Agreed about the rallying taking over but I know that was the bit my Dad enjoyed the most and I think the summer of '76 didn't help the conditions, very dry and hard and I think Texaco sponsoring the event was a bit last minute too.

Sorry, Chrias should be Chris and to be honest I had to listen to the top 10 three times to get it all written down and as some of them are race/rally drivers I'm not aware of and I spelt them how they sounded in Dickie Davies' posh accent!!

[drivers71]

From the various 'stages' I saw, the rally men more than held their own on the circuits, and gradually overhauled their racer opponents, as far as overall placings were concerned. I think the gap between the two breeds was accentuated more on the rough stuff, than on the tarmac.
Hence I look upon the Tours as interesting, rather than serious. However, I'm sure (some of) the competitors approached the events more seriously than others (and more seriously than their co-drivers in some instances)

[RS2000]

Interesting to see Unett in a (Holbay?) Hunter in 73.
The Avenger GT was homologated in Gp1 with "Iranian carburetters" (twin 40 Webers) just before the 72 RAC Rally, so could have been used on 73 Tof B, although only at 1600cc then, long before the "Brazilian block". Gordon Jarvis (later to be one of Richard Burns' two "mentors") only found out at the RAC start from Chrysler's Des O'Dell, so couldn't convert his Gp2 Avenger Tiger.

[Rob 1]

In 73 Chrysler Dealer Team entered a Hunter GLS in prod saloons. I think they ran in the same class as the Firenza 2300's. Gregor I seem to remember your Dad racing the second Hunter at the Thruxton championship final meet in 73. I might be wrong though

[Gregor Marshall]

Rob you are correct - 28th October 1973 and he was 2nd in class, not sure overall but I have a clipping from Autosport. He also raced a Hillman Avenger in 1974 but that's getting a bit OT.

[Rob 1]

Down to the wire for overall title. Bill Sydenham (Avenger 1600GT) Class C and Derrick Brunt (Firenza 2300) Class B. I think the Avenger drive was to steal points away from Bill Sydenham. Team tactics!

[jrally]

If interests, here the final classification of the 1974's edition :

1-Roger Clark-Jim Porter (Ford Escort RS 2000) 7729s
2-Gerry Marshall-Paul White (Ford Escort RS 2000) 7747s
3-Tony Lanfranchi-Antoine Lurot (BMW 3.0 CSI) 7758s
4-John Handley-John Clegg (Triumph Dolomite Sprint) 7771s
5-Tony Dron-Henry Liddon (Triumph Dolomite Sprint) 7784s
6-Adrian Boyd-John Davenport (Ford Capri 3.0) 7935s
7-Andrew Cowan-Ross Finlay (Vauxhall Magnum) 7964s
8-Willy Sparrow-Richard Hudson-Evans (Vauxhall Magnum) 7974s
9-Holman Blackburn-Chris Hollingham (Ford Capri 3.0) 8014s
10-Peter Hanson-Robin Turvey (Opel Commodore GS/E) 9018s

Category Winners
A - no finnishers
B - Lanfranchi-Lurot
C - Clark-Porter
D - Bernard Unett-Geraint Phillips (Hillman Avenger GT)

Best private entrant - Alec Poole-Derek McMahon (Hillman Avenger GT)
Ladies award - Linda Jackson-Christine Mitchell (Ford Escort RS 2000)

Manufacturer's Team award - Chrysler Dealer Team (Unett, Malkin, Simon Kirkby-Monty Peters) in Hillman Avenger GT

Other important starters :
Gordon Spice-Stanley Robinson (Ford Capri 3.0)
Jody Scheckter-Eoin Young (Ford Capri 3.0)
Bill Coleman-Jody Carr (Ford Capri 3.0)
Chris Wathen-John Doyle (Ford Capri II)
Tony Fall-Mike Broad (Opel Commodore GS/E)
James Hunt-David Benson (Vauxhall Magnum)
Russell Brookes-Pete Lyons (Ford Escort RS 2000)
Colin Malkin-Brian Coyle (Hillman Avenger GT)

etc...

Regards
jorge

[Phil Rainford]

Jody Scheckter retired the Capri at Cascades during the race at Oulton Park on the Saturday

Don't know why but I can still see the car pulling off the track

Cheers

Phil

[jrally]

Tour of Britain 1975 (1-3 August)

1-(31) Tony Pond-David Richards (Ford Escort RS 2000) 9376
2-(24) Brian Culcheth-Ray Hutton (Triumph Dolomite Sprint) 9423
3-(50) Bernard Unett-Neil Wilson (Hillman Avenger GT) 9641
4-(4) Gordon Spice-Stanley Robinson (Ford Capri 3.0) 9667
5-(53) Andy Dawson-Victoria Dawson (Hillman Avenger GT) 9738
6-(30) Russell Brookes-John Brown (Ford Escort RS 2000) 9784
7-(37) Graham Hollis-Euros Jones (Ford Escort RS 2000) 9806
8-(57) Chris Field-Keith Read (Hillman Avenger GT) 9862
9-(26) Peter Hanson-Robin Turvey (Foed Escort RS 2000) 9922
10-(27) Valter Jensen-Hakan Stamnes (BMW 2002 Ti) 10001
11-(38) Daniel da Costa-Bob Constanduros (Ford Escort RS 2000) 10029
12-(54) Jennifer Birrell-Virginia Hall-Leeke (Hillman Avenger GT) 10051
13-(58) Chris Daisy-Roger Bateman (Hillman Avenger GT) 10094
14-(29) Tony Drummond-Phil Boland (Triumph Dolomite Sprint) 10106
15-(15) Barrie Williams-Peter Jopp (Mazda RX 3) 10255
16-(63) Tony Dron-'Madeleine' (Fiat 128 Coupé) 10262
17-(69) Jon Dooley-Ian Marshall (alfa Romeo Alfasud Ti) 10269
18-(39) Russell Close-Colin Wilson (Ford Escort RS 2000) 10400
19-(43) Robert Parkinson-Peter Messer (Ford Escort RS 2000) 10426
20-(12) Gerry Marshall-Mike Broad (Vauxhall Magnum) 10448

76 starters/51 finnishers

Regards
jorge

[jrally]

and finally, the 1976 edition

1-(9) Ari Vatanen-Peter Bryant (Ford Escort RS 2000) 11044
2-(6) Brian Culcheth-Ray Hutton (Triumph Dolomite Sprint) 11096
3-(11) Willy Sparrow-Rodney Spokes (Vauxhall Magnum 2300) 11442
4-(5) Gerry Marshall-Mike Greasley (Vauxhall Magnum 2300) 11550
5-(28) Chris Field-Keith Read (Chrysler Avenger GT) 11641
6-(34) Chris Wathen-James Furnell (Ford Escort RS 2000) 11649
7-(37) Charlie Wood-Mike Smith (Chrysler Avenger GT) 11713
8-(40) Mike Freeman-Monty Peeters (Ford Escort RS 2000) 11797
9-(62) Andrew Smith-John Gemmell (Ford Escort RS 2000) 11809
10-(19) Tony Fowkes-Jonathan Ashman (Mercedes Benz 450 SLC) 11866
11-(46) Nigel Clarkson-Prince Michael of Kent (Ford Escort RS 2000) 11884
12-(18) Denis Hulme-Pete Lyons (Opel Commodore GS/E) 11908
13-(7) Gordon Spice-Stanley Robinson (Ford Capri 3.0) 11946
14-(32) Chris Daisy-Roger Bateman (Chrysler Avenger GT) 11975
15-(17) Barrie Williams-Peter Jopp (Ford Escort RS 2000) 12073
16-(38) John Dignan-William Ryall (Vauxhall Magnum 2300) 12094
17-(16) Rodney McCartney-Terry Harryman (Ford Escort RS 2000) 12201
18-(88) Gerald Braithwaite-William Troughear (Ford Escort RS 2000) 12203
19-(71) Robert Bennett-Stuart Harrold (Ford Escort Mexico) 12259
20-(26) Richard Illife-Tony McMahon (Opel Kadett GT/E) 12261

regards
jorge

[RS2000]

One or two interesting names fairly high on those lists indicate just how much Eppynt stages influenced the result in later years.
Seeing Chris Daisy's name in the last two years reminds me new member on here FBF25T was involved in running that car on events.
Not sure whether Will Sparrow will be too pleased to have gained a "y" in his name! No double "e" for Monty Peters either? David, not Daniel, da Costa?
I wonder if Mike Greasley's ride with Gerry Marshall prepared him for co-driving Pentti Airikkala on the RAC Rally later that year! (when he made a timing error when leading and Pentti's recent comment when asked about it was "my co-driver he trying to commit the suicide, so I get the regulations out myself to check...".

[drivers71]

Thank you Jorge, for the results, and the others for your comments.
I appreciate now being able to add the details to my photos of these events.

Rich

[Gregor Marshall]

[drivers71]

Excellent Gregor!

I've published my 1973 ToB photos now, but there are still a few details missing.

http://s271.photobuc.....20of Britain/

As you will notice, I can't be specific about the Capris.
The Renault R8 (?) was rolled on the first day, but made it back to the Post House - IIRC the driver was female and relatively unhurt.



As usual, most grateful if any missing details can be proffered.

Rich

[Gregor Marshall]

Sorry Rich, I checked my records and I don't have any paperwork for '73. I'll check the DVD again but I know on one of the years they cancelled a stage because of accidents and there is footage of a lady driver being led away with a cloth on her head and blood pouring down (lovely!!) and she looks like Wendy Markey (Amey).

[Tim Murray]

Originally posted by drivers71
The Renault R8 (?) was rolled on the first day, but made it back to the Post House

I think it's probably the Simca Rallye 1 of Simon Kirkby (no 87 on the entry list I sent you, Rich) which is described in the report as having rolled at Wroughton on day 1, continuing in a very battered state.

[Tim Murray]

Looking at the other photos, and the entry list ...

Capri #1 is Roger Clark/Tony Mason, Opel Manta #26 is William Waterworth/Alan Mudie, Cortina #55 is Stuart McCrudden/Max Aitken, Cortina #66 is Jill Robinson/Frances Cobb, Fiat #67 is Alison Davis/Sheila Scott, Mini #95 is Nick Pollitt/Philip Shaw, Fiat #91 is Jean Denton/Sue Baker. I'm guessing the Woolworths Capri is #18, Andy Dawson/Andy Marriott.

[drivers71]

In that case, Tim, I apologise to Simon Kirkby for calling him female, though as an old Alfa Dealer Team pal of mine, he won't mind.
Thanks again, for the info.
Rich

[jrally]

Originally posted by RS2000

Not sure whether Will Sparrow will be too pleased to have gained a "y" in his name! No double "e" for Monty Peters either? David, not Daniel, da Costa?

It happens, K. !!
About da Costa, I took it from the entry list !

Regards
jorge

[RS2000]

You may well be right Jorge - just that I saw David da Costa's car on the road heading into West London just before the event one year but I think he was primarily a Mexico Championship racer then.

[Toolbox]

I serviced for Barry Willaims in 1976, Withers of Winsford Mk1 RS2000, White. I remember barry almost finished 2nd.

The last race was at Mallory and Brian Culcheth was in 3rd place in the race in a Dolly Sprint, with Barry in front of him and Ari Leading. Barry needed to finish 20 seconds in front of Brian to acheive 2nd overall, on lap twelve he led him by 12secs so it would be very close. However as Barry came round the back of the lake on lap 13 and the gear lever jammed between 2 gears and he retired.

I did manage to cut a hole in the tunnel to access the box, with the help of the Vauxhall mechanics who "lifted me out of the way" and took over, managed to disentangle the mess and he was able to drive to the finish to about 15th place, I remember Barry got the Spirit of the Rally award.

I think that's what happened, it was a while ago!!

I know a video was made of the event and would be interested if anyone knows of one available.

[john ruston]

Secret stages that every one checked beforehand.Remember Bernard Unett got caught and penalised but he was a scapegoat..Jody Scheckter managed to check without being caught.Good times.The Dolomite's one year being 1,2,3, on one stage I organised,wonder why?

[Alex Krechetov]

Copyright Hayfisher & Motors TV

DOWNLOAD
(If you have a problem with download, I can upload file somewhere else)

Size: 408 MB
Bitrate: 2000 kbps
Resolution: 768x576
Length: 0:23:54
Quality: 8/10

[sldkirkby]

In that case, Tim, I apologise to Simon Kirkby for calling him female, though as an old Alfa Dealer Team pal of mine, he won't mind.
Thanks again, for the info.
Rich

Dear Rich,

are you saying I am a "bit of an old woman"? I rolled it on a special stage on day one, didn't even get sideways, you know those swing wing axles, and negative road camber! Anyway we got to the finish, can't remember the final placing, but would like to know.

Simon

[voxadd]

some of the Vauxhall drivers on the events (not necessarily all the same year):
Will Sparrow:


Jeff Allam:


Jimmy McRae (below left):James Hunt/David Benson (of the Daily Express) (below right):


The 1973 Tour of Britain was covered in a BHP film called 'This one was fun' (I think) featuring Roger Clark and Gerry Marshall door handling the RS 2000s, particularly at Cadwell. That was the same year that Noel Edmunds (with his wife) christened a well-known bend on the Eppynt army ranges when he totalled his RS 2000, and ever since it has been known as Edmunds Bend.

The Hunt/Benson Magnum didn't get very far (IIRC)

The later Tour of Britain was sponsored by Autoglass and started from the Cardington air balloon hangars (as they were close to Autoglass's HQ at Bedford).

[MCS]

The 1973 Tour of Britain was covered in a BHP film called 'This one was fun' (I think) featuring Roger Clark and Gerry Marshall door handling the RS 2000s, particularly at Cadwell. That was the same year that Noel Edmunds (with his wife) christened a well-known bend on the Eppynt army ranges when he totalled his RS 2000, and ever since it has been known as Edmunds Bend.

The Hunt/Benson Magnum didn't get very far (IIRC)

The later Tour of Britain was sponsored by Autoglass and started from the Cardington air balloon hangars (as they were close to Autoglass's HQ at Bedford).

Fascinating. Didn't realise that the Tour had started from Cardington. Autoglass have their new HQ just up the road at the Priory Business Park these days, opposite serial motor racing sponsor Blue Chip.

Not surprised that Noel Edmonds took his wife on as co-driver - he'd had so much fun with James Hunt previously after all...

[Gregor Marshall]

The 1973 Tour of Britain was covered in a BHP film called 'This one was fun' (I think) featuring Roger Clark and Gerry Marshall door handling the RS 2000s, particularly at Cadwell. That was the same year that Noel Edmunds (with his wife) christened a well-known bend on the Eppynt army ranges when he totalled his RS 2000, and ever since it has been known as Edmunds Bend.

The Hunt/Benson Magnum didn't get very far (IIRC)

The later Tour of Britain was sponsored by Autoglass and started from the Cardington air balloon hangars (as they were close to Autoglass's HQ at Bedford).

1974 was the Escorts and I have video/DVD of '73, '74, '75 & '76 - '76 was sponsored by Texaco, the earlier ones Avon.
I think 1974 was James Hunt and Noel Edmonds in the Magnum and didn't they have a falling out?

[alansart]

Didn't James Hunt win the Avon tour in 73 in a Chevy Camaro with Robert Fearnell as co-driver?

[sterling49]

Didn't James Hunt win the Avon tour in 73 in a Chevy Camaro with Robert Fearnell as co-driver?

Correct Alan, results for all years are listed on 1st page by Jorge.

[alansart]

Correct Alan, results for all years are listed on 1st page by Jorge.

Doh!

He was obviously to quick for me

[alansart]

A quart into a pint pot - The generously proportioned Terry Sanger made the bizarre choice of a Honda Civic

There were a few oddballs in 73.

Vern Schuppan in a Granada...




...and Howden Ganley in a Citroen SM.