Remember a time when a Metro could hit 60mph in 3.2 seconds? OK, the Metro 6R4 rally car was far from a standard road car but it was, fundamentally, a Metro. And it deserves to be celebrated.

It’s not just us saying that, either. The Historic Rally Car Register is holding its annual open day at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon early in 2018, and what better occasion to commemorate the Metro 6R4? The Group B rally car will be the focal-feature of the event with a number of models gathering, including the museum’s own car. Sounds good to us.

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Based on a futuristic space frame chassis, the Metro 6R4 snubbed downsized turbo engines at a time when rally cars such as the Ford RS200, Peugeot 205 T16 and Audi Quattro Sport were all going down the turbocharged route. It used a one-off 3.0-litre V6, loosely based on the Rover V8, producing 416hp and capable of revving to 9,000rpm. Mounted behind the driver, with power going to all four wheels, the engine famously went on to be bored out to 3.5-litres and fitted to the legendary Jaguar XJ220 road car.

“We are delighted to host the 2018 HRCR and celebrate the Metro 6R4 Rally Cars,” said the British Motor Museum’s show manager, Tom Caren.

As well as the Metro 6R4s, there’ll be a selection of rally cars on display from the 1950s to the 80s.

Caren added: “For those interested in classic rallying this nostalgic event will be a great day out and a fantastic opportunity to see so many rally cars on display.”

Entry to the HRCR Open Day is free of charge and visitors can enjoy the museum on the day for a discounted rate of £9 per person.

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