Tony Pond Metro 6R4

The MG Metro 6R4 made its competitive debut in the 1985 Lombard RAC Rally, with Tony Pond and co-driver Rob Arthur behind the wheel. This was a crucial moment for the car, marking its first full outing in the brutal conditions of a World Rally Championship event. Unlike its turbocharged Group B rivals, the 6R4 relied on a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6, delivering instant throttle response and around 380bhp in its initial form. With its aggressive, wide-arched bodywork and sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, it was a radical transformation of the humble Metro, designed to take on the very best in rallying.

Pond, an immensely skilled and experienced driver, pushed the 6R4 to its limits over the grueling stages of the RAC. The rally featured classic British conditions—mud, rain, and treacherous forest tracks—offering a true test of both car and driver. Despite being in its early development phase, the Metro performed impressively, running as high as third place at one stage before mechanical issues forced it down the order. Eventually, Pond and Arthur finished the event in a respectable sixth place overall, proving the car’s potential against the established Group B machines. This debut laid the foundation for the 6R4’s short but memorable career, cementing its place as one of the most distinctive and exciting rally cars of its era.