Video: 1980s rallying was hardcore
Things have changed in rallying. Never mind that the cars are more safe or that spectators are kept at a more realistic distance, the actual stages themselves could not be more different. A great example is this footage of one day of the 1986 RAC Rally. Group B cars were a bit ungainly, and while they were awesome in many ways, it’s something we can admit today. But the most surprising thing to see is just how rough some of the tracks used in a round of the World Rally Championship were.
If you keep on watching past Tony Mason’s slightly clipped BBC-presenting, you’ll see Metro 6R4, Ford S2000, Lancia Delta S4, Peugeot 205 T16 and more picking their way through tight, unforgiving forests.
It’s really worth a watch, firstly for that car list, but largely to see just how much the world of rallying has changed from these, slightly more amateurish-looking days.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The world’s wildest Escort RS Cosworth
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Elevenses
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WRC 1986
RAC Rally
