Ralli22 - The very best
Reading the news that Ralli22 had been given the green light to attend Salon Prive meant I was keener than mustard to make this a worthwhile event on the 569 Media calendar.
​
The event however, was not your usual rally fans setting, no damp forestry roads and miles of walking to find the ultimate corner. The Blenheim venue was set on the manicured lawns of a magnificent palace and was best described as cucumber sandwiches (with no crusts) and expensive champagne opposed to a cold pork pie and a flask of tea.
​
The gate crasher
This iconic and rare Group B 6R4 Metro made a surprised appearance at the event, like a 'gate crasher' at a posh wedding the car lined up at the end of the Ralli22 collection. Of course it was never going to look out of place, it was chassis 088 and Colin McRea and Nicky Grist's metro! Nevertheless, the car made a fabulous run down the short stage, the magical V6 engine note making a sound that brings a smile to every rally fans face.
Despite not being part of the Ralli22 regular collection, we are hoping the car makes more unexpected surprise appearances.
The impressive Impreza's
Every scooby fans dream, a trio of famous Subaru's once driven by rallying legends and world champions! Names such as Makinen, Solburg and McRae on the rear quarter window meant this line up of 'blue' was probably more valuable than Chelsea's subs bench!
But no Russian billionaires on this side of the event They would be busy negotiating a helicopter purchase on the palace garden lawn. These cars are regular attendees of Ralli22 events and the current owners of these rocket ships are as down to earth as they come.
The Italian Job!
Rally Replay had three stunning Lancia Delta Integrale's on show as well as a wonderful world rally car Subaru. All 4 cars in pristine condition and sporting period correct livery.
​
Integrale rallying history
​
In 1987 the Lancias were driven by Massimo Biasion, Juha Kankkunen and Markku Alén. Biasion opened with victory in the Monte Carlo Rally and later in the season won the Argentina and Sanremo rallies. However, Juha Kankkunen's four podium places, coupled with victories on the Olympus Rally and the final round, the RAC Rally saw him clinch the title ahead of Markku Alén, Lancia won seven of the eleven rounds which counted towards the manufacturers’ championship and with them the world title.
​
We all need an Escort!
Björn Waldegård's Ford Escort RS 1800 looking factory works fresh in Ford Motorsport colours. This car last competed with Björn and co-driver Hans Thorszelius in the Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo in 1979. Finishing an impressive second just six seconds behind a Team Chardonnet's Lancia Stratos HF.
​
The car was also driven by rallying legend Russell Brookes in the Benson & Hedges Circuit of Ireland in 1978 sporting the iconic Andrews Heat for Hire livery.
