Catmint wrote:
Interesting - I received an email early last year from a friend who was marshaling at Prescott
"Anyway, I was engaged by another (new) Prescott marshal, by name of ########, who says that back in 50's and 60's he drove in rallies for a BMC garage in Stirling (I forget the family name), and drove works cars at some points, but only in UK. He had some convincing stories about Healeys, Riley 1.5's and Minis. However I cannot find any trace of him when I look at old entries or Marcus Chambers /Rupert Jones books of that era. He says he also initially competed under name (something like) Carl Ericson (spookily like Eric Carlson ...) so that his mum and dad would not spot what he was up to.
He went on to tell of several Mini style rally prototypes built I think in late 60's or very early 70's that were powered by the 1709cc OHC engine that Saab & Triumph used (Triumph in the Dolomite of course as 1850cc) - and referred to as MAD Minis, intended to try and compete at a par with the TC Escorts etc but abandoned. Its feasible as I think Standard Triumph were swallowed by BMC in 1968 - I have never heard of these."
More old wives tales??
TBH, I have heard loads of semi plausible stories like this over the years, usually from people who were indeed on the fringes of really being involved, but who like to make themselves sound more important that they ever were. It is undeniable that BMC did do a lot of development in all sorts of directions that never saw the light of day, but often differentiating between the mis-remembered, exaggerated & made up, is almost impossible. This is why I have always found it more reliable, all be it more boring, to rely on original first hand accounts.
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This film came from me, I did send it to Basil Walles when they where restoring the 4 wheel drive Clubman.
Kees.