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66 Monte Automatic mini 850
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 8:43 pm
by irlmin
While researching early mini 850 rally cars I came across reference to an automatic 850 that competed in the 66 Monte reg no DOX 352C driven by Joe Lowrey and Margaret Mc Kenzie , was this the only 'Auto' mini used in competition ?
G
Re: 66 Monte Automatic mini 850
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 7:26 pm
by LMM76C
Yes, fortunately....
I don't think it was a BMC-originated publicity stunt, more a question of journalist Joe Lowery thinking up a way of getting the loan of a car of some sort to do the Monte. Margaret McKenzie was better known as a co-driver but was effectively the "No.1 driver" on this effort (and later married JL). No one was going to lend them a Mini of more suitable pedigree, hence the automatic idea.
There was an article written by Joe in "Motoring News" at the time, covering their event.
IIRC, the automatic Mini was not homologated in Group 1 at the time so, although bog standard, had to run in Group2.