In the forthcoming Classic Cars Magazine, to be released on the newstands , 24/06/09, there is a featured group test of the road going rear wheel drive , rally cars of the late 1970's. They include the Fiat 131 Abarth (Simons' car, I believe), as well as the Ford Escort Mk2 RS 1800 (BDA) , Sunbeam Lotus, and Vauxhall Chevette HS2300.
Look forward to this one. Takes me back to my marshalling days on the RAC Rally.
www.classiccarsmagazine.co.uk 
Membership Number: 10962
Hi All,
Yes, quite right Martin, the article features my Abarth along with a few other 'also rans'
Article reads very well with some great pics (considering it rained virtually the whole time!). Magazine also features a piece on Steve Pearce's beautiful 105TC Strada so well worth the purchase price I'd say.
Membership Number: 4647
Having now purchased the magazine, and read the article, I think the fact it rained during the photoshoot added some authenticity to the article. Rallying brought out a hardy bunch of competitors, marshalls and spectators alike , who endured all weathers and conditions night and day. I remember having to assist a team of marshalls to pull an Escort out of a big ditch at minus whatever temperatures at about 1.00 am in the morning . Your hands were almost sticking to the car it was that cold.!!! This was on top of Esgair Dyffydd on the 1979 RAC Rally. When we drove off the stage after the course car gave clearance, you could barely exceed more than 20mph , it was just black ice the whole way round. Yet the competitors drive round at speeds of up to 100mph--incredible!! . It was just great hearing those Escort BDAs at full chat echoing through the forest, or indeed Tony Pond in the TR7 V8, never forgetting the Fiat Abarths or privately entered Stratos. Memories
.
Excellent mag, our club gets a bit mention too, what with the article on Steves' Strada 105tc (looking imac. as always, well done Steve).
Certainly worth a purchase , chaps.
Membership Number: 10962
Thanks Martin.
The test was shot in the New Forest, just north of Brockenhurst. The weather was absolutely terrible and the photographer has done well to make it look so bright. The trails of water off the rear of the cars, and the steamed up windows in some shots give the game away though!
Membership Number: 447
