As a staunch mk2 fan, you can really see how much the 400's outclassed the escorts. A much more stable and controlled car, I was thinking the same while watching- "I think that was the golden days". Enough power to be a handful- but not so much that it requires 4wd, sideways for spectators whereas now it's all about blistering speed. I love how in depth the reporting was too
@@robertboland3923 bit of an unsung hero isn't it? I mean I honestly think it was one of the best looking Group B cars. Super rare now though I assume.
@@NathanMcCabe88 only for the turbo years were just beginning, I think they would have been viewed as the weapon they were! The escorts had it for about 15years - that's 15years of development in other words. And then the Asconas and Mantas just arrived- and were already a better car, straight out of the box and epic, definitely one of the slickest looking rally machines. I like to think there's still lots of mantas tucked up in sheds, the younger generation never got too attached so it's mostly older chaps that own them. I would however say that the rally boys killed a shocking amount of them! Fair to say the two leading causes of a manta death were rust and Irish Rallying. I can remember 11 gte's from yesteryear, and I think 8 died at the hands of two different, local competitors Ya man paddy White! who's seen balein the escort into a house, his gaf is next-door to a bodyshop I used to work in - Great customer! Nice fella too 😆
Fantastic video from that era..Camera 📷 work, interviews by Michael Whyte and Brian Patterson voice over were brilliant 👏 @pat Sullivan 📼 videos 1990s.
Had a pair of super rare Weber single choke 45 DCOE motorbike carburetors, jetted it and etc. for use in two inlet port Minis, using the original 1 1/2 inch SU inlet manifold, easy straight fit after modified bulkhead. Sold it to an autograss racer in the 1980s. Only pair I ever came across. Rocking horse shit rare. Bought them in a scrap yard in Turin when there on a Mini Innocentti parts hunt.
Thank you for this, it was great to watch, great interviewing, I am amazed at Bertie he was always looking at the bigger picture to make the event more attractive - ref his comment on european rallies
The Opel Manta 400 was one hell of a Rally Car, It wasn't generally anywhere near as a capable as the Audi Quattro technically on most surfaces but much better to watch.
Great content as usual. Golden days of Irish Tarmac. Never knew Davy Greer had a rotary engine in a Mk2. Only the second one I've seen or heard. And the first one I knew of was built in the 90's.
The Manta 400 and the Ascona 400 were always my favourite Rally cars, they were gorgeous looking cars, I always wanted a Replica of one of these cars, but unfortunately never found one, Drive safe people.
I disagree 100%. 🙂 Balancing the steering with a soft right hand was WAY more important to me. Feeling when the front end was about to let go meant staying on the road; fluffing a gear change or hairpin just got you abuse from the co-driver. A gear lever goes where it's told and the handbrake goes up and down, so there's no finesse or 'touch' required. A right-hand drive car makes more sense to a right-handed person. Maybe you're a secret Leftie, Huw? 😁
![Rally Costa Smeralda 1985 | Group B [Passats de canto] (Telesport)](/img/n.gif)
MK2's, Chevettes, Asconas and Mantas in full flight, the golden age of rallying.
Never seen so many Opels/Vauxhalls in one video!
As a staunch mk2 fan, you can really see how much the 400's outclassed the escorts. A much more stable and controlled car,
I was thinking the same while watching- "I think that was the golden days". Enough power to be a handful- but not so much that it requires 4wd, sideways for spectators whereas now it's all about blistering speed. I love how in depth the reporting was too
@@robertboland3923 bit of an unsung hero isn't it? I mean I honestly think it was one of the best looking Group B cars.
Super rare now though I assume.
@@NathanMcCabe88 only for the turbo years were just beginning, I think they would have been viewed as the weapon they were! The escorts had it for about 15years - that's 15years of development in other words. And then the Asconas and Mantas just arrived- and were already a better car, straight out of the box and epic, definitely one of the slickest looking rally machines.
I like to think there's still lots of mantas tucked up in sheds, the younger generation never got too attached so it's mostly older chaps that own them. I would however say that the rally boys killed a shocking amount of them! Fair to say the two leading causes of a manta death were rust and Irish Rallying.
I can remember 11 gte's from yesteryear, and I think 8 died at the hands of two different, local competitors
Ya man paddy White! who's seen balein the escort into a house, his gaf is next-door to a bodyshop I used to work in - Great customer! Nice fella too 😆
Fantastic video from that era..Camera 📷 work, interviews by Michael Whyte and Brian Patterson voice over were brilliant 👏 @pat Sullivan 📼 videos 1990s.
Pity Roger Clark dropped out early.
What a fantastic race that was!
Billy Coleman's Calculated Coolness paid off so often back then🇲🇨Corcaigh..🚗 🚘.@pat Sullivan 📼 videos 1990s
Had a pair of super rare Weber single choke 45 DCOE motorbike carburetors, jetted it and etc. for use in two inlet port Minis, using the original 1 1/2 inch SU inlet manifold, easy straight fit after modified bulkhead. Sold it to an autograss racer in the 1980s. Only pair I ever came across. Rocking horse shit rare. Bought them in a scrap yard in Turin when there on a Mini Innocentti parts hunt.
Used to watch these Rally vids at Cheltenham motor club back in the early 80's, brings back great memories 🙂
Thank you for this, it was great to watch, great interviewing, I am amazed at Bertie he was always looking at the bigger picture to make the event more attractive - ref his comment on european rallies
These videos are priceless and great to watch, thank you!
Just in time!! I really needed a fresh release from VHSRallies👍👍👍🙏
Great video thanks for sharing it!
The Opel Manta 400 was one hell of a Rally Car, It wasn't generally anywhere near as a capable as the Audi Quattro technically on most surfaces but much better to watch.
Stunning car!
Was dissapointed that Coleman didnt enter the Manx in 84 so great to see him featured here.
Great content as usual. Golden days of Irish Tarmac.
Never knew Davy Greer had a rotary engine in a Mk2. Only the second one I've seen or heard. And the first one I knew of was built in the 90's.
Pure rally action. Love the Mantas!
bloody awesome!
The good old days, just look at bonner in his T-shirt
To think pacenotes werent always allowed or i guess even frowned upon is crazy
A rotary-swapped Mk 2 Escort at 30:08?! I assume it was running in some sort of modified class...
The Manta 400 and the Ascona 400 were always my favourite Rally cars, they were gorgeous looking cars, I always wanted a Replica of one of these cars, but unfortunately never found one, Drive safe people.
I'm a Lancia man but allays had a soft spot for the Opels . Love a red top screaming 😱
Tyre selection?
Umm, umm, ummm... Toss the coin.
Ha! Yes! 😁 Always go for the round ones made from black rubber...
Get rid of the music
wonderful.. enjoyed very much..
I was much faster in a left hand drive car - handbrake-gearstick co-ordination much better for a right handed person.
I disagree 100%. 🙂 Balancing the steering with a soft right hand was WAY more important to me. Feeling when the front end was about to let go meant staying on the road; fluffing a gear change or hairpin just got you abuse from the co-driver.
A gear lever goes where it's told and the handbrake goes up and down, so there's no finesse or 'touch' required. A right-hand drive car makes more sense to a right-handed person. Maybe you're a secret Leftie, Huw? 😁