IN THE RED
Ask a petrolhead to bring to mind the cars of rallycross and they’ll almost certainly conjure up images of the Austin Metro 6R4, Ford RS200, Audi Quattro S1, Citroen Xsara and maybe even a classic Mini mud machine. Air-cooled 911? Not so much, which is why it may come as a surprise to learn a two-litre 911 was campaigned by Vic Elford in the inaugural rallycross event at Lydden Hill on 4th February 1967. Broadcast on British national television, the event was motorsport like no other, and though we’re familiar with the sight of 911s in various road, race and rally trim today, things were quite different in the mid-1960s.
Elford began his professional career as a co-driver, teaming up with BMC works pilot, David Seigle-Morris (best remembered for running the punishing Gulf London rally in the late 1960s) in a modified Triumph TR3A. Elford, however, harboured desire to become a first-rate driver in his own right, ambition leading to the purchase and preparation of a Mini for the 1961 rally season. Advancement through the ranks eluded him and, come season end, the Mini was sold, but determined to bounce back, the London lad jumped into the hot seat of a factory-backed Auto Union DKW Junior and began to enjoy success as the 1962 season wore on. Twelve months later, he was back in a Triumph, throwing a TR4 around in such convincing fashion Ford offered him a drive in a works Cortina. This invitation promised the backing of team who could guarantee mechanical reliability, something which had been lacking in all the cars Elford had driven thus far, despite his impressive performances and ever-quicker pace.
Ford and Elford enjoyed a successful three-year stint together, but at the close of the 1966 season, he needed a fresh challenge and a new car to compete in. He’d accepted an invitation to drive the relatively new 911 with fellow Brit, David Stone, serving as co-driver for November’s Tour de Corse, and after finishing third overall (pipped to the post by Rolland Jean and Augias Gabriel’s Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, and event winners, Piot and
