Mick Smith Drives Iconic Rover Metro at Historic Rally Festival
London-based Killarney man Mick Smith had the honour of driving one of rallying’s most recognisable cars at the Historic Rally Festival 2024 last weekend.
Smith got behind the wheel of Neil Dodd and Val Thompson’s faithful replica of Tony Pond’s 1993 Group N Rover Metro GTi, a car remembered for its distinctive Tate & Lyle “Treacle Tin” livery.
The original car was created in 1993 when Pond, still under contract to Austin Rover, needed a competition car but none were available from the manufacturer. The solution was to adapt a Metro Challenge car for selected European rallies, giving rise to the famous Metro GTi that became a fan favourite.
Kerry Motorsport News 