1972 Heatway Rally of New Zealand
Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 2:13 am
This is a fascinating little sidebar to the Marina story.
When the Morris Marina was released in New Zealand in 1972, the local BL agents NZMC (the New Zealand Motor Corporation) decided to promote the new car by entering a team in the five day Heatway Rally of New Zealand. Special Tuning prepared two TC Coupes and two Mini 1275 GTs. Andrew Cowan was the lead driver, and was intended to drive one of the Coupes. However, after testing the cars, he opted for the Mini, and the Marinas were driven by local drivers Dauntsey Teagle and touring car legend Jim Richards. While the two Marinas were competitive, both being in the top 10 and Richards in the top 5, they both suffered front suspension problems, and eventually finished well back in the field. Cowan went on to win the event by a substantial margin.
When the Morris Marina was released in New Zealand in 1972, the local BL agents NZMC (the New Zealand Motor Corporation) decided to promote the new car by entering a team in the five day Heatway Rally of New Zealand. Special Tuning prepared two TC Coupes and two Mini 1275 GTs. Andrew Cowan was the lead driver, and was intended to drive one of the Coupes. However, after testing the cars, he opted for the Mini, and the Marinas were driven by local drivers Dauntsey Teagle and touring car legend Jim Richards. While the two Marinas were competitive, both being in the top 10 and Richards in the top 5, they both suffered front suspension problems, and eventually finished well back in the field. Cowan went on to win the event by a substantial margin.