1989 Mitsubishi Galant Rally Car

This Mitsubishi Galant, F773 SFH, was taken as a new car by The Colt Car Company in Cirencester and converted into what you see today. It was built up by established Mitsubishi rally specialist CO-ORDSPORT into a replica of the works Galants that Mitsubishi were running in International, Asian and British National Rally Championships. The car was immediately used as a promotional vehicle by Mitsubishi before, during and after Pentti Airikkala"s famous victory on the 1989 Lombard RAC Rally. Through 1990 it continued to be used as a promotional vehicle, often used by Pentti himself in marketing appearances. It is believed that F773 was occasionally used as a recce car in this period as well.This era in rallying brought in increasing driver and spectator safety standards, an emphasis that was initiated at the end of the Group B cars. As part of this, it was decided to run a safety or course car at the start of a stage to ensure that the road was clear and the spectators were in safe locations. Dave Taunt was an experienced rally driver, instructor, entrant and team owner and had significant input into new safety regulations. As a result he was asked to take on the role of driving the safety car. The manufacturers quickly realised that it would be good marketing to support this effort with the "loan" of a car. Initially Dave was given a Ford Sierra Cosworth to perform his safety car role, but after a year or so, Ford was no longer able to help. Mitsubishi decided that F773 SFH had fulfilled its existing role and was now available for another career, one even more prominent than the first. Further rally preparations were completed and the car was provided to Dave to use as the regular safety car. Rally organisers across Britain, and occasionally beyond, ensured that Dave and his safety Mitsubishi were kept very busy and the car was a very regular (often mandatory) sight on National rallies the length and breadth of the country. After about a year of use as the safety car, Mitsubishi came to an agreement with David to transfer ownership. The car has had only 2 owners, the last since 1992.After it retired from safety car driving, the Mitsubishi was parked in a dry garage, awaiting a new lease of life, please note that it was never used as part of the Rally School fleet. The car has essentially not been touched since it retired from "active competition" and sports a 2003 MOT and a 2004 tax disc. It therefore needs proper re-commissioning – the engine runs well, but both the clutch and brakes need attention. A substantial quantity of spares are included in the auction covering used parts from head and tail lights to brake pads, calipers, driveshafts etc. Offered without reserve, this car would make a very interesting retro rally project and has superb provenance.