Colin McRae's forgotten first ever rally car (that led a strange life!)

Driving Colin McRae’s forgotten first ever rally car (that led a strange life!)
This humble Hillman Avenger GT above is a lesser known rally hero. Besides living in the shadows of countless Ford Escorts, the Avenger was arguably a better car in standard form. Why? Because crucially the rear axle was 4-linked as standard, and no leaf springs.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
This video follows the unusual rally Avenger that started life as a Dec 1973 Paris Motorshow stand car. It was then sent up to a flagship Chrysler dealership in Scotland called Maconochies, where as part of the 'dealer team' it was converted into a competitive rally car for 1974-75. The pro driver was Ian Gemmell. He won the Group 1 class in OKV 571M numerous times throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. 'On tarmac it was far superior to the RS2000 droop snoot that I switched to in 1976 (when Maconochies became a Ford franchise)’.
To read more about this video, Ian’s racing history and Jonny’s personal bio with Hillman Avengers (Marvel not allowed), then head over to our Patreon page: / thelatebrakeshow
Alternatively, you can now become a KZbin member, and support the channel that way: / @thelatebrakeshow
Many thanks to RedBull for granting us written permission to use some of their clips. To watch the original RedBull documentary, click this link:
www.redbull.com/int-en/videos...
Special mention also to the Avenger Sunbeam Owners Club ( www.asoc.co.uk/ )for all their help arranging this feature.
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Or, if it's easier, become a KZbin member: / @thelatebrakeshow
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Filmed and edited by: Phil Vaughn Pritchard www.philvfilms.com/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#colinmcrae #mcraerally #4k #thelatebrakeshow

[@neilherries8751]

I saw this car in October at the Carlisle Stages Rally, it was sitting by the start line at Kielder Castle as a show piece. Now I pride myself as a rally buff, but know there still a lot left to learn, and I had no clue of the history behind this car. I seen it and though “aw cool, ex-works avenger”, if I had known then what I know now I’d have freaked out. The car that, you could say, started started the career of one of my hero’s

[@graemedrummond9761]

Hi Jonny thanks for featuring my dad, Ian Gemmell, on your video. A few details that my dad is too modest to tell. He actually built the track you were racing on with his digger (he also built a local golf course too!). He has given more free hours of his time than anyone I know to motorsport, whether that’s being a clerk of the course on the Galloway Hills rally, marshalling at many events across Scotland or encouraging young ones into the sport. I think he deserves recognition for that (but I’m biased!). He is loved by many people around here and on the Isle of Mull where he was the first Scot to win the Tour of Mull Rally thanks Gillian

[@rosscree1976]

I totally agree, I've always had a lot of time for your dad, he is a total gentleman and a forgotten talent in the sport we love, I'm so glad Jonny spent as much time talking to your dad, we had a great time out for dinner and the day filming listening to his amazing stories, jonny summed him up great in my opinion he said "Ian is a dude" 👌

[@patreekotime4578]

No wonder he knew those curves and hills so well! 😂

[@kronkite1530]

What a chap! As soon as his name popped up it triggered memories of reading of his and others’ exploits rallying in Motoring News back in the 80s. Time flies!

[@darrenholmes3142]

You must be megger proud my friend

[@markhood6654]

beautiful man, with one of the best scottish accents ever (im scottish so i can say this) he can still outdrive me any day of the week! what a man!

[@thebritishautochannel]

“If in doubt, flat out” - Colin McRae 1968 - 2007

[@xymaryai8283]

i have that on the rear window of all my cars in games, Subies, Acura NSX, Koenigsegg Regera ahahaha

[@TheDjcarlos67]

@@xymaryai8283 "games"?

[@stephen300o6]

"That'll be me, in the tree." Colin McRae

[@darrenholmes3142]

An absolute legend nuff said

[@ansumou4096]

@@stephen300o6 bruh

[@andymurdoch1346]

Brilliant video, fantastic car. Great to see Ian Gemmell still going strong and a stalwart of EACC and the Kaimes track that still thrives today.

[@Ibiza210]

I love hearing humble old timers talking about their profession. There is something about when they recall events or retell stories that make you sit up and pay attention. What a true talent, and a gentleman Ian is.

[@pjnzavenger7344]

Bloody brilliant episode, thank you for sharing this story. Long live the Hillman Avenger 👍

[@rumcove07]

And the ultra rare Plymouth Cricket in the US!

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

A wonderful, beautifully judged, and heartfelt presented film. The car that launched the career of a local hero, back in its native land, in the hands of a sincere collector, and given one more blast by a former expert driver 👍❤️🥇🏁 #thelatebrakeshow

[@KrikkitWarlord]

I was going to try and say something similar, but this nails it far more eloquently than I could manage.

[@vincentmcdonnell4013]

A hero to many across the world

[@unclebullfrog7319]

I Rallied a 1600 Avenger alpine in New Zealand in the early eighties. Loads of fun.

[@paulstevenson9093]

This is all news to me, what great content, I had an Hillman avenger, I painted it red then added the Starsky and Hutch white strip, I wish I had a photo of it now, My wife went into labour with our twins and I was driving to the hospital when a police car stopped us as they saw my wife pushing her hands up to the roof in labour, they quickly understood and told me to follow them to the hospital, we had a fast police escort all the way to the maternity hospital, great memories.

[@presterjohn71]

We had a guy in my town (Worcester) who white striped his red Avenger. It really worked well on that car.

[@AndySnap]

Jonny does it again! What a cracking video! There's something extra special about a car video with a heart-warming back story. Go Ian!

[@MarcCoteMusic]

This fellow Gemmel seems a real gentleman and I mean that in the best old-school way possible. Great video, Jonny.

[@MikeCarden]

Foly Huck, Ian can still drive like a legend!

[@jamesdecross1035]

Now, this is the kind of video I really appreciate… an achingly beautiful and underrated simple car.

[@greggScutum]

There is something special about Colin. I think every 90s kid who was at least a bit into cars knows the name and has some fond memories of watching the WRC rallies or playing the game series. Great video! Your channel is getting just better and better.

[@martindivall5301]

Well I learned something new today, I never knew this car or this cars story. Amazing video, thank you for telling it. In about 1988 as a 18 year old , i had an Avenger for a bit , I remember thinking it handled well, even when sideways , Being a Ford mechanic at the time It was never as loved as my Escorts though.

[@123rtheo]

My dad sold Avengers they were great cars I worked at the garage when I was younger this Avenger is a Coventry built car with the L shaped rear lights later Avengers were built in Scotland but they were never as good as the Coventry cars. Great video Jonny many thanks. Richard.

[@grayfool]

What a story. I was never an Escort fan, just didn't get the hype. The Avenger was a much better car in every respect, shame they all rotted into nothing. Great video Jonny. Thanks.

[@hammyh1165]

Love this. One of my mates is doing a nuts and bolts restoration of his old Opel Ascona rally car , the old cars just look great.

[@angelov7222]

Hey Hammy, Can you send me more info about this Ascona rally car?

[@fionnofearghail4967]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece of motorsport history Jonny. What a joy to listen to Ian talk about the Avenger and to get to see him driving it still today!

[@weedaviec]

Great video. As a 15 yr old I was a spectator watching Colin in his Group A Nova Sport in the Scottish International Rally back in about '87. I knew he had history of driving 240Z and the Sunbeam Ti but this car was not something I was aware of. I love the history and the obvious respect you have for Ian Gemmell. Keep it up. Subscribed.

[@tz6414]

Total quality video, fascinating story, the driving of the 80 year old was joyful to see.

[@mickmcc2158]

Thanks for this one, Jonny. It was a pleasure seeing Ian hoon around in that Avenger

[@WilliamStevens007]

This explains why you glossed over it, What a story though and what a car.

[@oldclassiccarUK]

That old car looks like a lot of fun, great to see it re-united with its driver again

[@lukerobinson7413]

That guy is great and love his collection and car cave ideas.He also likes to say absolutely atleast once a minute.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

ABSOLUTELY

[@ishraqwahab909]

Wonderful. I’m a huge McRae fan and this was a slice of history that was just wonderful to chew on! Thank you for the story! And a new sub!

[@viking56379]

Thanks for showing this Ian is. A true car guy a a pleasure to see someone in my age group enjoying the Drive thank you

[@bobdehuisbaas1]

This is really cool! Love to see the old man having a blast in that classic rally car

[@gordonsimpson3235]

Excellent Jonny. Your star continues to ascend! Great back story, and definitely worthy of a separate video. I had forgotten that the Tiger was launched as a four door! Strange decision when you think about it.

[@James-semaJ]

Absolutely brilliant yet again! I remember my dad taking me to a classic car show at the NEC and I saw an Avenger for the first time that and the imp became my favourites for a while.

[@ricfair]

Great video Jonny. Such an underrated car the Avenger, with a great back story. Competed at Kames in an amateur event and it's such a tight and challenging place, but so much fun. Keep making great content. 👍

[@mauriceperry2165]

Brilliant video and it's this type of content why I think this channel is so good. On a personal note I remember my dad having an Avenger in the late 70s to around 1981 when he bought a Sunbeam, so fond memories.

[@Skynx72]

This is becoming one of my favorite KZbin channels. Great video!!

[@scottnewlands628]

Just awesome, raced round Kames many times. Another amazing film from LBS

[@drewsteroriginals4564]

Fantatsic! great video and story, few videos to catch up on too. Thanks Jonny

[@G4RY1159]

Amazing stuff, I was aware of the Avenger GT but seeing it now in your upload is pretty special, an old pal of mine from Bathgate knew Colin and told me some good stories about his early days. Thanks again Jonny.

[@thomasoneill118]

Fantastic Jonny, keep it up. You have a dream job and no bout its through hard work. Colin was a hero or mine, great to learn something new.

[@Zxr750Nick]

Great vid Jonny. Thanks. I saw an Avenger estate rally support car at Toleman Motorsport in Warwickshire last week, with Sunbeam Lotus underpinnings. One of only 2. Quality build by people who know what they are about.

[@paulb4uk]

So good that the car survives a great peice of history and a very underrated car .

[@DEZ1172]

Another great piece on automotive history , Thanks Jonny 👍

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Smashed it out the park again Mr Smith! Colin was a genius as a driver, he knew how to drive and make these cars dance to his tune, I remember him winning in the Impreza i must have been 12 years and I think I wanted one ever since and be Colin MacRae. Never knew anything about this car until today but I did think at the time you done the car cave video that MacRae was going to be involved. If in doubt Flat Out!

[@richardtaylor2449]

Thanks Jonny and Ian it brings back memories of old cars' Jummy McRae as well awesome😁🤩😎

[@stuartleckie]

Wow. This one is without doubt your best yet. Mind you, I’m the exact target audience 😆 Grew up in Lanrkshire, old enough to remember following Jimmy on rallies with my dad in the 70s and 80s, went to Kames a fair few times back then too, and like others I do remember the Avenger. Although I was a MK2 Escort kid, had about 10 of them over the years. Even now I drive a Subaru mainly because of Colin 😆 The stories and the people are absolutely what make these videos so fantastic. This one had it all. Top work Jonny and the LBS. 👍🏻

[@janpruijser8649]

Editing of this was sick. Constantly upping the craft. Great work.

[@user-jg6vi4cd7v]

that was awesome What a brilliant episode ! loved it . i will forward the link to lots of retired rally drivers we know !

[@davelawrence594]

Wow what a car & what an amazing story fantastic video more of these please Johnny Boy!! 😊👌🏻👍🏻

[@patdavey7187]

JS, I love how you are with the owners of these cars, that's what makes these car cave episodes for me. Nice work.

[@more.power.]

Johnny another great show celebrating my heror's and yours who we should never forget. Thank you Johnny

[@bsport131]

Have been waiting for this. Thanks Jonny once again

[@simon-xi3cv]

As numerous others have remarked, brilliant video! Thank you!

[@byronmills5952]

Avengers are wonderful cars - and as with all the Rootes group Chrysler cars so criminally underated and overlooked due to the lost brand heritage. What a wonderful film - and it has to be noted that as well as Colin McRae - also the late great Henri Toivonen spent his formative rallying years in Avengers - culminating in his works Talbot Sunbeam Lotus drive. Any 2 door Avenger brings a nostalgic tear to my eye with memories of going with my dad as a 3 year old to pick up our brand new orange with a white vinyl top Sunseeker special edition back in 1974.

[@philbaldasera4742]

Great feature, a very historic car! Super insight into the car and the legend Ian Gemmell. Thanks Jonny, keep it up!

[@AdamsWorlds]

What a lovely piece of history! Thanks for sharing.

[@teatimetel174]

top class content jonny and telling us who didnt know about this car being used by colins first rally car.amazing history.

[@darrenholmes3142]

What a great motoring journalist you are Jonny, always interesting topics and videos and good commentary too keep it up mate 👍

[@timwood7808]

Thanks Jonny, what a great episode and a great story. Oh, and my word that 2 door Avenger looks good 👍🏻❤️

[@grahampayne3009]

Another brilliant car enthusiasts video. Telling the story of a true motoring legend. What a great story, great people, well filmed. keep up the fantastic show. 🏁

[@Me-hv9fk]

Kames has changed since I rallied a Manta there in the eighties. Rallied an Avenger 1500 GT in my earlier days at Knockhill. Bullet proof cars...

[@michaelstaunton1632]

What a great interesting video really enjoyable well done keep up the good content on the channel 👍👍

[@robm719]

Thanks so much Johnny for bringing this story and car (and Ian!) to a wider audience. I remember as a kid going to watch this and the RS2000 on the stages in Scotland. So many memories!

[@mthraves]

Good to see Jimmy McRae again too.

[@dez7250]

My dad had a red avenger with jet black interior , great to see one in such great condition still.

[@IOWPCV]

Brilliant Johnny ! Lovely piece of film.

[@ewanstewart8011]

Tremendous car, drivers and video thanks to all involved 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mariomicallef7142]

That was a great documentary. Well done.

[@hfvhf987]

Great stuff. Love these kind of videos!

[@wherearemytesticles]

I don't think I've ever heard of this car or this brand. Great video!

[@mc4130]

Well done. Great video and excellent drone work too - so professional. It really goes to show what a quality production and planning outfit The Late Brake Show really is to organise this, the car cave, the Tesla review all together. Working bloody hard, as ever Jonny (+Chops!).

[@mc4130]

And of course - Avenger Tiger vs Smith & Sniff logo!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

You noticed? 🤘🏽

[@kramnam4716]

Smashed it again J! Ian was not hanging about! 👌💚even the birds singing in joy while you chatted to Ian

[@370DatsunZed]

Cracking vid...always quite liked the Avenger (And the Hunter). Top film and thank for the history.

[@adamct44]

Fabulous content Jonny, thank you.

[@dcallan812]

Fantastic car. Fantastic story. antastic episoe, thank you. 2x👍

[@SteveMorton]

An absolute great video Jonny An 1973 Avenger GL 1500 was my second car at age 18! I knew I wanted an Avenger with the quad headlights and the four cowl dash like on the GT. It took some finding but we found one for sale, I had that car for several years, sold it with 118k miles on the clock. A great car and well planted on the road, I used to drive it fast around the back lanes of north Buckinghamshire. My dad had a 1981 Sunbeam GLS with a 1.6, that was a great car to drive as well. Much more powerful than mine, bigger tyres and quieter inside as well.

[@LewisRhymes]

Thanks for this one, glad KZbin decided not to ban this episode!

[@MOSSFEEN]

Thanks Johnny That was a real Tidy video of one of my Heros

[@peterthwaites5891]

This has to be one of the best video`s i`ve seen in ages... Such a brilliant insight in to the late great Colin McRae`s early days of rallying and the superb if sadly underrated Avenger GT rally car, who cares what its worth now? we already knew it was a better car than the Escort.. Thanks for sharing..

[@grahamflemington5085]

A wonderful video with a fascinating story. Thanks. I think it’s fortunate that Avengers are underrated, it keeps them attainable.

[@guffermeister]

A great video to document some of the unknown history. Someone who was taken before his time. Slightly off topic but Chris Harris on TG got to drive one of Colin's Subaru's a couple of years ago. Well worth a watch. Especially as he got to drive it mostly as was intended by his family.

[@nearlyretired7005]

I rallied an Avenger in the 90's - 1974,1600 GL four door,I welded the rear doors! Very strong ,reliable car. My car had 120bhp on twin 40's, 4.4 CWP, with LSD and straight cut gearbox,bilstein suspension etc.Top speed was 100mph at about 7000rpm. - very low geared! Completed 240 stage miles on tarmac and forest events. The only thing that needed replacing were the windscreen wipers. A great car. I didn't become World Rally Champion ten years later! Great fun though.

[@angeloah]

Here it is then, beautiful work my dude. I love his era and was a huge fan of his and Lovell who passed in the early 2000 on course near where I was waiting for the pass. The end was everything, brought me back to my youth in the forest hearing the approaching 500+hp monsters gearing down pop pop pop sliding for what seemed like an eternity, around a downhill hairpin, full on and away spraying anyone dumb enough to be mid apex watching. Great job.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Kenny.

[@SterlingMess]

Great video, Jonny. I fondly remember our family Avenger 1500 Super, registration MPF 622L. It had a horizontal dash/speedo. Dad traded in our maroon Mk II Cortina to buy it. It was a comfortable, reliable car, in boring beige!

[@spokesmann]

Excellent vid, loved it! Very informative.

[@MartinBaldock]

Wonderful story! The Avenger was indeed a fine car in it's day. Great to see Ian hooning it around the track too!

[@AnonymousAndy2]

My neighbour has a mint original orange 1.3 DL, that has never had any paint! It is a lovely car that can’t help but make you smile when you see it. He is the 2nd owner, the first being his father in law. He takes it to loads of shows. I am sure he would gladly take you out in it. It’s located near Guildford, Surrey.

[@winlinuser]

I owned from new in 1973 a 1500GT two door in white. The build quality was shocking. However, I loved it and rallied and drag raced it. By 78 the body was very much lighter and could not be left out in the rain as it filled up. Great memories.

[@stuarts4673]

Great video, Kames is just 10 mins up the road, Can't wait for the car show this year.

[@geoffblake2748]

Brilliant episode as usual and what a fantastic car with a great caretaker.

[@bagpusscat7839]

I'm 9 minutes in, and I just want to say thank you for bringing such great content, and allowing people time and space to tell their stories. Perfect👍

[@kylereese4822]

Just me or was the old guy getting younger the more he drove... you could see the years just falling off... :):)

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Ha!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

It’s always a privilege, never a chore.

[@greggbutler9344]

@@TheLateBrakeShow just imagine if Colin had got his hands on an allegro 😂😂😂😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️

[@NWSTRX850]

What a piece of history, fantastic! Colin a hero of mine and this car is cool but that Scooby is the one I’d want!

[@ciaranoceallaigh5805]

Love the story! Great video. It would be brilliant to see some Richard Burns content. An overshadowed legend!

[@20gibbon]

Super cool thing, so glad it's alive in perfect condition. Thanks

[@coggrs]

Great video, my Dad had an Avenger in the late 70s - RRA898K ( I think...) . hockey stick rear lights etc. I remember it being stuffed with about 7 of us kids getting dropped at school..happy days.

[@paulandrews3785]

thanks for the video brilliant didn't know about this

[@robertgreig9936]

Thankyou Johnny. I really enjoyed this! :-}

[@dave.harmon]

Lovely piece Johnny. Need to crack on and get some work done on my Avenger

[@robinfoster7597]

Another great show Johny, nailed iy again! :)

[@shirleyboy8859]

RIP Colin... A very rare talent, lost too soon..... Great video Jonny...... :-)))

[@jamiemiller7752]

What a great story and a fantastic film. I've been involved in rallying all my life and learned something new. Been watching Colin on the stages since the beginning, in fact my dad filmed the early stuff you've shown, of Colin in the Sunbeam and has all his early stuff in the archive. What I did enjoy is the proper history of the car and Ians achievements in it. I'm sure you know of another great Avenger legend and that's Ivor Clark, or Ivor the driver. Keep up the good work, this is what youtube should be about. PS more rally cars please ;)

[@mrdunns3338]

Likewise, I have many memories of watching and photgraphing rallies of that era. I last saw Ivor driving an Avenger in 2016 and he still has what it takes. Another driver from the same area of Cumbria was Gavin Waugh, who sadly passed away last year. I have a single photo of Gavin in the White Horse Whisky sponsored Avenger, taken somewhere, probably Ae on the 75 or 76 Scottish. in the late 70s I was marshalling on the Otterburn Ranges, probably a Mintex Rally and recall the Avenger's complete front strut, wheel and all flying through the air into the boondocks when they hit a Hinkelstein and those are very unforgiving things. When we found the strut, the slick was still smokin' Happy days.

[@kronkite1530]

I love this channel! I genuinely believe that this is the best channel on KZbin devoted to cars, of all the very many. Carfection is great with brilliant production values but for range, depth and interest The Late Brake Show nails it. 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks so much 👍🏻

[@simongibbs3936]

What a fantastic world we live in when this great entertainment is free. Thanks.