Group C Leyland Marina 6

[v8pnut]

The Leyland Marina 6 that competed at Bathurst in 1974 finishing 6th in class and driven by Neil Byers and Peter Molesworth is nearing completion of its ground up restoration.

[Bill Cutler]

WOW. But why?

[Darren Knight]

WOW. But why?

Don`t be naughty Bill, you know we appreciate diversity in the Tourer ranks! I think it`s great. Notwithstanding I am sure you wil not be the only one asking the same question eh? Excellent job by those dudes to get it to the finish without launching it off the Mountain. They were a real nose heavy beast apparently. Didn`t Evan Greene run a V8 version (!) in a London to Sydney Rally once?

[redesp]

SSSSHHHHHHH... don't tell the guys from Top Gear... they have a pasion for Marina's :eek:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P2X2BXniAw

[v8pnut]

I thought you guys were a little above that level. One of Group Cs greatest assets was the diversity of cars that competed. I'd expect that sort of comment from a lunk headed journo. You disappoint me. I guess we all can't have BMWs.

[Coolvet]

The Leyland Marina 6 that competed at Bathurst in 1974 finishing 6th in class and driven by Neil Byers and Peter Molesworth is nearing completion of its ground up restoration.

Congratulations on your effort in bringing a new car to our ranks. Looking forward to seeing it run.

[Bill Cutler]

You're right. Apologies for being a little too "Jeremy Clarkson" about the Marina - well done to those who found it and restored it! The great thing about this class/group is the amazing enthusiasm for all sorts of cars.
I'm forgetting that I learnt to drive in a Morris Major (maybe that explains a few things).
Bill

[number 98]

Hey I think it's great, I race A Group A Commodore and I'm doing up a group C 1974 Honda Civic, can't wait to see it, can't wait to race against it in my little Honda.......can you post a photo?

[v8pnut]

Ill put some photos up when she is finished. The car is currently being painted. Final assembly starts next month.

[Nagoya]

Sometimes the Bathurst 500/1000 races are all that many fans recall when it comes to Group C racing in the 1970s.
This car also ran at Amaroo Park in the under 3 litre racing which doesn't get mentioned very often these days.
Lots of Escorts, Mazdas and Capris ended their days there. It's great that this car has survived.
Anyone else own a car that competed in the Sun 7 and Rothmans series?

[v8pnut]

Youre right Nagoya, the car did compete in the Sun 7 Series for under 3 litre cars at Amaroo Park. I think Autopics has a couple of photos of the car at Amaroo. The car did a fair bit of competition in the mid to late 70s as the guy who owned it was a club racer. Within a week or two of Bathurst in 74 it competed at Oran Park in a 6 hour relay race. They had to get CAMS scrutineers to remove and replace the scrutineers seals from Bathurst so they could service the car for the race.

[Capturedautosport]

Think i've got a photo i took at Amaroo of the Marina floating around here somewhere, will try & find it & post on the site

[v8pnut]

That'd be great!

[conrod]

I am curious, what engine does this run? I had only heard of the Rover V8 engined rally cars prior to this.

Conrad

[v8pnut]

The Marina 6 runs the same E series 2.6 litre OHC straight 6 that powers the Leyland P76 6 cylinder rated at 121 bhp.

[Bill Magoffin]

Hopefully someone else to play with in the Alfa, itself a veteran of the "Hang Ten 400"

[mattlea1]

I am very interested to see some pics of this car, I love the hearing about the lesser known Group C cars

[Nagoya]

Hey I think it's great, I race A Group A Commodore and I'm doing up a group C 1974 Honda Civic, can't wait to see it, can't wait to race against it in my little Honda.......can you post a photo?

That Civic sounds interesting too. Another rare survivor. Any pictures or history you'd like to share with us?

[v8pnut]

Heres a couple. One photo is at Bathurst being chased by Peter Wherret in the Torque Alfetta and the other was taken just prior to Bathurst.

[Kris van der Borgh]

:DI pesonally dont care what badge is on the front,I think ALL cars from this wonderful era are special and need to be preserved for the future generations.Can a couple of average blokes today put together a car and win their class at the greatest circuit in the country?I am afraid not!Thanks for posting up some pics,I cant wait to see more.Cheers Kris.

[Dave P-S]

I agree with Kris V. Looking forward to seeing it running around on the track. I'd love to see some 'flying bricks' running around as well. :)
Cheers,
Dave

[David Towe]

Would that be Mr. Molesworth restoring it?

[mattlea1]

I would like to hear the story on how you found the car and how it survived all thses years as you rarely see any Marinas any more let alone one with racing history.

[v8pnut]

Yes it is Peter Molesworth and Neil Byers is helping out as well. I have written a story on the car and have sent it to Australian Muscle Car magazine to see if they are interested. So far havent heard back.

[Sprint43]

Hi,

I met Peter Molesworth many years ago when he was the Manager at "Bill Warren" auto wreckers in Greenacre. We became friends and and talked a lot about race cars. Ask him about the "special" gearbox that he used at Bathurst.

I might be wrong but I believe that I might be in the possession of this gearbox. Peter went on to own British Auto Parts in Punchbowl. When this business closed in early 2008 I purchased a quantity of their old stock. If you are interested I have some New Marina front door skins, steering arms, lenses and some other bits and pieces. Also there is a gearbox that has "Marina Race" or similar (I need to check the exact words) written on the 'box. Do coincidences run that far?

If you are interested in any or all of the parts please contact me on (02) 97267331.

Mark Larmour

[cossiepower]

The under 3 litre race at amaroo, was it in 1984? I have an escort which ran in these late events. Do have some photos, will try to see if I can post some shots from the event. May also have entry list to the event.

[v8pnut]

Sprint 43 I will call you. Cossiepower, the years the Marina ran was 1974/75.

[Sprint43]

Hi v8pnut,

If you are still interested the Marina parts that I have available, could you please contact me ASAP. I am loosing the storage where I have these items and I can't guarantee what I am going to be able to keep.

Thanks

Mark

(02) 97267331.

[v8pnut]

Many Thanks for the parts and for thinking of us.

[David Towe]

any news re the resto??