The Daily Mirror World Cup Rally was considered the toughest, longest, and most ambitious rally ever known. Linking London to Mexico, 16,000 miles and six weeks of fast, high and long stages, it is generally accepted that very few subsequent events challenge it for sheer toughness.
A get-together of cars and drivers was originally organised two years ago to celebrate 50 years of the 1970 event, but the pandemic had forced it to be delayed by two years. Held at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon in April 2022, a selection of replicas and tribute cars, along with surviving drivers and navigators came together to celebrate the event.
Won by FEV 1H Ford Escort driven by Hannu Mikkola, followed by event speaker Brian Culcheth in a Triumph 2.5PI, the top 10 finishers drove British cars, with a Citroen DS in 7th. In addition to the rally cars, owners from the Triumph 2000/2500 and Ford Escort Mexico owners clubs were invited. Wet and cold, the day suited the unpredictable nature of UK weather but didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the visitor’s appreciation to see a wonderful selection of cars seldom seen in one meeting. A full report can be seen on the Car and Classic Magazine website.
