MG Metro 6R4

The story

Built for the fearsome Group B rally class, the 6R4 kept only the outline of a Metro. Williams, the Formula One team, helped design it. Group B was banned at the end of 1986, so its top-level career lasted barely a year.

Inside

Two bucket seats, a roll cage and the engine roaring where the back seat should be.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Meanwhile, in 1985

Live Aid filled Wembley Stadium, and EastEnders began.

Best-selling single of 1985: The Power of Love by Jennifer Rush

Before you buy a 1980s car

• Check for rust in the usual places, though many cars from this decade were better protected.
• Electrical and fuel system faults are common, so test everything.
• Parts for mass-market cars are usually easy to find.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.