1984 Shell Oils Donegal International Rally 

Never seen so many Opels/Vauxhalls in one video!

As a staunch mk2 fan, you can really see how much the 400's outclassed the escorts. A much more stable and controlled car, I was thinking the same while watching- "I think that was the golden days". Enough power to be a handful- but not so much that it requires 4wd, sideways for spectators whereas now it's all about blistering speed. I love how in depth the reporting was too

@@robertboland3923 bit of an unsung hero isn't it? I mean I honestly think it was one of the best looking Group B cars. Super rare now though I assume.

@@NathanMcCabe88 only for the turbo years were just beginning, I think they would have been viewed as the weapon they were! The escorts had it for about 15years - that's 15years of development in other words. And then the Asconas and Mantas just arrived- and were already a better car, straight out of the box and epic, definitely one of the slickest looking rally machines. I like to think there's still lots of mantas tucked up in sheds, the younger generation never got too attached so it's mostly older chaps that own them. I would however say that the rally boys killed a shocking amount of them! Fair to say the two leading causes of a manta death were rust and Irish Rallying. I can remember 11 gte's from yesteryear, and I think 8 died at the hands of two different, local competitors Ya man paddy White! who's seen balein the escort into a house, his gaf is next-door to a bodyshop I used to work in - Great customer! Nice fella too 😆

Pity Roger Clark dropped out early.

Stunning car!

I'm a Lancia man but allays had a soft spot for the Opels . Love a red top screaming 😱

Ha! Yes! 😁 Always go for the round ones made from black rubber...

I disagree 100%. 🙂 Balancing the steering with a soft right hand was WAY more important to me. Feeling when the front end was about to let go meant staying on the road; fluffing a gear change or hairpin just got you abuse from the co-driver. A gear lever goes where it's told and the handbrake goes up and down, so there's no finesse or 'touch' required. A right-hand drive car makes more sense to a right-handed person. Maybe you're a secret Leftie, Huw? 😁