Exhibitor: Steve Marron
Engine: 1798cc SOHC 4G35 (Specifically Homologated for the GTO’s) Twin 44 Solexes, Works replica inlet manifold and headers, twin Facet red-top fuel pumps.
Approx 180HP at the flywheel
Tranmission: Original KM132 5speed manual, fitted with replicated Works close ratio gearset (by Holinger Industries)
Brakes: Upgraded from the original (dismal) factory units. Front: Mitsubishi Starion rotors with Ford Focus calipers.
Rear: Mitsubishi Starion
Rally History
The GTO was originally built for Andrew Cowan as their ‘flagship’ rally car in 1972.
It was built and prepared for the long distance Safari-type events like the Southern Cross. However, due to the pillarless design and lack of a comprehensive roll cage, body flex became an issue at high speeds during pre-event testing. Due to this unsettling issue, Andrew reverted back to the ‘proven’ A51 4dr Galant, in which he subsequently won the Southern Cross.
Only 2 Works GTO’s were ever built and sadly, both were destroyed in accidents (whilst leading events). Both wrecked cars were shipped back to Japan, never to be seen again.
This is now the only known example in existence with a (log-booked) rally history and is a replica of Cowan’s original Works car, subsequently crewed by Barry Ferguson/Gary Connelly (now Chairman of AIMSS) and later by Cowan again, winning the ’72 KLG Rally with it.
This car competed in the 50th Anniversary Southern Cross Rally in 2016 – 3500km over 11 days, finishing 2nd O/R behind the legendary Ross Dunkerton in a 2.4L Datsun P510.
More information
GTO HRA Info Sheet (pdf)
Petrolicious: A Brief History of Mitsubishi’s Colt Galant GTO