I saw this car in October at the Carlisle Stages Rally, it was sitting by the start line at Kielder Castle as a show piece. Now I pride myself as a rally buff, but know there still a lot left to learn, and I had no clue of the history behind this car. I seen it and though “aw cool, ex-works avenger”, if I had known then what I know now I’d have freaked out. The car that, you could say, started started the career of one of my hero’s
Hi Jonny thanks for featuring my dad, Ian Gemmell, on your video. A few details that my dad is too modest to tell. He actually built the track you were racing on with his digger (he also built a local golf course too!). He has given more free hours of his time than anyone I know to motorsport, whether that’s being a clerk of the course on the Galloway Hills rally, marshalling at many events across Scotland or encouraging young ones into the sport. I think he deserves recognition for that (but I’m biased!). He is loved by many people around here and on the Isle of Mull where he was the first Scot to win the Tour of Mull Rally thanks Gillian
I totally agree, I've always had a lot of time for your dad, he is a total gentleman and a forgotten talent in the sport we love, I'm so glad Jonny spent as much time talking to your dad, we had a great time out for dinner and the day filming listening to his amazing stories, jonny summed him up great in my opinion he said "Ian is a dude" 👌
What a chap! As soon as his name popped up it triggered memories of reading of his and others’ exploits rallying in Motoring News back in the 80s. Time flies!
I love hearing humble old timers talking about their profession. There is something about when they recall events or retell stories that make you sit up and pay attention. What a true talent, and a gentleman Ian is.
Great video. As a 15 yr old I was a spectator watching Colin in his Group A Nova Sport in the Scottish International Rally back in about '87. I knew he had history of driving 240Z and the Sunbeam Ti but this car was not something I was aware of. I love the history and the obvious respect you have for Ian Gemmell. Keep it up. Subscribed.
There is something special about Colin. I think every 90s kid who was at least a bit into cars knows the name and has some fond memories of watching the WRC rallies or playing the game series. Great video! Your channel is getting just better and better.
What a story. I was never an Escort fan, just didn't get the hype. The Avenger was a much better car in every respect, shame they all rotted into nothing. Great video Jonny. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece of motorsport history Jonny. What a joy to listen to Ian talk about the Avenger and to get to see him driving it still today!
A wonderful, beautifully judged, and heartfelt presented film. The car that launched the career of a local hero, back in its native land, in the hands of a sincere collector, and given one more blast by a former expert driver 👍❤️🥇🏁 #thelatebrakeshow
This is all news to me, what great content, I had an Hillman avenger, I painted it red then added the Starsky and Hutch white strip, I wish I had a photo of it now, My wife went into labour with our twins and I was driving to the hospital when a police car stopped us as they saw my wife pushing her hands up to the roof in labour, they quickly understood and told me to follow them to the hospital, we had a fast police escort all the way to the maternity hospital, great memories.
Well I learned something new today, I never knew this car or this cars story. Amazing video, thank you for telling it. In about 1988 as a 18 year old , i had an Avenger for a bit , I remember thinking it handled well, even when sideways , Being a Ford mechanic at the time It was never as loved as my Escorts though.
I rallied an Avenger in the 90's - 1974,1600 GL four door,I welded the rear doors! Very strong ,reliable car. My car had 120bhp on twin 40's, 4.4 CWP, with LSD and straight cut gearbox,bilstein suspension etc.Top speed was 100mph at about 7000rpm. - very low geared! Completed 240 stage miles on tarmac and forest events. The only thing that needed replacing were the windscreen wipers. A great car. I didn't become World Rally Champion ten years later! Great fun though.
Excellent Jonny. Your star continues to ascend! Great back story, and definitely worthy of a separate video. I had forgotten that the Tiger was launched as a four door! Strange decision when you think about it.
Great vid Jonny. Thanks. I saw an Avenger estate rally support car at Toleman Motorsport in Warwickshire last week, with Sunbeam Lotus underpinnings. One of only 2. Quality build by people who know what they are about.
Absolutely brilliant yet again! I remember my dad taking me to a classic car show at the NEC and I saw an Avenger for the first time that and the imp became my favourites for a while.
Well done. Great video and excellent drone work too - so professional. It really goes to show what a quality production and planning outfit The Late Brake Show really is to organise this, the car cave, the Tesla review all together. Working bloody hard, as ever Jonny (+Chops!).
O Johnny You’ve brought back memories again The first car I owned and learned to drive in was a 1975 Hillman avenger 1.3 dl It cost £125 in 1985 It failed its mot (a couple of weeks before my driving test) miserably loads of welding 😂 I past my test and bought my first mk2 escort 😃 (1.1 pop) Thanks again for the memories 😃👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Love the video because its the only one I have seen of the two door my first car. I had the sunseeker 1.3 DL bought in 1980 for £500, N reg plate. It was officially apricot orange with half white vynial top, rostyle wheels. My Opel mantra, capri pals looked on in envy as the girls saw something different. Memories still fresh.
Great video Jonny. Such an underrated car the Avenger, with a great back story. Competed at Kames in an amateur event and it's such a tight and challenging place, but so much fun. Keep making great content. 👍
My dad sold Avengers they were great cars I worked at the garage when I was younger this Avenger is a Coventry built car with the L shaped rear lights later Avengers were built in Scotland but they were never as good as the Coventry cars. Great video Jonny many thanks. Richard.
My neighbour has a mint original orange 1.3 DL, that has never had any paint! It is a lovely car that can’t help but make you smile when you see it. He is the 2nd owner, the first being his father in law. He takes it to loads of shows. I am sure he would gladly take you out in it. It’s located near Guildford, Surrey.
Smashed it out the park again Mr Smith! Colin was a genius as a driver, he knew how to drive and make these cars dance to his tune, I remember him winning in the Impreza i must have been 12 years and I think I wanted one ever since and be Colin MacRae. Never knew anything about this car until today but I did think at the time you done the car cave video that MacRae was going to be involved. If in doubt Flat Out!
Great video ..I loved my Avenger gls PHO599P i paid £75.00 for and sold it after 7 years for £ 100 ..It never failed a M.O.T ..Missed it that much i tried to buy it back but the new owner had sent it to the scrap yard .. I found it at the yard a burned out shell.. I was close to tears..Thanks again for the great video .Very well put together and the history ..
Brilliant, being scottish and a car nut macrae was followed in everything I could find. What a story the guy who picked the car up and drove it to Kilmarnock to get built then racing it. Then the car gets ringed to compete and propels Colin to fame and its still alive. Wow
Brilliant video and it's this type of content why I think this channel is so good. On a personal note I remember my dad having an Avenger in the late 70s to around 1981 when he bought a Sunbeam, so fond memories.
Thanks so much Johnny for bringing this story and car (and Ian!) to a wider audience. I remember as a kid going to watch this and the RS2000 on the stages in Scotland. So many memories!
Here it is then, beautiful work my dude. I love his era and was a huge fan of his and Lovell who passed in the early 2000 on course near where I was waiting for the pass. The end was everything, brought me back to my youth in the forest hearing the approaching 500+hp monsters gearing down pop pop pop sliding for what seemed like an eternity, around a downhill hairpin, full on and away spraying anyone dumb enough to be mid apex watching. Great job.
I love this channel! I genuinely believe that this is the best channel on RUclips devoted to cars, of all the very many. Carfection is great with brilliant production values but for range, depth and interest The Late Brake Show nails it. 👍
My 1st car was a Sunbeam TI, which was basically the Avenger platform shortened. Same 1600 engine with twin Delorto's. Still miss that wee thing 30 years later.
This has to be one of the best video`s i`ve seen in ages... Such a brilliant insight in to the late great Colin McRae`s early days of rallying and the superb if sadly underrated Avenger GT rally car, who cares what its worth now? we already knew it was a better car than the Escort.. Thanks for sharing..
Amazing stuff, I was aware of the Avenger GT but seeing it now in your upload is pretty special, an old pal of mine from Bathgate knew Colin and told me some good stories about his early days. Thanks again Jonny.
Avengers are wonderful cars - and as with all the Rootes group Chrysler cars so criminally underated and overlooked due to the lost brand heritage. What a wonderful film - and it has to be noted that as well as Colin McRae - also the late great Henri Toivonen spent his formative rallying years in Avengers - culminating in his works Talbot Sunbeam Lotus drive. Any 2 door Avenger brings a nostalgic tear to my eye with memories of going with my dad as a 3 year old to pick up our brand new orange with a white vinyl top Sunseeker special edition back in 1974.
An absolute great video Jonny An 1973 Avenger GL 1500 was my second car at age 18! I knew I wanted an Avenger with the quad headlights and the four cowl dash like on the GT. It took some finding but we found one for sale, I had that car for several years, sold it with 118k miles on the clock. A great car and well planted on the road, I used to drive it fast around the back lanes of north Buckinghamshire. My dad had a 1981 Sunbeam GLS with a 1.6, that was a great car to drive as well. Much more powerful than mine, bigger tyres and quieter inside as well.
Had an Avenger, on a roundabout rear chassis snapped 😁 it was a pretty powerful engine, bit of a heavy lump in standard set up. Car written off by a twonk pulling out of a side road. Fun days 😀
Wow. This one is without doubt your best yet. Mind you, I’m the exact target audience 😆 Grew up in Lanrkshire, old enough to remember following Jimmy on rallies with my dad in the 70s and 80s, went to Kames a fair few times back then too, and like others I do remember the Avenger. Although I was a MK2 Escort kid, had about 10 of them over the years. Even now I drive a Subaru mainly because of Colin 😆 The stories and the people are absolutely what make these videos so fantastic. This one had it all. Top work Jonny and the LBS. 👍🏻
My first car was a 1978 (TNJ 786S - I think) Hillman Avenger, 1500 Super!! It was a burnt orange/drown colour with matching interior…. I had spotlights and white “Weller” wheels on it, absolutely fabulous memories…..
Excellent film Jonny and team. I really appreciate these kind of stories, the understated parts of motoring history and the links into other stories I didn't know. Thank you!
@@TheLateBrakeShow You're VERY welcome & TYVM for your ever so kind reply !!!! I think I've been watching your channel for 5 years. When I subscribed to the "Car Pervert" channel, I think it was maybe 2 weeks old. But I've watched every episode of Fifth Gear I could when it was shown here in the states. I like you Jonny because you always seem so happy & have such a pleasant personality & get along with everyone you meet and the cars & especially the car caves, no other channel shows that stuff & %99 of it, is stuff unavailable here in the USA. Thanks again !!!
Great video, Jonny. I fondly remember our family Avenger 1500 Super, registration MPF 622L. It had a horizontal dash/speedo. Dad traded in our maroon Mk II Cortina to buy it. It was a comfortable, reliable car, in boring beige!
Such a great video. I used to race/rallly a Hillman Avenger and this pretty much sums up why I loved racing them. I have owned Avengers ever since and I still have 2 Avengers. A 1980 Chrysler Avenger Estate that I engine swapped with a 4L V8 and a 1975 Hillman Avenger 4 door sedan running my old race car twin 40's. I still race both at trackdays, as well as taking them to car shows and drag racing. I also run the New Zealand Avenger forum, they are still quite popular down here but as you said, they lived in the shadow of the Escorts.
What a great story and a fantastic film. I've been involved in rallying all my life and learned something new. Been watching Colin on the stages since the beginning, in fact my dad filmed the early stuff you've shown, of Colin in the Sunbeam and has all his early stuff in the archive. What I did enjoy is the proper history of the car and Ians achievements in it. I'm sure you know of another great Avenger legend and that's Ivor Clark, or Ivor the driver. Keep up the good work, this is what youtube should be about. PS more rally cars please ;)
Likewise, I have many memories of watching and photgraphing rallies of that era. I last saw Ivor driving an Avenger in 2016 and he still has what it takes. Another driver from the same area of Cumbria was Gavin Waugh, who sadly passed away last year. I have a single photo of Gavin in the White Horse Whisky sponsored Avenger, taken somewhere, probably Ae on the 75 or 76 Scottish. in the late 70s I was marshalling on the Otterburn Ranges, probably a Mintex Rally and recall the Avenger's complete front strut, wheel and all flying through the air into the boondocks when they hit a Hinkelstein and those are very unforgiving things. When we found the strut, the slick was still smokin' Happy days.
Ah, my first car bought for £375 a 1972 1500cc Avenger GT. Got a load of stick from my mates bit it handled brilliantly and I'd have it back in a heartbeat. Late brake show at its best again. Jonny spot on as usual, I always believed controversially that it was a better car than the Mexico.
Another brilliant car enthusiasts video. Telling the story of a true motoring legend. What a great story, great people, well filmed. keep up the fantastic show. 🏁
A great ex McRae car and so glad it has survived.Great to hear Ian's stories,adding even more character.It's worth a lot more than money,Escorts are ridiculous prices now.I was a Ford man,but l still liked the Avenger.Got even better after Brazilian block conversion,2 litres l think. Anyway great video.Brings back many happy memories!
A great video to document some of the unknown history. Someone who was taken before his time. Slightly off topic but Chris Harris on TG got to drive one of Colin's Subaru's a couple of years ago. Well worth a watch. Especially as he got to drive it mostly as was intended by his family.
The unfortunate situation at Rootes Group, in comparison to Ford, was the management did not understand the importance of Motor Sport to the Sales of their cars. That situation was even worse when Chrysler bought them over in 1967. Their management did not understand the UK market and in particular Small cars (to their way of thinking even the Avenger was a small car)! As for the IMP they just could not get their heads round the concept at all and refused to spend any money on its development! (in fact the quality of materials used was reduced on successive "Upgrades" as they wanted to close down its production!) Des O'Dell had a constant battle with management for funds to support any motor sport project! If it had not been for the clandestine support from the team in the "Experimental" department "lending" him parts for his cars they would not have been able to compete, that is how tight the management were with the "competition department"
All of this is so strange to me, as a Chrysler fan, considering the HEMI, the Charger Daytona, and all of the other history that Chrysler had with motorsports here in the US. Hells, it was the era that literally invented the phrase, "win on Sunday, sell on Monday"!
Great video, my Dad had an Avenger in the late 70s - RRA898K ( I think...) . hockey stick rear lights etc. I remember it being stuffed with about 7 of us kids getting dropped at school..happy days.
Good to see Ian piloting the car like a champ at almost 80 and Willie's back! Hey Johnny can you please test drive a GD wrx sti spec C? Chris Harris wrote a few articles about it back in the day so he may have one and doesn't know it... behind all those Peugeot 105s.
I owned from new in 1973 a 1500GT two door in white. The build quality was shocking. However, I loved it and rallied and drag raced it. By 78 the body was very much lighter and could not be left out in the rain as it filled up. Great memories.
God I still miss my Avenger, I had a 72 4 door 1500DL yellow with black vinyl roof. I had it for three years I was gutted when I had to scrap her, her name was Geraldine she is the only car that I truly miss, had some great cars over the years but it's the one I miss the most.
Love watching mcrae tear up the stages, one particular one sticks in my mind and I think it was a Wales rally stage at night and his lights failed, didn't even ease off in the slightest, just kept on gunning it! The man was a legend, thanks for the memories Colin, 🙏
I saw this car in October at the Carlisle Stages Rally, it was sitting by the start line at Kielder Castle as a show piece. Now I pride myself as a rally buff, but know there still a lot left to learn, and I had no clue of the history behind this car. I seen it and though “aw cool, ex-works avenger”, if I had known then what I know now I’d have freaked out. The car that, you could say, started started the career of one of my hero’s
Hi Jonny thanks for featuring my dad, Ian Gemmell, on your video. A few details that my dad is too modest to tell. He actually built the track you were racing on with his digger (he also built a local golf course too!). He has given more free hours of his time than anyone I know to motorsport, whether that’s being a clerk of the course on the Galloway Hills rally, marshalling at many events across Scotland or encouraging young ones into the sport. I think he deserves recognition for that (but I’m biased!). He is loved by many people around here and on the Isle of Mull where he was the first Scot to win the Tour of Mull Rally thanks Gillian
I totally agree, I've always had a lot of time for your dad, he is a total gentleman and a forgotten talent in the sport we love, I'm so glad Jonny spent as much time talking to your dad, we had a great time out for dinner and the day filming listening to his amazing stories, jonny summed him up great in my opinion he said "Ian is a dude" 👌
No wonder he knew those curves and hills so well! 😂
What a chap! As soon as his name popped up it triggered memories of reading of his and others’ exploits rallying in Motoring News back in the 80s. Time flies!
You must be megger proud my friend
beautiful man, with one of the best scottish accents ever (im scottish so i can say this) he can still outdrive me any day of the week! what a man!
“If in doubt, flat out” - Colin McRae 1968 - 2007
i have that on the rear window of all my cars in games, Subies, Acura NSX, Koenigsegg Regera ahahaha
@@xymaryai8283 "games"?
"That'll be me, in the tree." Colin McRae
An absolute legend nuff said
@@stephen300o6 bruh
Brilliant video, fantastic car. Great to see Ian Gemmell still going strong and a stalwart of EACC and the Kaimes track that still thrives today.
I love hearing humble old timers talking about their profession. There is something about when they recall events or retell stories that make you sit up and pay attention.
What a true talent, and a gentleman Ian is.
Bloody brilliant episode, thank you for sharing this story. Long live the Hillman Avenger 👍
And the ultra rare Plymouth Cricket in the US!
Great video. As a 15 yr old I was a spectator watching Colin in his Group A Nova Sport in the Scottish International Rally back in about '87. I knew he had history of driving 240Z and the Sunbeam Ti but this car was not something I was aware of. I love the history and the obvious respect you have for Ian Gemmell. Keep it up. Subscribed.
There is something special about Colin. I think every 90s kid who was at least a bit into cars knows the name and has some fond memories of watching the WRC rallies or playing the game series.
Great video! Your channel is getting just better and better.
What a story. I was never an Escort fan, just didn't get the hype. The Avenger was a much better car in every respect, shame they all rotted into nothing. Great video Jonny. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece of motorsport history Jonny. What a joy to listen to Ian talk about the Avenger and to get to see him driving it still today!
A wonderful, beautifully judged, and heartfelt presented film. The car that launched the career of a local hero, back in its native land, in the hands of a sincere collector, and given one more blast by a former expert driver 👍❤️🥇🏁 #thelatebrakeshow
I was going to try and say something similar, but this nails it far more eloquently than I could manage.
A hero to many across the world
Jonny does it again! What a cracking video! There's something extra special about a car video with a heart-warming back story. Go Ian!
This is all news to me, what great content, I had an Hillman avenger, I painted it red then added the Starsky and Hutch white strip, I wish I had a photo of it now, My wife went into labour with our twins and I was driving to the hospital when a police car stopped us as they saw my wife pushing her hands up to the roof in labour, they quickly understood and told me to follow them to the hospital, we had a fast police escort all the way to the maternity hospital, great memories.
We had a guy in my town (Worcester) who white striped his red Avenger. It really worked well on that car.
Now, this is the kind of video I really appreciate… an achingly beautiful and underrated simple car.
Thanks for this one, Jonny. It was a pleasure seeing Ian hoon around in that Avenger
This fellow Gemmel seems a real gentleman and I mean that in the best old-school way possible. Great video, Jonny.
Total quality video, fascinating story, the driving of the 80 year old was joyful to see.
Well I learned something new today, I never knew this car or this cars story. Amazing video, thank you for telling it. In about 1988 as a 18 year old , i had an Avenger for a bit , I remember thinking it handled well, even when sideways , Being a Ford mechanic at the time It was never as loved as my Escorts though.
Wonderful. I’m a huge McRae fan and this was a slice of history that was just wonderful to chew on! Thank you for the story! And a new sub!
I rallied an Avenger in the 90's - 1974,1600 GL four door,I welded the rear doors!
Very strong ,reliable car.
My car had 120bhp on twin 40's, 4.4 CWP, with LSD and straight cut gearbox,bilstein suspension etc.Top speed was 100mph at about 7000rpm. - very low geared!
Completed 240 stage miles on tarmac and forest events.
The only thing that needed replacing were the windscreen wipers.
A great car.
I didn't become World Rally Champion ten years later!
Great fun though.
Excellent Jonny. Your star continues to ascend!
Great back story, and definitely worthy of a separate video.
I had forgotten that the Tiger was launched as a four door! Strange decision when you think about it.
Great vid Jonny. Thanks. I saw an Avenger estate rally support car at Toleman Motorsport in Warwickshire last week, with Sunbeam Lotus underpinnings. One of only 2. Quality build by people who know what they are about.
That old car looks like a lot of fun, great to see it re-united with its driver again
Absolutely brilliant yet again!
I remember my dad taking me to a classic car show at the NEC and I saw an Avenger for the first time that and the imp became my favourites for a while.
Well done. Great video and excellent drone work too - so professional. It really goes to show what a quality production and planning outfit The Late Brake Show really is to organise this, the car cave, the Tesla review all together. Working bloody hard, as ever Jonny (+Chops!).
And of course - Avenger Tiger vs Smith & Sniff logo!
You noticed? 🤘🏽
Just awesome, raced round Kames many times. Another amazing film from LBS
Love this.
One of my mates is doing a nuts and bolts restoration of his old Opel Ascona rally car , the old cars just look great.
Hey Hammy,
Can you send me more info about this Ascona rally car?
Thanks for showing this Ian is. A true car guy a
a pleasure to see someone in my age group enjoying the Drive thank you
That guy is great and love his collection and car cave ideas.He also likes to say absolutely atleast once a minute.
ABSOLUTELY
Foly Huck, Ian can still drive like a legend!
So good that the car survives a great peice of history and a very underrated car .
O Johnny
You’ve brought back memories again
The first car I owned and learned to drive in was a 1975 Hillman avenger 1.3 dl
It cost £125 in 1985
It failed its mot (a couple of weeks before my driving test) miserably loads of welding 😂
I past my test and bought my first mk2 escort 😃 (1.1 pop)
Thanks again for the memories
😃👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Love the video because its the only one I have seen of the two door my first car. I had the sunseeker 1.3 DL bought in 1980 for £500, N reg plate. It was officially apricot orange with half white vynial top, rostyle wheels. My Opel mantra, capri pals looked on in envy as the girls saw something different. Memories still fresh.
Johnny another great show celebrating my heror's and yours who we should never forget. Thank you Johnny
Great video Jonny. Such an underrated car the Avenger, with a great back story. Competed at Kames in an amateur event and it's such a tight and challenging place, but so much fun. Keep making great content. 👍
My dad sold Avengers they were great cars I worked at the garage when I was younger this Avenger is a Coventry built car with the L shaped rear lights later Avengers were built in Scotland but they were never as good as the Coventry cars. Great video Jonny many thanks. Richard.
My neighbour has a mint original orange 1.3 DL, that has never had any paint! It is a lovely car that can’t help but make you smile when you see it. He is the 2nd owner, the first being his father in law. He takes it to loads of shows. I am sure he would gladly take you out in it. It’s located near Guildford, Surrey.
Smashed it out the park again Mr Smith! Colin was a genius as a driver, he knew how to drive and make these cars dance to his tune, I remember him winning in the Impreza i must have been 12 years and I think I wanted one ever since and be Colin MacRae. Never knew anything about this car until today but I did think at the time you done the car cave video that MacRae was going to be involved.
If in doubt Flat Out!
This is really cool!
Love to see the old man having a blast in that classic rally car
Great video ..I loved my Avenger gls PHO599P i paid £75.00 for and sold it after 7 years for £ 100 ..It never failed a M.O.T ..Missed it that much i tried to buy it back but the new owner had sent it to the scrap yard .. I found it at the yard a burned out shell.. I was close to tears..Thanks again for the great video .Very well put together and the history ..
This explains why you glossed over it, What a story though and what a car.
Jonny, just love your work man!! Can't get enough of you show! Historic, EV and now motorbikes! Thank you, from of all of us, motor junkies.
More than welcome. Thanks for watching.
I Rallied a 1600 Avenger alpine in New Zealand in the early eighties. Loads of fun.
Brilliant, being scottish and a car nut macrae was followed in everything I could find. What a story the guy who picked the car up and drove it to Kilmarnock to get built then racing it. Then the car gets ringed to compete and propels Colin to fame and its still alive. Wow
What a fantastic world we live in when this great entertainment is free. Thanks.
What can i say Old is gold
What a classic masterpiece
Don't think modern cars will stick around in the future such as this
Thanks for this one, glad RUclips decided not to ban this episode!
Brilliant video and it's this type of content why I think this channel is so good. On a personal note I remember my dad having an Avenger in the late 70s to around 1981 when he bought a Sunbeam, so fond memories.
Thanks so much Johnny for bringing this story and car (and Ian!) to a wider audience. I remember as a kid going to watch this and the RS2000 on the stages in Scotland. So many memories!
Here it is then, beautiful work my dude. I love his era and was a huge fan of his and Lovell who passed in the early 2000 on course near where I was waiting for the pass. The end was everything, brought me back to my youth in the forest hearing the approaching 500+hp monsters gearing down pop pop pop sliding for what seemed like an eternity, around a downhill hairpin, full on and away spraying anyone dumb enough to be mid apex watching. Great job.
Cheers Kenny.
I love this channel! I genuinely believe that this is the best channel on RUclips devoted to cars, of all the very many. Carfection is great with brilliant production values but for range, depth and interest The Late Brake Show nails it. 👍
Thanks so much 👍🏻
My 1st car was a Sunbeam TI, which was basically the Avenger platform shortened. Same 1600 engine with twin Delorto's. Still miss that wee thing 30 years later.
Some cars sure do get under the skin. I had a few RS2000s way back and sure miss them.....
Thanks Jonny and Ian it brings back memories of old cars' Jummy McRae as well awesome😁🤩😎
Wow what a car & what an amazing story fantastic video more of these please Johnny Boy!! 😊👌🏻👍🏻
Wonderful story! The Avenger was indeed a fine car in it's day. Great to see Ian hooning it around the track too!
This has to be one of the best video`s i`ve seen in ages... Such a brilliant insight in to the late great Colin McRae`s early days of rallying and the superb if sadly underrated Avenger GT rally car, who cares what its worth now? we already knew it was a better car than the Escort.. Thanks for sharing..
Amazing stuff, I was aware of the Avenger GT but seeing it now in your upload is pretty special, an old pal of mine from Bathgate knew Colin and told me some good stories about his early days.
Thanks again Jonny.
JS, I love how you are with the owners of these cars, that's what makes these car cave episodes for me. Nice work.
I'm 9 minutes in, and I just want to say thank you for bringing such great content, and allowing people time and space to tell their stories. Perfect👍
Just me or was the old guy getting younger the more he drove... you could see the years just falling off... :):)
Ha!
It’s always a privilege, never a chore.
@@TheLateBrakeShow just imagine if Colin had got his hands on an allegro 😂😂😂😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️
Avengers are wonderful cars - and as with all the Rootes group Chrysler cars so criminally underated and overlooked due to the lost brand heritage. What a wonderful film - and it has to be noted that as well as Colin McRae - also the late great Henri Toivonen spent his formative rallying years in Avengers - culminating in his works Talbot Sunbeam Lotus drive. Any 2 door Avenger brings a nostalgic tear to my eye with memories of going with my dad as a 3 year old to pick up our brand new orange with a white vinyl top Sunseeker special edition back in 1974.
Love the story! Great video. It would be brilliant to see some Richard Burns content. An overshadowed legend!
Great feature, a very historic car! Super insight into the car and the legend Ian Gemmell. Thanks Jonny, keep it up!
An absolute great video Jonny
An 1973 Avenger GL 1500 was my second car at age 18! I knew I wanted an Avenger with the quad headlights and the four cowl dash like on the GT. It took some finding but we found one for sale, I had that car for several years, sold it with 118k miles on the clock. A great car and well planted on the road, I used to drive it fast around the back lanes of north Buckinghamshire.
My dad had a 1981 Sunbeam GLS with a 1.6, that was a great car to drive as well. Much more powerful than mine, bigger tyres and quieter inside as well.
This is becoming one of my favorite RUclips channels. Great video!!
My dad had a red avenger with jet black interior , great to see one in such great condition still.
Had an Avenger, on a roundabout rear chassis snapped 😁 it was a pretty powerful engine, bit of a heavy lump in standard set up. Car written off by a twonk pulling out of a side road. Fun days 😀
that was awesome What a brilliant episode ! loved it . i will forward the link to lots of retired rally drivers we know !
RIP Colin... A very rare talent, lost too soon..... Great video Jonny...... :-)))
Fantatsic! great video and story, few videos to catch up on too. Thanks Jonny
Thanks Jonny, what a great episode and a great story. Oh, and my word that 2 door Avenger looks good 👍🏻❤️
When in doubt, flat out...... probably the best racing quote to ever live!!! Honor the king Colin McRae!!!!!!!
Kames has changed since I rallied a Manta there in the eighties. Rallied an Avenger 1500 GT in my earlier days at Knockhill. Bullet proof cars...
What a great interesting video really enjoyable well done keep up the good content on the channel 👍👍
Wow.
This one is without doubt your best yet.
Mind you, I’m the exact target audience 😆
Grew up in Lanrkshire, old enough to remember following Jimmy on rallies with my dad in the 70s and 80s, went to Kames a fair few times back then too, and like others I do remember the Avenger.
Although I was a MK2 Escort kid, had about 10 of them over the years.
Even now I drive a Subaru mainly because of Colin 😆
The stories and the people are absolutely what make these videos so fantastic.
This one had it all.
Top work Jonny and the LBS. 👍🏻
My first car was a 1978 (TNJ 786S - I think) Hillman Avenger, 1500 Super!! It was a burnt orange/drown colour with matching interior…. I had spotlights and white “Weller” wheels on it, absolutely fabulous memories…..
Excellent film Jonny and team. I really appreciate these kind of stories, the understated parts of motoring history and the links into other stories I didn't know. Thank you!
Hillman Avenger😊👍
...sold briefly (1972?) in the USA as the Plymouth Cricket.
Now feeling justified in wanting a used one in the 80's.
Currently restoring one of about 15 known Crickets here in the US.
This video is BRILLIANT Jonny & an excellent example of why I've been a long term subscriber !!!!
Much love !!!
Mark (in Ohio), many thanks for supporting the channel and appreciating the more ambitious episodes.
@@TheLateBrakeShow You're VERY welcome & TYVM for your ever so kind reply !!!!
I think I've been watching your channel for 5 years. When I subscribed to the "Car Pervert" channel, I think it was maybe 2 weeks old.
But I've watched every episode of Fifth Gear I could when it was shown here in the states.
I like you Jonny because you always seem so happy & have such a pleasant personality & get along with everyone you meet and the cars & especially the car caves, no other channel shows that stuff & %99 of it, is stuff unavailable here in the USA. Thanks again !!!
Good to see Jimmy McRae again too.
Great video, Jonny. I fondly remember our family Avenger 1500 Super, registration MPF 622L. It had a horizontal dash/speedo. Dad traded in our maroon Mk II Cortina to buy it. It was a comfortable, reliable car, in boring beige!
Such a great video. I used to race/rallly a Hillman Avenger and this pretty much sums up why I loved racing them. I have owned Avengers ever since and I still have 2 Avengers. A 1980 Chrysler Avenger Estate that I engine swapped with a 4L V8 and a 1975 Hillman Avenger 4 door sedan running my old race car twin 40's. I still race both at trackdays, as well as taking them to car shows and drag racing. I also run the New Zealand Avenger forum, they are still quite popular down here but as you said, they lived in the shadow of the Escorts.
What a great story and a fantastic film. I've been involved in rallying all my life and learned something new. Been watching Colin on the stages since the beginning, in fact my dad filmed the early stuff you've shown, of Colin in the Sunbeam and has all his early stuff in the archive. What I did enjoy is the proper history of the car and Ians achievements in it. I'm sure you know of another great Avenger legend and that's Ivor Clark, or Ivor the driver. Keep up the good work, this is what youtube should be about. PS more rally cars please ;)
Likewise, I have many memories of watching and photgraphing rallies of that era. I last saw Ivor driving an Avenger in 2016 and he still has what it takes. Another driver from the same area of Cumbria was Gavin Waugh, who sadly passed away last year. I have a single photo of Gavin in the White Horse Whisky sponsored Avenger, taken somewhere, probably Ae on the 75 or 76 Scottish. in the late 70s I was marshalling on the Otterburn Ranges, probably a Mintex Rally and recall the Avenger's complete front strut, wheel and all flying through the air into the boondocks when they hit a Hinkelstein and those are very unforgiving things. When we found the strut, the slick was still smokin' Happy days.
Wow I've always liked the avenger the rounded rear lights thank u 2 the owner and u Johnny Smith awesome memories 👍👍👍👍
Ah, my first car bought for £375 a 1972 1500cc Avenger GT. Got a load of stick from my mates bit it handled brilliantly and I'd have it back in a heartbeat. Late brake show at its best again. Jonny spot on as usual, I always believed controversially that it was a better car than the Mexico.
Smashed it again J! Ian was not hanging about! 👌💚even the birds singing in joy while you chatted to Ian
Editing of this was sick. Constantly upping the craft. Great work.
Another brilliant car enthusiasts video. Telling the story of a true motoring legend. What a great story, great people, well filmed. keep up the fantastic show. 🏁
A great ex McRae car and so glad it has survived.Great to hear Ian's stories,adding even more character.It's worth a lot more than money,Escorts are ridiculous prices now.I was a Ford man,but l still liked the Avenger.Got even better after Brazilian block conversion,2 litres l think.
Anyway great video.Brings back many happy memories!
A great video to document some of the unknown history. Someone who was taken before his time. Slightly off topic but Chris Harris on TG got to drive one of Colin's Subaru's a couple of years ago. Well worth a watch. Especially as he got to drive it mostly as was intended by his family.
The unfortunate situation at Rootes Group, in comparison to Ford, was the management did not understand the importance of Motor Sport to the Sales of their cars. That situation was even worse when Chrysler bought them over in 1967. Their management did not understand the UK market and in particular Small cars (to their way of thinking even the Avenger was a small car)! As for the IMP they just could not get their heads round the concept at all and refused to spend any money on its development! (in fact the quality of materials used was reduced on successive "Upgrades" as they wanted to close down its production!) Des O'Dell had a constant battle with management for funds to support any motor sport project! If it had not been for the clandestine support from the team in the "Experimental" department "lending" him parts for his cars they would not have been able to compete, that is how tight the management were with the "competition department"
All of this is so strange to me, as a Chrysler fan, considering the HEMI, the Charger Daytona, and all of the other history that Chrysler had with motorsports here in the US. Hells, it was the era that literally invented the phrase, "win on Sunday, sell on Monday"!
Great video, my Dad had an Avenger in the late 70s - RRA898K ( I think...) . hockey stick rear lights etc. I remember it being stuffed with about 7 of us kids getting dropped at school..happy days.
top class content jonny and telling us who didnt know about this car being used by colins first rally car.amazing history.
Good to see Ian piloting the car like a champ at almost 80 and Willie's back! Hey Johnny can you please test drive a GD wrx sti spec C? Chris Harris wrote a few articles about it back in the day so he may have one and doesn't know it... behind all those Peugeot 105s.
I owned from new in 1973 a 1500GT two door in white. The build quality was shocking. However, I loved it and rallied and drag raced it. By 78 the body was very much lighter and could not be left out in the rain as it filled up. Great memories.
God I still miss my Avenger, I had a 72 4 door 1500DL yellow with black vinyl roof.
I had it for three years I was gutted when I had to scrap her, her name was Geraldine she is the only car that I truly miss, had some great cars over the years but it's the one I miss the most.
My second car was a 1971 1500DL Hillman Avenger in Tahiti blue. I loved it.
My current car is a 1971 1500DL in tahiti blue
Awesome
Great video, Kames is just 10 mins up the road, Can't wait for the car show this year.
Fantastic Jonny, keep it up. You have a dream job and no bout its through hard work. Colin was a hero or mine, great to learn something new.
Love watching mcrae tear up the stages, one particular one sticks in my mind and I think it was a Wales rally stage at night and his lights failed, didn't even ease off in the slightest, just kept on gunning it! The man was a legend, thanks for the memories Colin, 🙏
Good to see Johnny one of the all time favourites in Rally Cars .
Hi Jonny, don't usually watch your channel (sorry🤷) but this episode is absolutely spot on, thank you 👍
You should watch more mate, he's a great presenter.