Friday 13th March 2015

The Vatanen Touch: Time For Tea?

A 30-minute epic for a Friday afternoon featuring Ari and his Rothmans Escort

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This video comes highly recommended. It's been lunchtime viewing for a few members of PH staff already who have nothing but praise after viewing 'The Vatanen Touch'.

It's a documentary of Vatanen's exploits in the 1980 British Rally Championship, a really well produced film given its 35 years old now. It covers his battles with Jimmy McRae and Hannu Mikkola throughout that year plus his entry into rallying through the 1970s. But it's quite a personal look at Vatanen's life too, discussing his plans beyond rallying and becoming a father too.

But the rallying is the real appeal. Escorts, Chevettes, Sunbeams, TR7s and more in various states of oversteer is a joy to watch. Wales, Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man all provide epic backdrops for some great driving. It's a superb video all round. Keep a look out for Ari's amazing waistcoat too...

Watch it here.

 

[Lead image: LAT]

[Crimp]

Got this DVD and "a little bit sideways"
Cracking docs when rallying was rallying.

[s m]

I'd watch it but for the fact that I've seen it about 40 times. This and "3 legged Manx"

[soad]

Classic viewing indeed.

[Crazy Don]

A man who has got his priorities right, the number one thing in his life is his faith God. He has lived that out in later life in politics as well, great example to us all. He also must be one of the greatest drivers ever.

[Earl of Petrol]

I remember seeing all of those cars and drivers as a teenager. There's some brilliant footage in this. Those cars were light, quick and very unsophisticated, tyre technology was nowhere near what we have today, and if you hit a tree at 100 mph in a Mk2 Escort or any of the others from that era you were history. All heroes and the co-drivers, brave or mad.
This era got me hooked on rallying and I've stayed hooked. This and the group B period must be the golden age.

[vit4]

I maintain that these Escorts are just about the best sounding 4-pots out there Just about the definitive Ari Vatanen footage for me though was him on Pikes Peak in the Peugeot 405, astounding driving.

Linky

[hwajones]

Crazy Don said:

A man who has got his priorities right, the number one thing in his life is his faith God. He has lived that out in later life in politics as well, great example to us all. He also must be one of the greatest drivers ever.

A wise man...