MV104 - Manx International 1991

The 1991 Manx International was one of Colin McRae's finest victories in his first year as a professional drive. Russel Brookes and François Chatriot both struggled to keep up with Colin's pace.

The Prodrive team pulled off a one/two win on the scenic Isle of Man despite Chatriot modifying the Subaru Legacy on the 4th stage. Mels footage of the crash seen in this video was supplied to TV companies for their reports.

00:00:00 - Start
00:00:07 - SS 2 Injbreck
00:04:59 - SS4 Foxdale
00:09:33 - SS7 - Garth 1
00:16:13 - SS 8 - Brandywell 1
00:25:49 - SS11 Maughold 1
00:30:35 - SS14 Castletown
00:46:26 - SS21 Ballabeg
00:50:13 - SS23 Hope
00:54:43 - SS27 West Baldwin
01:02:52 - SS27 Orrisdale
01:07:24 - SS31 Baldhoon
01:14:15 - SS33 Maughold 3
01:19:27 - SS35 Kella
01:26:22 - SS37 Injebreck 2
01:31:04 - SS40 Glen Needles 2
01:33:47 - Final Results

Entry List
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/...
Results
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/66...
Maps
https://www.rally-maps.com/Manx-Inter...
Maps Courtesy of Rally-Maps.com & openstreetmaps.org

1991 Manx International Rally – Event Report

The 1991 Manx International Rally, held on the winding and unforgiving tarmac roads of the Isle of Man, once again delivered a thrilling spectacle of speed, precision and endurance. As part of the British Rally Championship calendar, the event attracted a high-quality entry list featuring top British and international crews, all eager to tackle the island’s fast, narrow lanes lined with stone walls and hedgerows.

Event Overview

The rally took place over three days in early September 1991, with a demanding route covering more than 160 miles of competitive stages. The mix of long, sweeping mountain sections and tight coastal lanes made tyre choice and rhythm essential. Weather conditions were typically Manx—changeable and unpredictable—with dry sections often followed by sudden rain, challenging drivers’ confidence and car setup.

The event counted toward both the Shell Oils British Rally Championship and the Mintex National Championship, ensuring a strong mix of professional and semi-professional crews

Early Stages

From the outset, Colin McRae in the Prodrive Subaru Legacy RS stamped his authority on the event. Fresh from his growing success on the British scene, McRae’s aggressive yet controlled style saw him establish a commanding early lead after the opening leg.

Chasing him hard was David Llewellin in the Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165, who used his experience to stay within striking distance. Mark Lovell, driving a Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4, also featured strongly, as did Malcolm Wilson, also in a Sierra, showing the strength of Ford’s challenge on tarmac.

By the end of the first leg, McRae led comfortably, while Llewellin and Lovell were engaged in a fierce battle for second place.


Mid-Event Drama

As the rally progressed into the second day, several front-runners encountered trouble. Wilson lost time with a puncture, and Lovell suffered transmission issues that dropped him down the order. This allowed Bertie Fisher in his BMW M3 to climb into contention, making good use of the dry conditions that suited his rear-wheel-drive machine.

Meanwhile, McRae’s commitment on the fast Manx lanes thrilled spectators but worried his team, as the Subaru spent much of its time airborne over the crests. Still, his stage times were unmatched.

Further back, the Group N battle was hotly contested between Gwyndaf Evans and Robbie Head, both driving Ford Sierra Cosworths.

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Final Stages and Result

The final leg saw McRae continue his relentless pace, extending his advantage to seal a dominant victory. His performance underlined both his talent and the growing competitiveness of the Subaru Legacy on tarmac.

Behind him, Llewellin held firm for second place after a consistent and mature drive, while Bertie Fisher completed the podium after Lovell’s car finally succumbed to mechanical failure late on.

In Group N, Gwyndaf Evans emerged victorious, finishing well up the overall standings.

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Final Top 5 – 1991 Manx International Rally
1. Colin McRae / Derek Ringer – Subaru Legacy RS
2. David Llewellin / Phil Short – Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165
3. Bertie Fisher / Rory Kennedy – BMW M3
4. Malcolm Wilson / Nicky Grist – Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4
5. Gwyndaf Evans / Howard Davies – Ford Sierra Cosworth (Group N winner)

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Summary

The 1991 Manx International Rally will be remembered as the event that truly confirmed Colin McRae’s rising star status. His breathtaking pace and fearless commitment over the treacherous Manx roads were the highlight of the season, helping cement his reputation as one of Britain’s brightest rallying talents.

The combination of technical driving, high-speed tarmac, and unpredictable weather made it one of the most challenging rallies of the year—and one of the most entertaining for fans