Richard won his class in his first event – a car trial, over 40 years ago! Learning through road rallies, he went on to special stages, winning in both categories. He worked with International Rally Services throughout Europe and competed in Belgian Internationals, gaining class wins and top five results. Having moved to New Zealand, he experienced “the best roads on the planet” in Rally New Zealand 2006 and achieved a second place in the 2009 Possum Bourne Memorial Rally.

Richard Ive - 1978 Ford Escort RS1800 Group 4

Richard won his class in his first event – a car trial, over 40 years ago! Learning through road rallies, he went on to special stages, winning in both categories. He worked with International Rally Services throughout Europe and competed in Belgian Internationals, gaining class wins and top five results. Having moved to New Zealand, he experienced “the best roads on the planet” in Rally New Zealand 2006 and achieved a second place in the 2009 Possum Bourne Memorial Rally.

1978 Ford Escort RS1800 Group 4:

This is a 1978 full house Group 4 Escort built by Silver Fern winner Merion Evans of West Wales Motorsport. It has FIA historic classification and uses all the correct period parts. It has a 2-litre alloy Cosworth BDG, 5-speed ZF and Atlas axle. Used by Merion Evans initially it went for a short spell to Ireland. Now recently refreshed by West Wales and imported by Richard, this Escort will see her first New Zealand action at the Leadfoot Festival.