| KDU 497N was the first TR7 rally car to be built, and was used as the development vehicle for the programme, the first test of which was on 4th March 1976. Although the TR7 was not yet available to buy with the 16 valve 'Sprint' engine, this power plant was homologated from the beginning and was used for nearly two years before the V8 powered cars appeared in April 1978. The TR7 rally programme's third test session, held at Chobham, was also used as a publicity opportunity, with the press being given rides in KDU 497N. This meant that the car became something of a media star, appearing under headlines such as 'Fantastic' and 'Stratos Beater'. Our model depicts the TR7's competition debut on the Welsh Rally of May 1976, where 497N was driven by Brian Culcheth and navigated by Johnstone Sayer. Unfortunately the car retired early in the rally with a blown head gasket. |
