Hot-hatch hits at first Scramblers meet

Hot hatch special

Bicester Heritage’s new membership club, Scramblers, quietly offered a taste of what’s in store on 26 June 2021 with the first of its themed ‘Assembly’ events.

If you haven’t guessed it yet, the first focused on hot hatches. Through the ages, too, from early the 1980s to the very latest – and perhaps greatest, in the form of the Toyota Yaris GR.

But forget that. We were there for the classics…

Setting the bar

And the beer, to misquote Gerry Marshall.

Each meeting is hosted by the Wriggly Monkey Brewery, Bicester’s on-site brewery. While you wait for your pint, you can gawp through the window of Sports Purpose at the Daytona-winning Porsche 718 RSK currently looking for a new home.

Taking a designated driver is a must.

Group A heroes

One of the highlights had to be this Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II.

For good reason, with a rallying pedigree that puts the 5 Turbo to shame and no less a following.

It was unmissable in so many ways, especially in that striking (and rare) Giallo Ginestra tone.

Mint Clios…

Though it probably wasn’t the car with the most striking paint at Bicester Heritage last weekend.

Among the many Renault Clio V6s was this cyan Phase 2 example.

In the background you’ll spot a Rover Metro GTi, yes. 

Power and punch

Another photo, another Phase 2.

But there is a whole lot of hot hatch in this image, adding the supercharged G60 Volkswagen Golf into the mix.  

That’s getting on for a combined 410bhp…

G60 Golf summit

The super-rare Mk2 VW Golf is one of the most sought-after, though that pales in comparison with the appropriately named Limited.

The supercharged unit was also used in VW’s Corrado and Passat, while the smaller G40 was used in the Polo Coupé.

Here, with its stock BBS wheels and Hella lamps, it’s a very appealing prospect indeed.

Make Lancia great again

Proof that you don’t need an Evo to catch the eye, was this 2-litre 16v. 

Of course, it helps when it is in utterly perfect condition and a great colour.

Survivor

Now, this might look like your average 205 and not particularly hot.

But as a 1.4-litre SR that weighs less than a ton, it’s a barrel of fun, no doubt.

Its owner certainly thinks so, who is preserving it to be completely original. And it is one of barely 10 still on the road in the UK. 

Anyone for tennis?

Ditto this Peugeot 205.

Not a GTI, but perhaps more interesting because of it. 

For the uninitiated, it celebrates Peugeot’s partnership with the French Open, also known as Roland Garros.

Ace 205

Like so many of the cars lining the main thoroughfare at Bicester Heritage, it was utterly mint and we had to take time to enjoy it.

This limited-edition model was available in convertible and roofed forms.

Star appeal

Perhaps one for the PlayStation generation was this Toyota Starlet Glanza.

It is something of an overlooked hot hatch of the 1990s, but with more than 130bhp its 0-60mph sprint still compares well with modern hatches.

The tuning potential is even bigger, but this is a real rarity. 

Mustard V6

It has been a while, so here is another Renault Clio V6.

This bright example guarded Legends Automotive and helped make it comfortably the best-represented model on show at the Scramblers meet.

Meanwhile, the non-hatch Lancia Aurelia looked resplendent.

Renault 4 GTL

And now for something a bit different.

The Renault 4 wouldn’t spring to the minds of many when you consider hot-hatch Renaults. But then there is this.

Cibie lamps and Gordini wheels? Why ever not. 

Renault 5 Turbo

Yet this really stole the show. 

As a 5 Turbo is wont to do.

As soon as it roared into the venue a crowd gathered, and it was rarely without a curious nose pressed against the glass.

“Car of the day,” remarked one to the owner as he stepped from the (no doubt warm) cabin.

Cabin fever

Unlike some 5 Turbos, it even looked the part inside. 

Should you need reminding, with that sound behind your eardrums, the dash plate will keep your mind focused…

If ever there was a car worthy of fronting a hot-hatch gathering, this’ll be it. 

Coming next…?

Many, many more people arrived at Bicester the day after for the National Alfa Day, but exclusivity is sort of the point of Scramblers.

The next meeting will take place at the end of July, with its theme as yet under wraps.