URX 727 was a brand new car specially prepared by the BMC Works Dept.
Little did they know that she was about to carve her name in history
in the most spectacular way. A pair of Heuer Clocks presented to Pat
for winning a Coupe des Dames in the Geneva Rally were fitted to the
car and sentimentally remained there throughout the season. They have
recently been re-united where they belong. The love affair between
Pat and Uuurx, as she was affectionately known, started almost immediately.
It was love at first sight and from then on nobody else ever rallied
her except for Pat. The experienced and skilful combination of Pat
and Ann immediately produced a remarkable 8th overall and first in
class in the Tulip Rally.
The next rally in their sights was the more famous 'Coupe des Alps'
or the Alpine Rally as it was known. URX appeared with her new sporty
appearance, open grill, skimpy protective mesh guard and no bumpers.
Always, of course, with her factory fitted white hard top for added
protection. Could the famous trio improve on their past success?
Driving almost faultlessly in this demanding event, they went one
better by coming second overall and again taking the class win with
their astonishing performance. Pat was now bonding with her most
favourite Healey.
Three months had passed and it was now September. Time for the
big one. The notorious Liege-Rome-Liege known to contestants as
the most gruelling of all the European Rallies. The notorious Stelvio
Pass and 96 hours non stop against the best that the rest of the
world's top drivers and manufacturers could put up in opposition.
What took place now can only be described as the stuff of legend.
The famous trio not only did they achieve another class win, but
this outstanding performance clinched overall outright victory in
the toughest rally in the calendar. It was the first time a female
crew had won a Championship International Rally outright and a first
for BMC. This remains the best performance of all time by a female
crew. Pat drove for 90 of the 96 hours over 3,100 miles on the highest
passes and roughest roads in Europe, driving almost continually
for four days and nights.
What happen thereafter is unimportant, history had been made and
Pat was awarded Rally Driver of the Year. As for' Uuurx', we need
only say" The Greatest Healey of All Time".
A world record price was achieved at Christie's recent Auction
sale and the new owner has restored the car meticulously to it's
Liege livery and the famous Heuer clocks are back where they belong.
It proves a point that cars with history and especially "Works"
racing or rallying history will always command a high price but
the true greats and the most famous legendry cars of all, well sky's
the limit.
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