The project for the Metro 6R4 started in November 1980 at the same time as British Leyland stopped development of the Triumph TR7 V8. A Metro with a front-mounted Rover V8 was discussed, before the benefits of a mid-mounted engine and four wheel drive were chosen. Chassis development was carried out by Patrick Head and Williams Formula One team. A V6 version of the Rover V8 engine was experimented with, and prototypes ran with this engine in British National Rallies throughout 1984 and early 1985. By May 1985 ex Cosworth employee David wood had created the 3-litre V6 dohc engine and Homologation was applied for and achieved in November 1985 after 200 cars were built. The Clubman version actually won its first event 2 days after Ken Wood collected it from the factory. Tony Pond took a Metro 6R4 to 3rd overall on the 1985 Lombard RAC Rally but this was its best finish on International events. The shorter national events suited the unreliable 6R4 where it often won, not just in Britain but also in France, and then the car found a career in Rallycross. Group B Rallying was banned at the end of 1986 on safety grounds, but Austin Rover did manage to negotiate an exemption for a power-restricted Clubman 300 version in Group A rallying. Austin Rover sold the engine design to Tom Walkinshaw Racing who then developed it and took it to Jaguar for use in their XJ220 and XJR-10/11 racing cars.