Although never designed or envisaged as a competition car, it soon became obvious – thanks to its light weight and good turn of speed – that the One-Point-Five could become an effective choice in both rallying and racing. The management at BMC realised this and as early as December 1957 a team of three cars was being prepared by the Competitions Department at Abingdon. The gauntlet was also taken up by a number of private enthusiasts, with varying levels of success in both international rallies and circuit racing.

Two well known current cars at Brands Hatch driven by Jack Sears and Tommy Sopwith.