Peter ‘Possum’ Bourne was respected not only by Australian and New Zealand rally fans, but proved more than a match for the world’s best.
Highlighted by his early and long sustained relationship with Subaru, Bourne won multiple championships before his untimely death in 2003 during preparations for the Race to the Sky event in the Cardrona Valley.
Earning his nickname ‘Possum’ after crashing his mother’s Humber 80 when avoiding one of the cheeky marsupials, but his skills on the dirt ensured this moniker became famous worldwide.
After leaving school at 15 and becoming an apprentice motor mechanic, his interest was sparked when co-driving with a friend. He transferred to the driver’s seat, using a Ford Cortina Mark 1 as he used his engineering prowess to shoehorn a V8 into it.
A Mazda RX3 was next before starting his long association with Subaru at a crucial time for the Japanese manufacturer as it was just starting its involvement in rallying to build its brand awareness. Now enjoying an enviable reputation, back in the early 1980s Subaru was still forging this and Bourne’s success helped in this.
Driving the turbo version of the Leone designated RX, Bourne found success in the Group A Class of Rally New Zealand on numerous occasions and when he moved up to a Group A Legacy (Liberty) Australia was calling.
Winning the New Zealand title in 1991, attention was not only set on replicating this in Australia, but the Asia Pacific Championship was also calling at a time when World Rallying stars including Richard Burns and Kenneth Eriksson regularly competed.
Winning three Asia Pacific titles in 1992, 1993 and 2000 consolidated his standing as one of rallying’s stars in the region, but this was more than matched in Australia.
Entering the Australian Rally Championship in 1991, Bourne’s rivalries with Mitsubishi driver Ed Ordynski and in particular Toyota’s Neal Bates were spectacular when each of the three manufacturers were investing in the sport.
From 1996 until 2002, Bourne won seven consecutive titles as Subaru’s brand rose through the combination of his and Colin McRae’s international success as the Impreza WRX became the dream model for boy racers.
However, there was tragedy along the way as a crash during the opening day of Rally Australia in 1993 resulted in the death of co-driver Roger Freeth. Bourne almost retired by was encouraged by the Freeth family to continue as the ROJ number plate remained a tribute on his various Subarus.
Finishing a best of 14th three times in the World Rally Championship, Bourne was undertaking a season in the Production Class at the time of his passing.
Bourne has inspired many New Zealand youngsters including Repco-supported Hayden Paddon, who drove the same Impreza WRX his hero rallied with much success.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Paddon told Dirtfish.
“Sitting here, where ‘Possum’ sat, 20… actually 25 years ago. I didn’t actually know him personally, I was a bit young, but I remember getting autographs and pictures. He had so much success with this car, to get the chance to drive it is something special.”
Not only did Bourne inspire a generation in his native country, but he played mentor to drivers including Cody Crocker and Dean Herridge.
Although he has passed, Bourne’s legacy lives on through his wife Peggy as well as children Taylor, Spencer and Jazlin.