- The fresh new bodyshell was based since the light as you are able to, the garbage off undesired matter was got rid of
- Leading suspension supports was basically gone to live in bring greater song and you may more castor
- Buttocks suspension supports was in fact installed to include maximum traction, front and rear track is actually a comparable
- Bilstein suspension system, 170lb top springs, 146lb unmarried leaf buttocks springs
- The first automobile to-be fitted which have metal x prepare arches, fabricated for the-domestic at Gartrac
1981 – John Welch Escort Mk2
Gartrac produced autos for John throughout their rally mix field. Which Mk2 Escort was a clone of vehicles lead to have Martin Schanche prior to now, besides the Ford engine which in fact had an excellent Chevrolet Vega cylinder head that have big capacity and you may put certain three hundred BHP.
1981 – Rothmans Business Rally Party
Gartrac was developed alert a-year in advance that Ford create getting pulling out away from community rallying to concentrate on development new Escort RS1700T. Dave Bignold try invited so you can a conference within Boreham and are advised new works Escort Mk2 visit this site here rally development is visiting an enthusiastic prevent.
Rothmans, the new sponsors off Ford’s business rally energy in 1979, planned to continue their engagement throughout the sport and you will designed new Rothmans community rally cluster that was to operate Escort Mk2’s to possess Hannu Mikkola and you may Ari Vatenen within the 1980. This new cluster was to end up being treated by David Sutton exactly who Gartrac had in the past caused with regards to negotiations having Ford traders Clark & Simpson.
The group could be dependent during the David Sutton Cars within the Western London area and you can Gartrac are commissioned to keep creation of Escort Mk2 rally bodyshell’s and you can bits to your physically work on business rally class from the 1980 and you may 1981 community rally 12 months.
It was to show an extremely requiring months getting Gartrac. There was a high turnover of bodyshells are introduced at that some time Gartrac had to continue a couple of totally prepared shell’s in give since the back-up in order to established manufacturing criteria.
eighties – Audi Quattro
David Sutton along with his cluster gone out-of Ford and the Escort Mk2 shortly after successful the fresh 1981 Community Rally Tournament having Ari Vatenan, because it turned into clear Ford was not in a position to render an aggressive car towards the 1982 seasons. Their attention considered securing a package to operate Audi Quattro’s in the Uk Rally Tournament and soon after Globe Tournament occurrences.
During the early eighties Gartrac caused David Sutton once more which have the fresh Audi 80 Coupe and soon after put three performs Audi Quattro A2 bodyshells which have been sent more regarding Ingolstadt during the Germany. Audi always introduced all things in Germany, which means this is slightly unusual during the time.
The fresh Audi bodyshell’s had been a bit simple. Care and attention had to be delivered to make sure all bracketry try undoubtedly correct additionally the move crate are suitable accurately getting ultimate defense. The task was required to meet with German conditions, and therefore Gartrac went along to great lengths to attain.
Whilst the works engagement had ended having Ford, this was a highly busy several months to have Gartrac doing work for other providers particularly Audi, GM, Mitsubishi, Toyota and you will Austin Rover to call but a few.
Lookin straight back, it is not easy to visualize just how this all is actually attained since Gartrac had been greatly working in producing and you can supplying parts getting customer Escort’s and you will developing a unique ideas like the G3, G6 and you may G4 Mk3 Escort’s.
eighties – Gartrac G3 Rally Escort
Ford had finished production of the Escort Mk2 along with uncovered the fresh Mk3 which in simple form try front-wheel push, and this during the time was not competitive to possess rally play with. Gartrac chose to convert the brand new Mk3 so you can butt controls push and you will play with as many Mk2 parts that one can.