However so it proclaimed yet another part off creation of Escort Mk2’s
- New bodyshell is actually established just like the light as possible, every garbage regarding unwelcome procedure are got rid of
- Leading suspension supports were relocated to render wider song and so much more castor
- Rear suspension supports was basically installed to add restriction grip, front and rear track try an identical
- Bilstein suspension system, 170lb front springs, 146lb single leaf bottom springs
- The initial automobile to be fitted which have alloy x pack arches, fabricated from inside the-house in the Gartrac
1981 – John Welch Escort Mk2
Gartrac produced vehicles getting John while in the his rally get across job. It Mk2 Escort was a clone of your auto brought to possess Martin Schanche in the past, apart from the Ford motor which had a good Chevrolet Vega cylinder head having big potential and you may lead certain three hundred escortlook.de i thought about this BHP.
1981 – Rothmans Community Rally Group
Gartrac was made aware a-year ahead of time one Ford perform feel pulling-out off world rallying to pay attention to developing the brand new Escort RS1700T. Dave Bignold are invited to a meeting at Boreham and you may try advised the new performs Escort Mk2 rally design are arriving at a keen end.
Rothmans, the new sponsors away from Ford’s community rally efforts from inside the 1979, wished to remain its involvement regarding the recreation and designed this new Rothmans community rally group which was to run Escort Mk2’s having Hannu Mikkola and you will Ari Vatenen during the 1980. The newest team were to become managed by the David Sutton just who Gartrac had previously worked with through its dealings with Ford dealers Clark & Simpson.
The team is depending at David Sutton Vehicles from inside the West London area and you can Gartrac are accredited to carry on production of Escort Mk2 rally bodyshell’s and you may parts to your really manage business rally class throughout the 1980 and you can 1981 world rally 12 months.
This is to show a very requiring months to possess Gartrac. There was a premier turnover regarding bodyshells becoming produced at this some time and Gartrac needed to continue a few fully waiting shell’s in give because back-up so you’re able to present creation requirements.
eighties – Audi Quattro
David Sutton and his cluster went out-of Ford and Escort Mk2 after winning new 1981 Globe Rally Championship having Ari Vatenan, because turned into clear Ford wasn’t in a position to offer a competitive automobile on the 1982 season. His desire considered protecting a great deal to operate Audi Quattro’s regarding the British Rally Title and later Business Tournament events.
During the early 1980s Gartrac caused David Sutton again that have the fresh new Audi 80 Coupe and later produced about three work Audi Quattro A2 bodyshells that have been sent more than off Ingolstadt within the Germany. Audi always delivered everything in Germany, so this is slightly uncommon at that time.
The latest Audi bodyshell’s was in fact quite easy. Worry must be taken to make certain that every bracketry are certainly proper in addition to move crate is installing truthfully to have greatest cover. The job was required to speak to German criteria, and this Gartrac went to high lengths to attain.
Although the functions involvement got ended which have Ford, this was a highly hectic period to possess Gartrac helping other brands like Audi, GM, Mitsubishi, Toyota and you can Austin Rover to mention but a few.
Searching straight back, it is not easy to assume how all this work try achieved because the Gartrac was still heavily involved in producing and you may offering bits getting buyers Escort’s and you can developing a unique strategies for instance the G3, G6 and you will G4 Mk3 Escort’s.
mid-eighties – Gartrac G3 Rally Escort
Ford had finished production of the Escort Mk2 and had expose brand new Mk3 that basic form is front-wheel drive, and that at that time wasn’t aggressive to possess rally use. Gartrac chose to convert the fresh Mk3 so you’re able to bottom wheel push and you may use as many Mk2 parts that one may.