- This new bodyshell try created since the light that one can, all the trash off undesired thing is eliminated
- The front suspension supports have been transferred to bring large track and you can much more castor
- Buttocks suspension system supports was basically strung to incorporate limitation traction, back and front track is actually an identical
- Bilstein suspension system, 170lb top springs, 146lb solitary leaf bottom springs
- The initial auto to be suitable which have alloy x package arches, fabricated in the-house at Gartrac
1981 – John Welch Escort Mk2
Gartrac brought cars getting John throughout the his rally mix occupation. So it Mk2 Escort was a duplicate of your vehicles lead to possess Martin Schanche previously, aside from the Ford motor which had a great Chevrolet Vega tube head that have huge capability and you will produced specific 300 BHP.
1981 – Rothmans Community Rally Cluster
Gartrac was created aware a-year ahead of time one Ford perform become pulling-out off globe rallying to concentrate on development the Escort RS1700T. Dave Bignold is acceptance to help you a meeting at Boreham and you may is advised the brand new performs Escort Mk2 rally manufacturing is actually coming to an enthusiastic avoid.
Rothmans, the sponsors of Ford’s world rally effort when you look at the 1979, wished to remain their engagement on the recreation and you can designed this new Rothmans industry rally cluster which was to run Escort Mk2’s to have Hannu Mikkola and you may Ari Vatenen from inside the 1980. The cluster was to feel handled because of the David Sutton exactly who Gartrac got in the past worked with due to their negotiations having Ford dealers Clark & Simpson.
The team will be mainly based during the David Sutton Trucks inside Western London and you may Gartrac was commissioned to carry on production of Escort Mk2 rally bodyshell’s and you will parts toward myself manage business rally cluster about 1980 and you may 1981 world rally year.
It was to Gossau escort guide show an incredibly demanding period to own Gartrac. There’s a high return regarding bodyshells getting lead at that some time and Gartrac had to keep several completely wishing shell’s in the hands as the back up to existing design criteria.
mid-eighties – Audi Quattro
David Sutton along with his cluster gone of Ford together with Escort Mk2 once winning the fresh 1981 Community Rally Title which have Ari Vatenan, whilst turned into clear Ford wasn’t able to bring a competitive vehicle into 1982 season. Their notice considered protecting a deal to perform Audi Quattro’s regarding United kingdom Rally Title and later Industry Title occurrences.
In early eighties Gartrac caused David Sutton again having the latest Audi 80 Coupe and soon after put three work Audi Quattro A2 bodyshells that happen to be sent over from Ingolstadt in Germany. Audi constantly produced everything in Germany, and this try quite strange during the time.
The fresh Audi bodyshell’s was quite straightforward. Worry must be taken to make sure most of the bracketry try undoubtedly best plus the roll cage is actually fitting truthfully getting best safety. The work was required to speak to German conditions, and therefore Gartrac decided to go to high lengths to get to.
Although the functions wedding had finished having Ford, this is an incredibly active months getting Gartrac working for most other firms such as for example Audi, GM, Mitsubishi, Toyota and you will Austin Rover to mention just a few.
Lookin back, it is not easy to assume how this all is actually hit as Gartrac was still heavily involved in promoting and promoting parts to own buyers Escort’s and development a unique methods like the G3, G6 and you can G4 Mk3 Escort’s.
1980s – Gartrac G3 Rally Escort
Ford got finished creation of the fresh new Escort Mk2 along with announced the fresh Mk3 that fundamental mode try front wheel drive, and this at the time was not aggressive to have rally use. Gartrac made a decision to transfer the brand new Mk3 so you can buttocks wheel drive and you can have fun with as numerous Mk2 parts that you could.
