GrpB Rally Car

[DaveCollins]

I was really surprised when I visited the Classic Car show at the NEC last weekend to come across an origional Grp B RX-7.  I was even more surprised when I found out that it was now resident in the UK and was one of the pair of cars that really sparked my interest in RX-7s on the 1984 RAC rally. My thanks to the guys from Silverstone Autosport (Lindop) who let me have a good look at the car.  I can\'t wait to see this car agan out on the stages where I can hopefully get a few better pictures than are possible under the indoor lighting at the NEC.  For those interested details of appearances will be up on their web site http://www.silverstoneautosport.co.uk/.

It was relly interesting to see how the engine is moved back in the chassis so that the front is about level with the front axle line (see picture of engine mount).  You will also see in the rear the dual electric fuel pumps (I have seen pictures of works cars with 3 in ths position) and the dry sump tank on the other side behind the fuel tank.

This car now has a UK registration (have you got it on your list yet David?) although I understand it was the 1984 RAC Ingvar Carlson car (CJH710) and the 18th of 20 cars built by MRTE.

Rally history for this car:

RAC 84 - Carlsson/Melander    N°26 - retired rear axle failure
Sweden 85 - Carlsson/Melander    N°8 - 8th
Acropolis 85 - Carlsson/Melander    N°9 - 3rd
Lindisfarne 85 - Carlsson/Mellander  N°2 - 2nd
RAC 85 - Carlsson/Melander    N°9 - 10th

Dave

[clive]

Thanks for the post Dave,

Hopefully this car will be brought along to R7 where it will appreciate the adulation it deserves, plus the pictures from a  Rotorstock appearance would end up all around the world,

[David Nock (RIP)]

Thanks Dave. No I didn\'t have it as I didn\'t know any were surviving. (Though I\'ve got Fintan Foley\'s S1 Rally car which is probably older). I\'ve noted it as 1984 build.
The Reg doesn\'t appear to be a recognised road reg - so it\'s probably transported about?
No matter, all entered up now. Cheers.

[stacy]

Fabulous - thanks for the photos. I was asked to display mine there on a mag stand but couldn\'t as it wasn\'t ready. I\'m pleased I didn\'t now, I\'d have been upstaged! ;-)

S.

[gnj37]

Is the fuel tank behind driver or under were the spare wheel would sit as there seems to be a aluminium box which maybe gives a little room behind drivers seat great to see  the close up photos more please.

[kiwimazda]

The fuel tank is behind the drivers seat and above the rear axle. This unfortunatly raised the cog but it puts more weight over the rear axle. It also removes the risk of damage of debris passing under the car

[DaveCollins]

Fuel tank is situated under the hatch area where the spare wheel would normally go. You can see the fuel filler is let into the driver side (lhd) rear side window, just above and in front of the dry sump tank, and the pipe goes down into the tank. There is a glass window from the top of the rear firewall to the roof so that the passenger compartment is isolated from fuel/oil tanks.

I have seen pictures of cars where the shape of the rear firewall is formed in a semi circular fashion to allow two spare wheels to be carried (R. Klein Rally Cars P372). Not sure if this was standard on all works cars and has been subsequently changed at a rebuild on this car, or was just used for some events e.g. Acropolis where 2 spares would have been useful.

Dave

[DaveCollins]

Looking at the Klein picture closely it looks like the petrol filler may go in to an upper tank rather than the underfloor tank that is on this car at present.  Only way to really find out what options could be used will be to look at the homologation papers.

I have not seen too many interior period pictures of works cars.  If anyone has any please share.

Dave

[Brett]

I want it! That\'s so cool :god

[steve garbutt]

Thats the nicests looking 1st gen iv ever seen

[gnj37]

here\'s one in it\'s working clothes @1.12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYy0WNvtorw

you would think it had anti lag

[RotorHeid]

it\'s not the same car ,near enough but good show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJFpqTlPc4c

[kiwimazda]

While we are all at it then
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SMmjUk7CR4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCCQi4CrPeg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS1rVAojKgY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6gV05ouKFM&feature=related

[DaveCollins]

There are some videos of this car in action before it was sold on the following site:

http://www.c-jacob.com/index.php?file=Download&op=categorie&type=2

Rallye des Ardennes in the 2007 folder is worth watching.  There are a fair few in 2007/2008 year folders.  I found the best way to watch is to download the file by right clicking on the Telecharger ce fichier link and doing a save target as.

Dave

[jacekr35]

Hi
 
Just another record to the history of this rally car.
 
Check the year 1984 on the list of the rally winners
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rally_of_Poland