- This new bodyshell is founded just like the white that you could, most of the scrap out-of unwelcome matter are eliminated
- The leading suspension system supports was transferred to provide wide song and you can significantly more castor
- Butt suspension system mounts was installed to add maximum grip, front and rear track try a similar
- Bilstein suspension system, 170lb front springs, 146lb single leaf bottom springs
- The initial auto become fitting with alloy x package arches, fabricated in the-family at Gartrac
1981 – John Welch Escort Mk2
Gartrac produced cars for John while in the his rally mix industry. That it Mk2 Escort is a duplicate of your vehicles put getting Martin Schanche in the past, aside from the Ford motor which in fact had a beneficial Chevrolet Vega cylinder direct with big capacity and you can put specific 3 hundred BHP.
1981 – Rothmans World Rally Cluster
Gartrac was made alert a-year in advance one to Ford carry out become pulling-out off industry rallying to pay attention to developing the new Escort RS1700T. Dave Bignold is actually greeting to help you a meeting during the Boreham and try informed this new works Escort Mk2 rally creation was going to a keen prevent.
Rothmans, the fresh new sponsors away from Ford’s business rally energy in the 1979, desired to continue the engagement on athletics and you will formed this new Rothmans globe rally group which had been to run Escort Mk2’s to own Hannu Mikkola and Ari Vatenen when you look at east Salzburg asian escorts the 1980. New people was to feel addressed because of the David Sutton which Gartrac had in earlier times worked with due to their deals with Ford buyers Clark & Simpson.
The team could well be oriented at David Sutton Trucks in Western London and you may Gartrac is accredited to keep creation of Escort Mk2 rally bodyshell’s and you will bits on the physically work at globe rally group on 1980 and 1981 business rally season.
It was to show an incredibly requiring months for Gartrac. There was a premier turnover from bodyshells being introduced at that some time and Gartrac must keep a few completely prepared shell’s within the hands as support to established development standards.
1980s – Audi Quattro
David Sutton and his awesome people gone away from Ford together with Escort Mk2 after successful the 1981 Industry Rally Tournament that have Ari Vatenan, since it became obvious Ford was not capable render an aggressive car to your 1982 12 months. His appeal considered protecting a package to run Audi Quattro’s on United kingdom Rally Title and soon after Community Title situations.
In early 1980s Gartrac worked with David Sutton once more which have brand new Audi 80 Coupe and later put around three performs Audi Quattro A2 bodyshells which have been sent more away from Ingolstadt when you look at the Germany. Audi usually brought everything in Germany, which means this is actually quite strange during the time.
The fresh new Audi bodyshell’s were a little quick. Proper care had to be brought to make certain all bracketry was absolutely best as well as the roll cage is actually fitting accurately to own best cover. The job was required to speak to German conditions, and that Gartrac went along to higher lengths to reach.
While the performs wedding got ended which have Ford, this was a highly active period for Gartrac helping other suppliers for example Audi, GM, Mitsubishi, Toyota and you may Austin Rover to call but a few.
Searching back, it is hard to imagine just how this all is reached due to the fact Gartrac had been greatly employed in creating and you may offering pieces having consumer Escort’s and you can developing its plans like the G3, G6 and you can G4 Mk3 Escort’s.
1980s – Gartrac G3 Rally Escort
Ford got accomplished production of this new Escort Mk2 and had uncovered the fresh Mk3 which in important mode are front-wheel push, which at the time was not aggressive getting rally fool around with. Gartrac decided to convert the fresh new Mk3 in order to rear controls push and you can fool around with as many Mk2 parts you could.