- The new bodyshell is actually mainly based since the white that one may, the scrap regarding unwanted thing try removed
- The front suspension supports have been relocated to give large track and a whole lot more castor
- Buttocks suspension system supports was indeed installed to include restriction grip, back and front track are a comparable
- Bilstein suspension, 170lb front side springs, 146lb unmarried leaf butt springs
- The initial auto to get fitted having metal x prepare arches, fabricated for the-domestic from the Gartrac
1981 – John Welch Escort Mk2
Gartrac introduced automobiles to possess John throughout the his rally get across profession. So it Mk2 Escort are a clone of the car produced to possess Martin Schanche in the past, besides the Ford motor which had a Chevrolet Vega tube direct having big ability and you may produced certain three hundred BHP.
1981 – Rothmans Industry Rally People
Gartrac was created alert a-year ahead of time you to Ford do be pulling out regarding world rallying to concentrate on developing the new Escort RS1700T. Dave Bignold was greeting to help you a conference from the Boreham and you may is actually advised the brand new works Escort Mk2 rally design try visiting an enthusiastic end.
Rothmans, the sponsors off Ford’s globe rally efforts from inside the 1979, wanted to keep its engagement in the sport and you can formed the fresh Rothmans industry rally team which was to run Escort Mk2’s getting Hannu Mikkola and you will Ari Vatenen into the 1980. The new class would be to getting handled by David Sutton exactly who Gartrac had in past times worked with and their deals with Ford buyers Clark & Simpson.
The team might be situated on David Sutton Trucks for the West London and you may Gartrac is accredited to keep creation of Escort Mk2 rally bodyshell’s and you will parts on the individually work with world rally people throughout the 1980 and 1981 community rally year.
It was to show a very demanding several months to have Gartrac. You will find a high return out-of bodyshells getting delivered at that time and Gartrac must remain a couple of totally waiting shell’s for the hand given that back up to help you present production conditions.
eighties – Audi Quattro
David Sutton with his group gone from Ford as well as the Escort Mk2 once effective the fresh 1981 Globe Rally Tournament having Ari Vatenan, since it turned into clear Ford was not in a position to promote a competitive automobile to the 1982 season. His interest turned to securing a deal to perform Audi Quattro’s regarding United kingdom Rally Tournament and soon after World Championship incidents.
At the beginning of mid-eighties Gartrac worked with David Sutton once again that have new Audi 80 Coupe and soon after produced around three performs Audi Quattro A2 bodyshells that happen to be delivered more out of Ingolstadt when you look at the Germany. Audi usually produced everything in Germany, which means this are somewhat unusual at the time.
This new Audi bodyshell’s was basically a little straightforward. Care and attention must be delivered to make certain every bracketry is actually absolutely correct together with roll crate is suitable precisely to have ultimate security. The job must meet with German standards, and that Gartrac went to great lengths to achieve.
Whilst functions involvement got concluded having Ford, this is a highly hectic period to have Gartrac helping almost every other suppliers such Audi, GM, Mitsubishi, Toyota and you may Austin Rover to-name just a few.
Looking back, it is not easy to assume just how all this are achieved as Gartrac was Nidwalden escort guide still greatly involved in generating and you will providing pieces getting consumer Escort’s and development its very own systems such as the G3, G6 and G4 Mk3 Escort’s.
1980s – Gartrac G3 Rally Escort
Ford had complete production of the newest Escort Mk2 together with revealed the fresh Mk3 that fundamental means was front-wheel push, hence at that time wasn’t competitive to have rally use. Gartrac decided to move the new Mk3 in order to rear controls push and you can explore as numerous Mk2 bits that one can.