- Brand new bodyshell was mainly based once the light as possible, all of the trash off undesired issue is actually got rid of
- Leading suspension system brackets was transferred to render wider track and more castor
- Butt suspension system brackets was indeed installed to include restrict grip, back and front tune is actually an identical
- Bilstein suspension system, 170lb front side springs, 146lb single leaf rear springs
- The first vehicles to be fitting that have alloy x pack arches, fabricated in-home https://escortlook.de/en/austria/lower-austria/tulln in the Gartrac
1981 – John Welch Escort Mk2
Gartrac delivered cars having John throughout their rally cross job. Which Mk2 Escort was a clone of vehicles introduced having Martin Schanche in the past, apart from the Ford motor which in fact had a Chevrolet Vega cylinder lead having big strength and you may produced specific 3 hundred BHP.
1981 – Rothmans World Rally People
Gartrac was developed aware annually beforehand that Ford create feel pulling out out-of globe rallying to pay attention to development brand new Escort RS1700T. Dave Bignold is actually desired so you’re able to a meeting from the Boreham and is actually advised the fresh works Escort Mk2 rally creation is arriving at an prevent.
Rothmans, the fresh sponsors out-of Ford’s globe rally effort into the 1979, desired to keep its involvement regarding recreation and you may shaped the newest Rothmans world rally team which was to perform Escort Mk2’s getting Hannu Mikkola and Ari Vatenen inside the 1980. This new cluster were to be addressed by David Sutton whom Gartrac got before caused with regards to deals having Ford dealers Clark & Simpson.
The group would-be centered during the David Sutton Autos when you look at the Western London and you can Gartrac try commissioned to continue creation of Escort Mk2 rally bodyshell’s and you will parts towards the myself run world rally people regarding 1980 and you can 1981 world rally year.
This is to show an incredibly demanding months getting Gartrac. You will find a top turnover away from bodyshells being introduced at this some time and Gartrac had to remain one or two completely prepared shell’s into the give since back-up so you can established design requirements.
1980s – Audi Quattro
David Sutton and his awesome party went out-of Ford together with Escort Mk2 immediately after effective the brand new 1981 Business Rally Championship that have Ari Vatenan, as it became clear Ford wasn’t able to render an aggressive car on 1982 season. His attract turned to protecting a deal to run Audi Quattro’s regarding United kingdom Rally Tournament and later Business Title situations.
At the beginning of 1980s Gartrac worked with David Sutton again which have the latest Audi 80 Coupe and soon after put three functions Audi Quattro A2 bodyshells that have been delivered more than of Ingolstadt inside the Germany. Audi constantly lead everything in Germany, so this try a bit unusual at that time.
The new Audi bodyshell’s was basically some quick. Care and attention needed to be taken to make certain all the bracketry are surely correct while the roll crate is actually fitted truthfully to own biggest defense. Work was required to talk with German requirements, hence Gartrac went to high lengths to attain.
While the performs wedding had ended with Ford, it was an extremely hectic several months getting Gartrac employed by most other manufacturers such Audi, GM, Mitsubishi, Toyota and you can Austin Rover to call just a few.
Lookin back, it is not easy to assume just how this all is reached because the Gartrac was still heavily employed in producing and supplying pieces to own customers Escort’s and you may developing its very own ideas for instance the G3, G6 and G4 Mk3 Escort’s.
eighties – Gartrac G3 Rally Escort
Ford had accomplished creation of the latest Escort Mk2 together with uncovered this new Mk3 that simple setting try front wheel push, which at the time was not aggressive to possess rally fool around with. Gartrac chose to transfer the new Mk3 so you can buttocks controls drive and you will have fun with as many Mk2 parts you could.