We are currently operating a lockdown service. We have a small number of local staff working in isolated departments. We are thankful to have a few projects to carry on with at this time and will continue to evaluate the situation day to day. If you need us our recovery truck is ready to collect your vehicle. Please telephone the workshop if you need anything and we will do our best to accommodate. Stay safe.
1994 Group A Classic Mini Cooper Rally car build
We’ve begun work on a Group A Classic Mini Cooper Rally car build. Our customer has supplied a relatively tidy 1994 Mini Cooper body shell from which to build it. Once complete the car will feature a full rally modified 1293cc SPi engine.
First things first we must restore the body shell. Thankfully the original body was relatively rust free. The worst rust was in the front floor area. Most Mini’s require new front end panels as these are prone to rusting. In addition we’ve had to replace the out sills, rear valance and repair the floors and bottom edge of the rear panel. We are also installing a full roll cage and reinforcing the body with seam welding. Most of the parts for this build are being supplied by Mini Sport.
The body will be painted in the original Rover Flame Red with white roof. The car will be built to the FIA Group A regulations of 1994 just like the car Paddy Hopkirk used when he returned to compete in the Monte Carlo Rally. More updates on this Classic Mini Rally car build to follow. Next up, the 1293cc rally mini engine build.
BMW E9 3.0 CSi Restomod
We started this classic BMW E9 restomod project just over a year ago. The premise was to restore the car to look close to standard but include subtle modifications for performance, reliability and drivability. The very definition of a ‘Restomod’.
The exterior was finished in BMW Altantic Blue and remains understated. The original 14″ Alpina wheels were retained rather than an unnecessary increase in diameter. The suspension was rebuilt and treated to a set of Bilstien Sport shock absorbers. Additionally, a set of subtly lowered springs were installed. The 4 speed gearbox was swapped out for a 5-speed and a LSD was installed at the back.
Under the bonnet you will now find a M30B35 3.5 litre straight six engine from the 635. It has been modified with a ported cylinder head, Schrick 284 camshaft and a balanced rotating assembly. The engine is fed through an individual throttle body (ITB) fuel injection system from Jenvey with an Emerald ECU.
Lastly, the interior. SM Trimming did a fabulous job trimming the interior in a tobacco brown leather with custom carpet set. They also restored the dashboard and all of the wood paneling.
The end result is a car that is magnificent to drive. And, in contrast to the understated classy looks, the six cylinder sound track from the ITB injection is raucous. The perfect juxtaposition for this BMW E9 restomod.
VIDEO – Historic race preparation and support for the true enthusiast
Here at CCK, we are all racing enthusiasts at heart. We thrive on the spirit and camaraderie that motor racing offers. Whatever car you choose to race and wherever your passion lies, we aim to get the best out of it, the best out of you and, most importantly, have the most amount of fun. At the end of the day, if you are not having fun then what is the point in any of it.
We can tailor a race preparation and support package to suit your needs. We take on the maintenance and development of your car leaving you to concentrate on driving and enjoying your racing. For more information on the services we offer please call the workshop on 01825 733060 or email us at info@cckhistoric.com
FIA Triumph TR4 race car – New owner. New look
The FIA Triumph TR4 race car has found a new owner. Equipe GTS regular, Paul Kennelly, has taken over the custodianship from Dave Griffiths. Paul has already made the car his own by changing the livery. The red stripe across the bonnet and red front panel are now gone and the hard top has been painted silver. Additionally, we’ve added silver roundels to match the top.
Over the winter we have given the car a fresh prep. We decided to fit new brake calipers and master cylinder ahead of this season. Paul’s first race in the car will be Goodwood’s 78th Members Meeting. It will also be Paul’s first time racing at Goodwood. Paul has already tested the car once at Brands Hatch and will test the car again at Goodwood prior to Members Meeting.
This FIA Triumph TR4 race car has been consistently campaigned over the past 30 years. We are excited to see the car passed onto a new owner who will continue to race it.
