Posted on

Rolling road tuning for Davrian Imp, Lotus 7 and Works Mini replica

We’ve had some very interesting machines in for tuning recently. An unusual, yet potent, Davrian Imp race car. These Imp based machines cleaned up on the race tracks during the 70’s but they are a rare sight now. This one looks like its stepped right out of 1975 and features a full race Hillman Imp engine on Weber carburettors.

We also had this delightful Series 2 Lotus 7 with period race history. Raced in period with a Ford engine it now features a 998cc BMC A-Series on a single Weber carburettor.

Finally, a very well done BMC Works Mini Cooper S rally car replica. This car has been built with a fantastic eye for detail and features genuine Abingdon modified split Weber carburettors.

Posted on

Former racing driver and car designer Rick Stevens pops by

We had the pleasure of meeting former racing driver and car designer Rick Stevens last week. Known for designing the Jaguar based Kougar as well as a number of race cars including Formula Fords. We were most interested to find out that Rick raced Hillman Imps in the 1960’s. According to Rick, Ray Calcutt got a driving ban and couldn’t compete for a season. Gergen Bevan needed a driver to cover for Ray and asked Rick to fill in.

Rick came by with the owner of this lovely example of the Kougar Sports Car.

Posted on

Testing Jaguar XK140 ahead of Donington Historic Festival

Following the recent return of the Mira-Gomez XK140 for the 2019 season, we’ve been busy preparing the car for Donington Historic Festival. Now that the car has some proper power from the new race engine, things are getting pushed a lot harder. One of those things being the driver! To help keep the driver in his seat we’ve changed the old leather bucket for a new Tillet B6 Screamer. We’ve had custom leather panels made up to match the existing leather interior.

Prior to Donington Historic Festival, Shaun has been out testing the car at Brands Hatch. Now that the car is going quicker we will be looking into some other other upgrades to aid handling.

Posted on

Triumph TR3A hard top fitting, service and MOT

This lovely Triumph TR3A came in for it’s annual full service and MOT but while it was here the owner also instructed us to fit a hardtop. The end result looks fantastic but the hard top did require a bit of work to make it fit. We had to trim it above the doors and around the aperture for the side screens.

Posted on

TR6 chassis repair

We had a Triumph TR6 come in with a drooping near side front suspension. The cause of the drop was due to the upper wishbone mount breaking away from the chassis. Once we got it apart it was apparent why. The polyurethane bushes that had been fitted to the upper wishbones were totally dry. No grease what so ever. The upper wishbone had seized leading to the eventual fatigue and fracturing of the chassis. We had to remake this part of the chassis from steel and weld it into place. The bushes on both sides were lubricated with rubber grease before the whole lot was put back together and the car could be put back on the road.

Posted on

Chateau Impney Hill Climb invitation for John Rhodes Mini

We are very pleased to receive an invitation to this years Chateau Impney Hill Climb event for John Rhodes Mini Cooper S. A superb event with an MSA sanctioned competitive hill climb on the grounds of the stunning 19th century house. In the drivers seat will, once again, be Charles Rainford, following from his aggressive attack of the Goodwood Festival of Speed course in 2018. The event is being held on July 13th and 14th 2019. Hope to see you there.