Some TLC for the Ginetta G4

Ginetta G4 historic race car

Seeing as we are not racing at the moment it was decided to give the Ginetta G4 some much needed TLC. Ian Burford has relished this little orange racer since he bought it in 2015. Usually racing with the HSCC’s Historic Road Sports the Ginetta G4 has proved to be fast, fun and reliable. Over the years, however, the fibreglass body has picked up some cracks, scratches and rashes. He thought it best time we patch it up and repaint it.

Most of the body comes off which made it easier to deal with. The cracks in the fibreglass have all been prepared. Next, we stripped down the old paint and prepared the panels for a fresh coat in the same shade of bright orange. Ian will be itching to get back out on track so we’re all hoping that racing can resume soon.

Ginetta G4 lower wishbones – Available to order

Ginetta G4 lower wishbones

We can now supply Ginetta G4 lower wishbones. Due to the current lack of supply in the market we decided to take matters into our hands. We have produced a jig from which we can make new lower wishbones. We have simplified the design slightly and increased the wishbone’s strength.

The first pair of our new G4 lower wishbones is destined for Ian Burford’s 1965 example. Ian races regularly with the HSCC in the Historic Road Sports grid.

If you require a pair of Ginetta G4 lower wishbones we can make them to order. Additionally, if you have any questions please contact us by email or telephone to make an enquiry.

COVID-19 Update

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

Group A classic Mini Rally 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

BMW E9 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.