The Car

New for 2005: Rebuilt diff, refurbished gearbox, refurbished engine, new wiring loom, new rear brake shoes.

The original plan was for all competitors to construct their cars from scratch, as per Ron Champion’s book "How to build a car for £250".  It quickly became apparent that welding a chassis together was beyond the wit of most, and a number of chassis manufacturers stepped forward – my chassis is an MK Engineering version. The chassis is a 1" square tube space frame chassis.

The engine is a 1300cc Ford Crossflow. The regulations deliberately limit the modifications allowed to the engine, as this is traditionally the most expensive part of the car.

At the front, the suspension is double unequal length wishbones (pre-fabricated). The uprights, top joint, bottom joint, track rod ends are all ex-Ford (Mk 2 Escort or Capri mainly). Shock absorbers are Leda single adjustable, with 2.25" springs.

The steering is a quick rack from a Mark II Ford Escort.

Cooling is arranged via a VW Polo radiator and electric fan.

The gearbox is a Ford "Type 2" 4 speed with integral bellhousing, found in Ford Cortinas and Escorts. The gearboxes must remain standard, including the synchromesh and cast iron casing.  Ratios are either standard box - 3.656, 2.185, 1.425, 1.000 or GT box - 3.337, 1.995, 1.418, 1.000.

The propshaft is modified from a Mark II Ford Escort.  Rear differential is either 3.89 or 4.125.

The rear suspension is trailing arms and Panhard Rod, supporting a live axle from a Mark II Ford Escort. Shock absorbers are again Ledas, with 2.25" springs.

A small 15 litre fuel tank is added behind the rear bulkhead.

The roll cage is a Safety Devices cage, homologated by the FIA.