10/02/2021
H I S T O R Y O F T H E C A R T H U S F A R
Originally built in the 70s as a 2-wheel drive car, by Rolf Nilsson, it’s afforded it’s drivers many podiums.
One of the most famous and iconic being the 1982 Rallycross GP at Brands Hatch. It was also the last 2 WD car to win the British GP.
It was then converted to a 4WD Twin turbo by Rolf, making it one of those brutal 80s 4 WD turbo Porsche’s, before the invasion of the iconic Group Bs. I believe the car was subsequently sold to Shell Owen in Holland, though I do not have any history of the car for that period of time.
The car came to the UK around 1996 as the engine was bought from it. Which is when I seized the opportunity to purchase the car in 1997, minus the engine. I rebuilt the car with a lightly tuned 3.2 ltr normally aspirated engine in a 4WD format.
It was driven by Sue Jeffery in the BRDA in 1998 & 99 taking her to a respectable 4th place in the championship.
In 2000 the car got put back to 2WD and the engine went up to 3.4 ltr WITH 3.6 ltr RS cams and TWM throttle body with lumenition management running 300 BHP. Sue and I shared the car until 2002, when it had a terminal engine failure.
The car was parked up for some time while I gathered parts to rebuild and refit a twin turbo 500 BHP engine. I managed to complete the work in time to come out in the fantastic Retro Rallycross challenge 2012 (and because of its success, its now a full-on championship).
I have been driving the car since 2012 in the Retro rallycross group, competing at Lydden hill, Croft, Pembrey and Knock Hill - to name but a few. With numerous successes and a few brakeages along the way, it’s truly been a great experience.
I have also taken the car to Brighton speed trials, you might like to find the video link I’ve shared on this page.
The car has been laid up for a couple of seasons now but I’ve taken the time to refresh the engine and gearbox, as well as having it remapped. Also a few minor modifications. Hoping for about 600 BHP. Going to be a handful but interesting as ever!