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Good to hear from you Peter.

 

It's funny how events repeat themselves.

I had a cold call yesterday from a chap who wanted to know about rallying a TR4. He is currently running as a Novice on HRCR events using a Vitesse. Guess some of you may have come across him.

 

He is not yet a Register member and had called the Register office for advice on suppliers to talk to. They suggested TR Enterprise and Simon/Steven at TRE suggested talking to Tony or myself.

 

Guess I answered the phone first so as he is in my area (Leicestershire) next week I suggested coming to have a look at the car. In view of this thread I did start by asking why he had chosen a TR4. I think the answer was the he just likes them which sounds quite good enough to me.

 

John

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Mark,

 

Could not resist adding a few words.

 

The Classic Trophy was won by a very standard GT6 that lost its toughened windscreen on the second out of five days. They continued without a screen but did buy some goggles for the night section. Second car was a TR5 also fairly standard.

 

We have rallied a standard 1300cc Spit for around five years with reasonable success. Sometimes in the top 10 of around 50 starters. You just have to learn about energy conservation and don't get to close to big Healeys that are slow round corners on hills but then blast away leaving you with lost momentum. With a low powered car good handling and suspension qualities are vital and a Spit can be made to handle and stop very well. That rear suspension is nothing like as bad as people think.

 

Enough from me also, lets hear from Gealach.

 

John

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Mark, Andy,

 

Thank you for your kind very kind words.

 

However I think you may have opened a can of worms!

 

I agree that if I was starting again I would not go for a TR.

A saloon car is what is needed. An Amazon has got to be high on the list. Monica (nav) and I have just returned from a marshalling stint on the Classic Trophy and there was a superb Triumph 2500 Mk1 on that. It really did make me think.

 

The comment on the Revival Rally is another interesting point.

I am not sure how long true road rallying can continue. Almost every mainland Europe event has PR problems. I do think that the Revival Rally formula is spot on and is probably the future for low cost rallying. I had first refusal on a Corsa that came in 13th last year but the owner decided not to sell as he enjoyed the event so much and wanted another go. Suppose it also depends on your view on Phillip Young events.

 

Anyway enough of this chit chat - back to the workshop.

 

John

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Hi Guys,

 

I have been following this thread with great interest.

My real name is John Dowson and you may have read some of my rebuilders diary entries in TRAction on rebuilding a TR4 for road rallying.

You have all been very kind and not 'flamed' any of my scriblings or disagreed in public with what I have written.

 

Anyway, I must say that the advice given in the replies is very sound and as far as my experience goes in building a car, totally correct.

 

Almost all of the road rallying I have done has been in mainland Europe, only 12 cars in the UK so don't forget that you can be in for some very long motorway transport sections if that is what you are interested in so don't go for to low gearing.

 

Finally as stated DO NOT underestimate cost. I did and have now stopped adding up the bills. Also do get a usable car and

do a rolling restoration/preparation otherwise you will get

very frustrated. I have another car so that was not a problem.

 

This year is a year out as the TR is consuming to much money and time. Also it really has to be finished this year ready for next season.

 

Look forward to meeting you on events.

 

John