The
Honda.
During the 1992 season the
Honda was built by Jim Morgan at JTM services near Haslemere. The whole
project, starting from scratch, was completed in a little over five months
with many of the parts coming from well known sources. The suspension was
from a Group C2 Spice sports car together with Hewland transaxle, centre
lock BBS wheels and AP air jacks. The Ford Cosworth engine was originally
built by Andy Rouse and then modified by Alan Sherwood before finally it
went to Harvey Gibb in
Peterborough.
Intercooler and Radiator assemblies were made by Brise Fabrications in
Dartford.
The bodywork was all
uniquely made by Dove Engineering in Alton, Hants. During the last couple of
years that we owned the car the aerodynamics were subtly modified to enable
us to compete against the more nimble Super Touring Cars. Endplates were
added to the rear wing, an extended front splitter was added with small
winglets and the underneath of the floor was altered to tidy up airflow with
the aid of a rather nice diffuser.
It was
a heart breaking moment in October 2003 to see the Honda go, but the buyer
is sure to give the beast more time out on the track than we could. Peter
Thurston now owns the car that Rod built during 1992 and which has beaten
far more modern Super Touring Cars than we care to mention. Peter is one of
the most honest, enthusiastic and spectacular drivers we know, but time will
tell if he will manage to get the same sideways action as he does with his
splendid V8 MK1 Escort.
UPDATE. The
car is currently in moth balls.
(August 2006)
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Late 1992 |
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The Honda was created in the JTM Services workshop in Haselmere. |
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Late 1992 |
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Jim Morgan, the designer had previously created cars that were used for the film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". |
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Late 1992 |
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Trying the car for size. |
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Rear Hub |
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The suspension and hub assemblies were the same as could be found on any Spice Group C2 endurance sports car. |
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Looking Familiar |
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And then it was painted Black and fitted with the essential Cosworth engine. |
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1993 |
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Sponsor's aplenty. This was taken during 1993 at the Castle Combe round of the Thundersaloon Championship. |
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Brands Hatch 1993 |
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Rounding Druids Hairpin in 1993, followed by the pack. |
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The Powerplant |
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Every year the engine are was removed and shipped to Harvey Gibb in Peterborough. The Black top engine belongs to the Honda. The red one is from the Escort. |
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Cosworth Power |
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For the last couple of seasons that we raced the Honda the engine management was updated. The electrics were outdated compared to the competitions. The much newer Super Touring Cars. |
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2nd April 2000 |
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On the exit of Paddock Hill Bend during the Formula Saloon Race at Brands Hatch. |
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8th September 2002 |
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Paddock Hill Bend, Brands Hatch. For the more eagle eyed of you, notice the revised front and rear spoilers. A small aero modification to keep the "old girl" on par with the more modern Super Touring Cars. |
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8th September 2002 |
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Druids Hairpin, Brands Hatch.
No prizes for guessing who's tyres we use ?
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