HISTORY & BACKGROUND

Originally built by Ricky Hicks (Chepstow) to bespoke rally specifications for a European rally commission.

The car was later returned to Ricky Hicks before being sold to JFI Classic Cars, who carried out sympathetic recommissioning work. This included mild detuning for usability, brake work, carburettor setup, and general preparation.

Purchased by the current owner from JFI Classic Cars, Brecon in February 2020, the car has since been continuously improved and maintained with no expense spared.

2021

31/08/2021 – Complete Rally Services
Full overhaul and detailed rebuild of the 4-speed gearbox.
25/10/2021 – Complete Rally Services
Complete engine rebuild, Weber 45 carburettors rebuilt, and rolling-road setup.
16/11/2021
Corbeau Sportline Evo 2 competition seats installed.

2022

22/02/2022
Bespoke long-range fuel tank fabricated and installed.
18/08/2022 – Major mechanical & chassis upgrade
Engine and gearbox removed
Flywheel faced and balanced; refitted with new clutch
Gearbox stripped and rebuilt using modified components
Carburettors stripped, cleaned, refitted and tuned
Full engine service and setup
New slave cylinder fitted
Bespoke gear lever and linkage fabricated
Second ignition coil added alongside original
Suspension converted to adjustable ride height; full geometry setup
Rear suspension shimmed and adjusted
4.27:1 crown wheel and pinion supplied and fitted
Additional wheel sensor pickups fitted (NSF) and high-output speed sensor fitted (OSF)
Trip meters and switches repositioned
Exhaust downpipe modified and protected
Ignition switch relocated
Roof lining sound-deadening installed

2024

30/05/2024
Electric power-assisted steering kit fitted with adjustable assistance.
Correct stamped VIN chassis plate supplied.
25/06/2024
New clutch master cylinder and pedal spring fitted.
Late-type gearbox (second-hand) installed.

2026 – Upon Arrival With Us

New TRS Magnum 4-point harnesses fitted with extended lap lengths to suit mounts
Front brake lines and calipers removed
New dual front brake lines fabricated from T-piece to calipers
Stainless fittings, extended banjos, unions, and copper washers installed
Brake system fully bled and tested
Brake fluid reservoirs re-secured
Reverse lights investigated and repaired:
Blown bulbs replaced
Poor internal lamp connections cleaned
System tested and confirmed operational
Brake pedal switch inspected, found faulty, replaced and correctly adjusted
Engine oil pressure checked using a calibrated manual gauge:
Cold-start through to operating temperature
Pressure confirmed healthy
Dash gauge under-reads by approximately 5 psi
Actual hot idle pressure ~20 psi

What do we think?

A cracking car for either someone starting there rally adventure, or someone looking to add a new car there line up for future events. RWD and 200 odd horsepower is a lot of fun!

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