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.
WORKS, MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES
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!
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure our historic rally cars are prepared to a high standard, buyers should appreciate that these are competition vehicles. By their very nature, participation in historic rallying places unique demands on both mechanical and electrical systems, and faults can arise despite thorough preparation. Prospective buyers should therefore budget for ongoing maintenance, recommissioning, and event preparation costs as an expected part of ownership.