Gartrac generated their earliest associate having David Sutton who was new director regarding Clark & Simpson have been Ford buyers from inside the Sloane Square, London. The cars were mainly practical with no roll cages, but not Gartrac provided uprated suspension and you will powering apparatus parts towards the experience.
Just prior to the start of new rally Dave Bignold try questioned from the Ford to search up to Clark & Simpson and you will fit bottom shock absorber turrets into Rauno Aaltonen’s Ford Escort 1850 GT. The installation try finished quickly over a sunday and you will Aaltonen’s vehicle is actually prepared to vie in the rally.
From the very early 1970s, Gartrac altered Escort Mk1 bodyshells to possess Clark & Simpson within the London
New London – Mexico Industry Mug rally started during the Wembley Arena into the London for the April 19th 1970 level whenever 16,000 miles compliment of European countries and you may South america and you will finishing for the Mexico Area may 27th 1970. The big event is actually really successful getting Ford with Hannu Mikola and Gunnar Palm profitable the newest rally and you will Rauno Aaltonen and you may Henry Liddon finishing third.
Gartrac proceeded developing parts toward Escort Mk1 rally trucks. In early 1970s another well-known win was Hannnu Mikkola and Gunnar Palm’s 1972 Safari Rally earn regarding the Escort RS 1600. The pair carry out grab an early head that they never missing and you can turned the first low-African crew so you can profit new Eastern African Safari Rally.
70s – The brand new Performs Escort Mk2
These types of changes was basically generally fitted shock absorber turrets, material bubble arches and reworking axle’s. Gartrac perform customize dos-step 3 bodyshells per week for many ages.
Gartrac are increasing within the character while the absolute level of work created which they needed to go from their small working area inside the Farnham, Surrey. They quickly discovered a new big working area during the Godalming, Surrey, permitting them to undertake a whole lot more employees, and as a result the yields became significantly.
Ford had just brought out this new Escort Mk2 and you may realised Gartrac’s quick progress. Ford was looking for a fabrication organization that may build Escort Mk2 bodyshells and you may bits for their really works rally people.
They wished the fresh new Mk2 bodyshells become similar having an equipment away from bits that fitted all the car; this was incorrect with the Mk1. For every drivers’ auto mechanic would have escorts in Nidwalden her idea of an informed way to generate an automible, definition zero two automobiles are definitely the exact same. It triggered issues whenever maintenance the vehicles into incidents, since parts didn’t complement universally.
The work Escort Mk1 bodyshells was indeed fabricated because of the Gomm Material Developments. These shells was gas welded or nickel bronzed and this set high heat and you may worry on material, hence triggered deformation and you will stamina trouble. Ford desired the fresh Escort Mk2 is welded utilizing the the fresh new mig welding processes. Gartrac is using mig welders for a while which aided safer a primary buy for 5 bodyshells getting delivered on their perfect specification.
Gartrac properly complete the transaction and you can Ford is so happy with the quality of the newest workmanship it instantaneously developed Gartrac so you can exclusively produce Escort Mk2 bodyshells with the really works class.
Ford plus commissioned Gartrac to help make parts that will standardise brand new mechanic’s build procedure. It fabricated a large number of parts eg axle’s, radius rods, pedalboxes, strength tanks and you can petroleum tanks and you may suspension portion.
Gartrac gotten a free leadership during the time supply suggestions on how Ford can make the vehicles most useful plus they accompanied their suggestions a little easily while the vehicles was indeed as reduced, healthier and much more reliable.
The models had been changing all round the day. Gartrac would make variations into axle to improve traction, Ford create up coming change drawings to incorporate the alterations. They might up coming develop more variations for Tarmac and you will Tree apps. An equivalent process was utilized to grow the rest particularly brand new engine crossmembers, sump secure establishes, pedalboxes and you can suspension bits.
