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Interesting Updates - Page 2:
CUSTOMER’S STORY ON BUILDING A FIAT
124:
After watching the start of a stage of
Targa Tasmania in 2003, I decided I had to try tarmac rallying. I had owned
a Fiat 124 Sport back in the 80’s, and thought the little coupe was a good
platform. I spotted an advertisement for a car in May 2003. It was
unregistered, but in good condition, even to my untrained eye. The next step
was to find someone that could build it in to a Targa car.
On asking around, I was advised to contact Norm
Singleton. His knowledge and background proved to be invaluable in preparing
the car. He also provided excellent advice on all the decisions that needed
to be made regarding the car’s specifications. We decided to build the car
for Standard Specification in tarmac rallying, and also to be log booked as
a Group Sc Historic Sports Car.
Months went by, and the car was
transformed from an unregistered road car into a race car. The carpets and
sound deadening were removed, roll cage fabricated and fitted, and
suspension and brakes improved. Seats, harnesses and fire extinguishers were
fitted. The car was then ready for its first event at the Noosa Hillclimb in
November, 2003.
Following the first event, the car
was back in the garage for engine preparation. I then competed in a few more
sprint and hillclimb events prior to Targa Tasmania 2004. We had a problem
on Day 1 that put us out of 3 stages, but otherwise ran well, finishing
first in our class.
The rest of 2004 saw the car
competing in more sprints and hillclimbs, notably at Mt. Cotton, Leyburn and
Noosa for a second time. Targa 2005 came around again quickly, and we
competed with the car still configured for Standard Specification. |
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It was running very well, and
proving to be competitive, with a lead of 6 minutes in our category,
which included all cars of a similar age and modification status. That
meant we left a Morgan, an Alfa Romeo Montreal, a Porsche 911 and a
Ferrari in our wake. Unfortunately, it all came to an end half way
through day 4 when we crashed. We had been running 23rd
outright in the Classic competition. A great shame, but the little coupe
had proven to be what I had hoped for at the outset – a great platform
for tarmac rallying.
After much remodelling,
including a new front from a donor car, the car is currently being
redeveloped to compete in the Limited Modified Specification. That will
also enable it to be more competitive in Group Sc Historic racing.
The whole experience of building
and racing a car is challenging, demanding and very rewarding. The
project requires much thought and planning, and would not have been
possible without Norm Singleton’s guidance and craftmanship. I can’t
thank him enough, and would recommend him to anyone considering
embarking upon a project similar to mine.
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Prologue of Targa Tasmania Hairpin |
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