I bought in the car in 2001 just prior to Group C and Group A being accepted by the CAMS Historic Commission as a Historic (5th) Category. Prior to this these cars had nowhere to race other than in Sports Sedans, Improved Production at State Race Meetings or at Club events.
This is a fate that consumed many cars from this era as they were heavily modified to be competitive, many being destroyed in the process The first Bond Network Alfa/Ignis Group A car comes to mind.
Above - Ready for it’s new Historic Logbook
Luckily, this car had only competed in the occasional sports sedan race, unmodified from it’s Group A days, being primarily used for AROCA Club events and the occasional 6 Hour Relay Race.
It was still in remarkably original condition with only a few minor alterations, a fibreglass front splitter, a small boot lip spoiler, and a few pieces of trim.
The car had had no major changes to the internals, gearbox, brakes, suspension, or the interior - all in as raced condition.
In anticipation of Historic Group C, I commenced returning the car to period correct trim, accumulating the cars history (readily available) and preparing the C of D application.
The car competed at Phillip Island Classic and Historic Sandown on a temporary permit in 2003 and had it’s C of D issued in December 2003. Then it was off to the Phillip Island Classic in Feb 2004 and it’s life as a Historic car.
Above - Phillip Island Classic - exiting Honda corner.
Above - A "Thank You" from Frank Porter who drove the car with Ray at Bathurst. This is Trent Harrison in the car at Sandown Historics in 2006.
