Classic Adelaide

[rutthenut]

Looking through a copy of Classic Cars that I bought today, it has a nice report from the 'Classic Adelaide' event, held down under (as the name would suggest).

A great selection of cars are shown in the report, of which a Stratos naturally caught my eye. This was entered in the 'International Parade' section of the event by Bill Brand and Trent Brand (from South Africa, it seems - is that what SA refers to?).

The thing is, this particular car is right-hand drive (and the wiper park position is on the left of the screen). I wondered if this might even be a replica Stratos and not the real thing, but I know that the Scheldt and Pettet race car was converted to rhd, as was [one of] the Chequered Flag rally car before it got totalled (wasn't it?).

Anyway, the car looks resplendent in very glossy red panelwork, with Group 4 arches. It does seem to have quite high ground clearance, for a tarmac car, maybe due to the large diameter, split-rim wheels it appears to be using (they are five stud wheels though). It may also have the 'wrong' front indicator units, but that means very little in the originality stakes. In fact, the main pointer to the car perhaps not being original is in the very neat and tidy panel gaps all round - that's not original, but may just point to a very good restoration project somewhere along the way!

Anyway, if you want to know more about the event, have a look at the web site - entrants listed at http://www.classicadelaide.com.au/comp/index.html

[stewart]

Hi John,

The car you are looking at is an Australian car (SA means South Australia). Bill bought the car from a guy in Melbourne, who did the build, a couple of years ago, and yes it is a replica. Originally a Hawk, but with substantial rear chassis alterations I understand.

I haven't seen the car in the flesh, but Paul Moreton has and may be able to provide some additional information. I understand in this event last year the car was damaged, although it was fairly minor.

As an example of the specs, the car is running a 308 Ferrari motor, Motec sequential ignition, Modena crossover manifold, cosworth pistons,, AP lockheed 4 piston brakes with full floating hats, AP rotors 330mm front and 305mm rear. Apparently power figures are 246Kw at 7750 rpm, and 340Nm of torque at 5000rpm. (I have a copy of an ad for the car when it was to be sold and an article).

The wheels were originally 15in (X8 front and X12 rear).

Classic Adelaide is a great event, brings many overseas drivers and cars and is also well known for Sir Jack Brabhams close investigation of the shrubbery on a couple of occasions...in the touring section of the event!

cheers,

[stewart]

MMMmm,

Just an an addendum to the above. I just had a look at the Classic Adelaide website (which tells me the 1hr footage is on tv today...how lucky was that, thanks John!), and it looks as though the wheels on that car have been changed. That would make sense as I think a wheel was damaged last year.

cheers

[Chris Jarvis]

I know that the Scheldt and Pettet race car was converted to rhd, as was [one of] the Chequered Flag rally car before it got totalled (wasn't it?).

The Chequered Flag Stratos that was converted to right hand drive was the third car that they built, after 'Stratos 2' was written off by Cahal Curley on the 1979 Donegal International Rally. The tub carried the same chassis number as 'Stratos 2'. The car was converted back to left hand drive before The Chequered Flag sold it to The Earl of Mexborough.