Description:

SUMMARY

Russell Brookes and Mike Broad's 1985 British Rally Championship-winning, Andrews Heat for Hire, Works Manta 400 fully restored and returned to its former glory. Now 'on the button' and a much-invited participant in many high-profile rally-related UK events. A significant piece of British rallying history.

DESCRIPTION

The story of the Opel Manta 400 is a familiar one to anyone who was a follower of the crazy days of Group B rallying and their sibling road cars built by the major manufacturers in whatever homologation quantity was required. Developed from its Ascona predecessor, the Manta was always popular with the crowds - lots of power, not much weight and a propensity to attack stages sideways. However, by the time it was ready to rally, the game had moved on, the Audi Quattro showing the rest of the field that four-wheel drive was going to be a requirement in the WRC. Nevertheless, that didn't stop the Manta from achieving cult hero status on British and European stages, with its raspy sound, lively handling and iconic liveries, the Andrews Heat for Hire with Russell Brookes and Mike Broad being a particular favourite and winning over a lot of fans.

The homologation Manta road car was named '400' because that was the number of examples of the old Ascona that were required by the regulations at that point, however, by the time the Manta was ready to compete only 200 road cars were required and, having built a total of 245 examples, Manta 400 production ceased. The vast majority of those 245 cars were built in left-hand drive, including all Works competition cars, except for two international rally cars built specifically for UK rally stars, Russel Brookes and Jimmy McRae, who insisted in having right-hand drive cars.

The 2.4-litre engine was designed and developed by Cosworth specifically for competition purposes in the WRC and early cars produced in excess of 275bhp with their engines mounted 6mm further back than the standard road Manta to improve weight distribution and ultimately handling on the world stages. Engine development and rebuilds were later entrusted in the UK to Swindon Engines and even more recently Anderson Racing Engines, all of whom have fettled and rebuilt the power unit in this particular car.

When the Works built this car, they took lightness to a whole new level gaining the car the nickname 'Bendy Bus' as the shell was so light it was almost flexible prior to the fitting of the FIA roll cage which strengthened the bodyshell and added torsional rigidity in all the right places. Even the wings, bonnet, spoilers and doors were homologated in carbon Kevlar, a rare material in motorsport at the time, resulting in a seriously light rally car in period at 960kg!

In 1985, ADZ 31 was used by the combination of the Midlands most famous driver and co-driver pairing of Russell Brookes and Mike Broad to contest the British Rally Championship. After some epic and memorable battles with several global stars of the day, they went on to claim outright victory, sealing this car as a very significant part of British rallying history.

When first purchased by our vendor, over 25 years ago, the car had been competing in racing as a participant in the Thundersaloon Series driven by David Leslie, and an early decision was made to restore it to its former glory and to protect the car's history which was by now being recognised as important and valued. Consequently it was stripped to a bare shell and fully rebuilt retaining the original engine, gearbox, axle etc. and sympathetically replacing or restoring all parts in the process with the emphasis on preserving as much originality as possible. The only things that had to be changed were the aluminium roll cage (no longer eligible for competition use), the seats, belts and fire system. A modern steel cage was fitted to the same design and both the original seats (with Russell and Mike’s name still visible) were retained and are now offered with the car. Finally, it was professionally refinished in the distinctive General Motors Dealer Sport (GMDS) colours with period correct 'Andrews Heat for Hire' graphics.

Our enthusiast collector owner/vendor did use the car in some low-key club rally events in the early days, but more recently has driven the car at most high-profile events in the UK including Race Retro, Car Fest, Castle Combe Rally Day, Lombard RAC Rally demonstration and the Goodwood Festival of Speed rally stage. Now offered 'on the button' and ready to use complete with an outstandingly detailed history file and many magazine articles on both the car and Russell and Mike. This is a unique opportunity to own a significant piece of British rallying history and we encourage your viewing at our BRDC Classic Silverstone sale.

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