When I was at the Classic Car show last Friday I had the opportunity for a chat with a member of the Historic Sports Car Club. When I last discussed racing a Coupe with them they implied that it might not be eligible as it wasn't a production car. So I was a bit surprised to find an Arkley SS on their stand. For the younger amongst us and those with short memories the Arkley was a body kit to modify a Midget/Sprite into, for want of a better description, a Noddy car. Beauty is (very much) in the eye of the beholder. So I quizzed the club rep and apparently it's accepted as being based on a production car. Now whilst he wasn't an eligibility scrutineer and couldn't offer a final judgement he implied that a Cox Coupe or Heerey might be accepted into the 70s road sports category. BUT -- there's always a but -- it would have to be in a specification "as the manufacturer intended". This could be an issue as that means 10" wheels, no flared arches so limited wheel/tyre choice and an engine with limited modifications -- basically Midget spec 1275 with a mild cam and twin 1 1/4" SUs. How that would complete with a Midget on 13" wheels and better brakes, or the Arkley which has flared arches as "standard" and so allows wider wheels is debatable.

As an aside he mentioned that "other championships are available" for instance Historic Modsports, but a full house Davrian would take some beating, Future Classics who work on a power to weight category basis and would probably allow a 13" wheel car and another 70s series where they allow Minis to run on 12" wheels whose title has escaped me.

Hope this helps/doesn't discourage any one thinking of competing in a 10" wheel car. I'm sure it would be competitive if built to a suitable spec and well driven.

Steve

As the Rossa was based on a mini of that time, I would have thought that if the mini used it at the time then it could be used in the Rossa.

I would be very careful about any of the above advice until you saw the rules and regs for a spercific class/series.

My brothers Arkley ss from circa 1982-83 (the white one in middle)

Looks quite pretty when put beside a Mini Marcos & a Status Minipower !!!

Hi Steve
I find that very odd given that on there website they list it in there eligibility/minimum weight list section of the 70's roadsports

http://www.hscc.org.uk/resources/70s%20 ... 202013.pdf

The guy needs to read the regs!

As I said "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" -- of those 3 the Status would be my choice -- very Lotus 72!

Grizzler -- you're right -- anyone intending to enter a championship should check the regs and even discuss with the club scrutineer as necessary. Having seen the Arkley on the stand -- that doesn't appear on the eligibility list in your link and as a conversion with a glassfibre body would move a Spriget from class F to G -- I thought I'd follow up.

Steve

I have experience with the HSCC from when my Father raced a Fairthorpe in Roadsports, they are fairly flexible, but not massively! You are right Steve, it is best to get a clear idea of what can be raced. back in 2012 they did put out a statement saying that they were looking to get more A series engine cars involved so I will ask some questions.
I will post my findings.
Grizzler

I've owned a lot of cars over the years & that Status is one of the only ones that i regretted selling!
I was only 17 when i bought it. Too young to appreciate it really!

Hello All
I enquired at the HSCC and got this response from committee Chairman Charles Barter:

Dear Simon

I have passed your enquiry around the 70s Roadsports Committee, I am delighted to say they are quite prepared to accept the Heerey GTM, formally known as the Cox GTM, as long as it complies fully with our Regulations. Draft Regulations for 2016 are still under discussion, however I see no amendments which will affect the basic Technical section.

If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. Regulations and some Newsletters available on our website.

Kind Regards

Charles

Chairman 70s Roadsports Championship
I still await a response from Roadsports for Pre 1970 cars but if they except the Heerey, can't see why they wouldn't except the Cox.

Hi All
Just heard from Dave Randall the HSCC Roadsports registrar and he confirmed that they also are happy for the Pre 1970 GTM's to take part in the championship, I also asked him to add the GTM to the eligibility list for next season.
So now I just need to build my car!

Grizzler -- great news -- now the hard work starts!

Sven -- I think the Status was a car before its time -- launched now it would be a track day favourite unfortunately when it was on sale track days hadn't been invented.

Steve

Hello all
In my continuing search for where I can run my GTM when I finish it. I contacted the registrar at CSCC Swinging Sixties.
He said they would happily except a Cox and Heerey GTM as it is basically the same car from 67 to 71, you would still have to run 10" wheels but there regs are a lot freer, as far as brakes, suspension and engine spec goes, I'm not sure I will be going down the full blown historic racer route anyway, just from a cost point of view, I would like to drive my car to the track most of the time and perhaps do a few hillclimbs etc as well. Having been involved in Historics before with my Fathers car in the late 80's, I don't really want to go into there win at all costs world, just have some fun! But I think this is good news as it gives anyone wanting run a GTM in Historics a lot more choice.
G

good work and use full info

Neil