Thread: A question for Targa Tasmania Rally Fans

Hello All,

I was just watching some youTube clips and came across this footage of Simon & Amanda Davison as they compete in Targa Tasmania 2019 with their Austin A30. Accessed 20th September 2023 from Targa Tasmania 2019 - Austin A30, Pure Sound - YouTube.

Does anyone know what the engine and other drive line parts are? I found some articles about the car online. However, each article did not provide much insight into the car's mechanical features. It is one of those occasions where if you heard the car coming towards you before it came into view, an A30 would be the last thing to spring to your mind. That little A30 certainly sits sweetly into the bends.

According to this youTube clip - Peter Brock started his racing career in an A30 which he shoehorned a Holden 179 motor into.Peter Brock's 1956 179ci Austin A30 - YouTube Perhaps ... I did read something about the Davison's having a 'signature Peter Brock ...' . Yes, it turns out that Peter Brock did sign their car (Targa's early classic cars are head-turners - Speedcafe.com). The replica interview mentions it being made close to Peter Brock's original specifications ... watch the finished product ... 1956 Austin A30 - YouTube

More information about the Brock replica A30 with footage of the car on the track. The Kings A30 Peter Brock Sports Sedan replica Austin Giant Killer In The Pits - YouTube.

I am not aware of the race specifications of vehicles competing at Targa Tasmania - for example, what modifications can be made that diverge away from the car's original manufacturer's specifications. How far can this divergence be? I keep finding out more and more about Peter Brock's car and less and less information about Simon & Amanda Davison's A30.

Update I: At last from a Shannon's Insurance Club web-page.... Austin A30 with its twin carb 1098cc Sprite engine and close-ratio gearbox (sourced from, https://www.shannons.com.au/club/new...miles-per-mile). This has been a very organic post because I have been writing it. Going on a bit more of an internet hunt. Adding to the original post....

Still not enough specifications though for example, what type and manufacturer of the 'close ratio gearbox'? What are the suspension components? Questions ... questions.... questions.

Update II: According to a very recent search this article suggests that the 1098cc engine is "from an Austin Healey Sprite MKIII (MG Midget MKII)". https://www.dogpile.com/serp?q=twin+...Qo1EgtKiB9al00 As in the original manufacturer of 1098cc Sprite engines that I found in Update I. Apart from Jaguars, and old 1960-70s Mini Cooper's the only other English car I am interested in are Land Rovers. So please bear this in mind as you cringe during my stumbling trip to track down more information about Simon & Amanda Davison's Targa Rally car. I did not go to the computer after dinner tonight to learn about A30 cars.

Kind regards
Lionel