Modifications to Paddy Hopkirk's BMC 1800
Our Austin 1800 was an ordinary production car.

However, for this very long rally we were allowed to make a number of changes - what car makers call modifications.

For example, we installed a very big petrol tank that would hold 26 gallons of fuel. We also carried two bags, shaped like giant hot water bottles, which could each hold four gallons more. Fitted to the dashboard were a number of additional instruments, (see the drawings below).

These included a rev. counter. The suspension had a pump connected to it (inside the car) so we could supply more fluid if a leak occurred.

The steering wheel was leather covered to make it more comfortable to hold. The driver's seat covering was lamb's wool.

Mounted on the front of the car were kangaroo bars, a big grid to protect the car if it collided with a kangaroo or another animal.

We also carried a number of spare parts. I knew from experience and the reccy notes that some of the roads we were going to drive on would be very rough and bumpy.

- Paddy Hopkirk


The Interior
1. Duplicate instruments2. Aerofoils on wipers  3. Twin-dial clock
4. Distance meters5. Advance retard lever6. Screen washer                                                                                                bottle
7. Steering wheel cover  8. Bucket seat (wool cover)

The Engine
9. Twin carburettors 10. Bonnet stay (changed)11. Air hoses (to interior)
12. Cap chain  13. Cylinder head     14. Sealed battery
15. High Tension coil16. Alternator (wired for emergency)

Drawings  from Paddy Hopkirk's book, The Longest Drive Of All.
Phewwww!!!!!!!!!!
This is thirsty work eh?
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