MARQUIS MOTORSPORT

Alfa 145 16 Valve Build

After the cancellation of our Alfa 33 project we decided to move to a more modern car. This would give us a better chance of finding a rust free donor car and would also be a great image boost. Here is the story of it's transformation into a racing car to be proud of.

	The donor for our next racing car - a pretty 145 with a broken gearbox.
The first stage of stripping the car took only a day. All the interior trim and most of the electrics were removed.

Once everything was removed we scraped and chipped off all the sound proofing and sealant we could reach...

...and that includes underneath!
When we were satisfied we could scrape no more, we sent the car to be grit blasted to remove the rest.

The next job was to install a bespoke multi-point roll cage and fully seam weld the bodyshell. This was entrusted to Custom Cages who combined our requirements with those of the MSA. The result was a very pleasant surprise. To comply with the latest regulations and obtain a MSA certificate, the door apertures include cross door bars and front hoop reinforcements.

Harness mounting bars are included to ensure that our harness shoulder straps are mounted at the optimum angle.	Seat mounting bars are installed and include eye-bolts to mount the crutch straps of full 6-point harnesses.

We dummy-fitted a spare seat to see what it would feel like surrounded by so much tube!
Cross roof bars and main hoop reinforcements to meet the latest requirements.

Comprehensive seam welding of the bodyshell extends to every area, here are some views from the underside to give and idea of just how much work has gone into it.

All the holes in the body were then welded closed to ensure full integrity.


Especially important is the bulkhead between the engine bay and the cockpit.

Steering column mounts were added to give adequate support to the new, longer and lower steering column.	The fuel tank enclosure was fabricated to extend the spare wheel well and to isolate the fuel tank from the cockpit area.

The bodyshell and closures arrives back from being painted a striking metallic silver by Nick Houghton.


The new seat dummy fitted to the car. This seat includes the latest head protection design to minimize neck injuries in side impacts.

Tailgate and lights fitted giving an idea of how smart the finished car will look.	Dashboard dummy fitted in the car. The door seals have also been replaced.

Steering wheel with electrical controls and snap-off hub... and a neat cover to protect the suede rim.	The high pressure fuel system including swirl pot, filter, pump and fuel sample point for post-event scrutineering.