The Road to Rally - Chapter 1: Thatcham Research apprentices restore banger for charity rallies

Thatcham Research has set off on its project with the restoration of an old Mazda MX5 which will be entered into the AutoRaise and the Ben Automotive Industry Charity 's Bangers4Ben automotive charity rallies.

The two-day AutoRaise rally starts on Thursday 7 September at Lotus HQ and winds its way across East Anglia and the Lincolnshire Wolds before arriving at Lincoln.

This is followed by the four-day Bangers4Ben rally which kicks off on Saturday 7 October and will see drivers travelling over 1,500 miles across stunning Irish landscapes including the Wicklow Mountains, Sally Gap, and Wild Atlantic Way.

To enable Thatcham Research to take part in these rallies, UK automotive remarketing, recycling and auction company Copart UK Limited donated a 2007 Mazda MX5.

Scott Loran, academy team leader at Thatcham Research, who has been overseeing the project, said: “We started with apprentices from Thatcham Research, APOLLO MOTOR GROUP LIMITED and Steer Automotive Group giving the car a full once over.”

The apprentices found that the car had seized brakes, its front bumper missing, and numerous electric components not working among other issues.

Loran continued: “Together, we made a list of required components, sourcing a lot from eBay so we could use second hand parts to keep the build as sustainable as possible.”

As part of the repairs, the apprentices stripped the brakes and fitted new discs and pads. They also successfully replaced a snapped wheel hub bolt with the aid of their tutor and refitted a new securing bolt to specification by following Thatcham Research's methods.

Loran said: “We asked the apprentices for ideas to make the car stand out and be one-of-a-kind. There were a lot of suggestions, but I had the pleasure of picking the final idea which was to paint the vehicle grey with orange accents on the bumpers, side skirts, mirrors, and handles.

“Not only does this feature Thatcham Research’s colours, but it also makes it stand out from the crowd. The paint job was completed by our apprentice and paint trainers. The next steps include giving it a fresh set of wheels and its first MOT in seven years.”

With the car almost road-ready, Thatcham Research is now seeking donations on its two fundraising pages for the AutoRaise and Bangers4Ben rallies. There are also sponsorship opportunities available for companies who would like to support these worthy causes.

Dean Lander , head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research, said: “It has been great to see our apprentices and learners bringing the Mazda back to life in our workshop ahead of the charity rallies.

“The events aim to raise money for two very worthy automotive charities who have helped so many within our sector; we’re thrilled to be able to take part.

“Currently we’re shortlisting rally driver applications from within our workforce, and we hope to announce our driving team soon.”