81-82 TRU BLU V's Marcos's BA

[Rob 18]

Probably 2 of the most successful & important cars in Fords Australian Motorsport history, but which is the better, or most successful of the 2 chassis's??

*81 TRU-BLU which was basically built in DJ's back yard, won 2 ATCC title's & won it's only attempt at Bathurst in that livery-driver combo. Also finished 2nd in the 81 Sandown 400. Went on to compete in selected events in the hands of Alf Grant till the end of 84 & IIRC, was first Falcon home at Bathurst in 84. This chassis I believe saved Touring Car Racing in this country.

*03 Pirtek BA won 2 title's also, won the 04 Sandown 500 & also won 2 Clipsal 500's. Unfortunately no Bathurst wins for this chassis after 3 attempts but do the Clipsal & Sandown wins make up for a Bathurst win???? NUP...Although I must admit I have a lot of affection for this chassis & was not to pleased to see it in Courtney's hands for most of this year.

So what do you people think... The 81-82 XD or the Marcos BA. I'm sure you guys know which way I lean... No bias at all

 

[Henry]

The XD was and remains a very special car. It's interesting that while Dick built two of ewach the XD and XE, it was the second example of each that achieved the greter successes.

The SBR BA was no less significant, but I still think the old XD has an aura of its own. XD for me, but only because I'm a sentamentalist.

 

[Henry]

The XD was and remains a very special car. It's interesting that while Dick built two of ewach the XD and XE, it was the second example of each that achieved the greter successes.

The SBR BA was no less significant, but I still think the old XD has an aura of its own. XD for me, but only because I'm a sentamentalist.

 

[Racin Jason]

I am with you Henry, the XD is very significant in that it was really the only Ford anywhere near being competitive. It gave us Ford fans hope when it was greatly needed. Also the fact that it was built by DJ, Dyno and Roy in Dick's garage makes it that little more special and easier for us to relate to! AH those were the days!

 

[Racin Jason]

I am with you Henry, the XD is very significant in that it was really the only Ford anywhere near being competitive. It gave us Ford fans hope when it was greatly needed. Also the fact that it was built by DJ, Dyno and Roy in Dick's garage makes it that little more special and easier for us to relate to! AH those were the days!

 

[TS-50]

I also have to agree on the XD ; It looked tuff and sat low and had Balls,....and that sound.

 

[TS-50]

I also have to agree on the XD ; It looked tuff and sat low and had Balls,....and that sound.

 

[drivewell djr]

The Tru blu may be the best racer bar none back then but I prefer Marco's V8 Falcon because it's faster.

 

[drivewell djr]

The Tru blu may be the best racer bar none back then but I prefer Marco's V8 Falcon because it's faster.

 

[Rob 18]

Only time I ever saw TRU BLU do a lap in anger was at Mt Panorama about 92 IIRC, when DJ did a demo lap on the sunday morning before the great race. I still remember him going through Reid Park, arm out the window waving to the fans. It did sound sensational!!!!

 

[Rob 18]

Only time I ever saw TRU BLU do a lap in anger was at Mt Panorama about 92 IIRC, when DJ did a demo lap on the sunday morning before the great race. I still remember him going through Reid Park, arm out the window waving to the fans. It did sound sensational!!!!

 

[Scott]

XD for me that lovely piece of motoring history gave this bloke some of the best memories,only wish i was old enough to see it and hear it in all it's glory

 

[Nascar12]

#1. Tru Blu
#2. Any Ford Dick raced
#3. Marcos' BA (I think Marcos would understand too!).

 

[Nascar12]

Maybe on a slightly different tangent, but perhaps one of my Club 17 friends can confirm.
I thought I heard on today's telecast that the "BA" is now equal or passed the Ford Sierra as the most successful Ford car racing at this level in Australia. (in amounts of race wins).

Is this so?

 

[Rob 18]

Yep. I think it's now equal with the little Cossie as Fords most successful racer in Aust.

 

[DJR-FAN]

Yep, 25 Wins. Although the Sierra did it when there was more than just two car types on track. Need to look up how many of the 25 belong to DJR. More than half I would think.

 

[Henry]

True, but in those days (at least between 1988 and 1990) you had to have a Sierra to get a look in.... preferably a red one...

It would be interesting to see how many of those wins were collected by DJR.

 

[Rob 18]

I think it would be easier to count the non DJR wins as that would be a far less amount one would think...

 

[Rob 18]

OK, here goes...

25 ATCC wins for the Ford Sierra consists of...

13 - Dick Johnson
6 - John Bowe
2 - Peter Brock
2 - Colin Bond
1 - Tony Longhurst
1 - Glenn Seton

So that make 19 out of 25 for DJR. Quite staggering really!!!

Also in addition to that is 2 Bathurst wins, 1 Sandown win & 1 Pepsi 300 win at OP.

 

[Henry]

Jeez... I'm gobsmacked!