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Preserving Motorsport Heritage
Simon Ward
Simon Ward
Simon leads the UK technical team and specialises in the design and development of Smalley wave springs and spiral retaining rings. With over 25 years of experience, Simon develops bespoke parts for major clients around the world and across a wide range of industry sectors. He is now widely considered the leading authority on Smalley products.
~Ensuring Performance with Smalley Retaining Rings for Classic Race Cars~
Customer Challenge
The origins of British Motor Sport trace back to the late 19th century, with notable events like the 1902 hill-climb at Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, which set the stage for the sport’s future. In 1905, the world’s first permanent hill-climb took place at the iconic Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire. Martin Rutter, an avid hill-climber, faced a challenge with his race-developed Colotti gearbox in his specially adapted Fiat X1/9. Colotti gearboxes, designed by Valerio Colotti, have a rich heritage in racing, powering teams like Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Minardi, and Ferrari. Martin needed a specific retaining ring for his gearbox’s motion shaft, but it was proving difficult to source, causing significant delays.
TFC Solution
When Martin approached TFC for assistance, the team was eager to help due to the historical significance of the hill-climbing venue and the application. TFC, a leading European supplier of Smalley products, provided the perfect solution. They facilitated the supply of a Smalley retaining ring, which was essential for the completion of Martin’s Colotti gearbox. Smalley retaining rings are known for their quality and are available in various materials, including carbon steel, 302 stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel, to fit a wide range of applications.
Customer Outcome
With TFC’s support, Martin Rutter was able to successfully complete the gearbox upgrade for his Fiat X1/9, enabling him to continue competing in national speed hill-climb championships. Martin expressed his gratitude, highlighting that maintaining historic race cars would be impossible without the support of companies like TFC. The timely supply of the Smalley retaining ring was crucial in keeping his classic car on the racing circuit, showcasing the importance of reliable component suppliers in the world of historic motor racing.