Top 10: Classic banger racers
Banger racing. Love it or loathe it, there’s no more dramatic a way for a car to meet its end than on the short oval circuit – and there’s no denying the fact it’s an entertaining spectacle.
While many enthusiasts are opposed to the destruction of classic cars, it's important to remember that many of the cars used on track are well beyond economical repair. And, in fact, many of the parts taken off the cars that are broken will go on and help another classic stay on the road.
And although some banger racers have a bad reputation for seeking out and racing rarities, there are also plenty who have sold a car that was due to be raced because it is too rare.
The ‘Westie’ was always the banger racers’ favourite. Built out of heavy gauge steel, on a unitary chassis, and benefiting from 3.0-litres of high torque straight-six BMC C-series under the bonnet, the once-bourgeois Westminster is rare today. For despite the fact that many of them lived charmed lives as chauffeur driven transport, a massive number went out in a blaze of glory on Britain’s banger tracks. Even today, it’s regarded as the best banger racer ever.
Rob Bennett on 14 January 2019
That was my car! ?? It was a 216 by the way, with the Honda D series engine, so no problems doing the gasket.Mr Christopher lloyd on 27 October 2021
........and the Ford Mondeo Mk1 and Mk 2 ? Pretty tough cars....i hit a group of trees with one, doing around 45mph.....lived to tell the tale........certainly saved my neck.....thank you, Moindy...
Add a comment