JONSIBAL » Blog Archive » Thundersaloon Prelude

Thundersaloon Prelude

25 March 2009 3 Comments

This is probably the wildest 4th gen Honda Prelude I’ve ever seen.

The car is built by JTM for Rod Birley in 1992 which raced in many front line series in UK. Going beyond the wild exterior, this right hand drive racecar have been converted to a rear wheel drive using a Hewland DGB transaxle. And the old Honda engine have been replaced by an SCS prepared Cosworth YB turbo engine producing approx 480 BHP. It also features a center lock BBS racewheels and airjacks for quick pit stop service.

More pics showing how it started and in different livery configs.

[Show as slideshow]

Rod sold the car to Peter Thurston in 2003. And it is currently for sale by TouringCarSpares for £20,000. Contact touringcarspares@tiscali.co.uk for more info.

source:rodbirley.com

3 Comments »

Kennith said:

That is crazy that the prelude a rear wheel drive car, but why a ford engine?

[Reply]

KC Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 2:19 pm

Well as it looks to me.. he’s doing some track racing no doubt. so he probably chose the ford motor and drivetrain because its much cheaper then japan parts.. with this type of vehicle, the first word that pops into my head isnt reliable so that would be my guess. you have to rebuild those engines and go in and out of them constantly because they have to run “perfect” to even set foot on the track!

[Reply]

# 3 January 2010 at 9:43 pm

Chris said:

hahah @KC. If reliable is the first word that pops into your head then Ford should be the last.
I believe he chose a ford motor because they were half sponsoring him at the time so it was 75% cheaper for that motor and all the parts then it would be for any other company engines.

[Reply]

# 23 October 2011 at 11:53 am