How much does it cost to build a rally car?

• It is a complex project that calls for careful planning, technical know-how and a huge financial commitment
• Always pick a basic vehicle capable of withstanding the punishing rigours of off-road racing
• The car you pick then undergoes extensive upgrades to improve its reliability, toughness, and safety

The recent World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya excitedly left many people wondering; how much does it cost to build a rally car?

It is a complex project that calls for careful planning, technical know-how, and most importantly, a huge large financial commitment. Those who have done it before have some wisdom to share. Always pick a basic vehicle capable of withstanding the punishing rigours of off-road racing.

The car you pick then undergoes extensive upgrades to improve its reliability, toughness, and safety. This process requires optimal planning, patience and meticulousness. Mediocre is not acceptable in a safari rally. That paints a picture of just how much does it cost to build a rally car.

HOW MUCH DOES SAFARI RALLY CAR COST?

A superb safari rally car in Kenya costs north of $ 57,439 (Sh8 million) which is what top WRC drivers use. It starts with acquiring a car suitable for rallying for at least $11,400 (Sh1.6) million and rally licensing for $1,435 (Sh200,000) and a further amount for entry.

Safari rally kenya. Photo/Tropic Air Kenya

Once all this is in place, the real deal starts which is modifying the car to meet the set rally car standards. This includes bolstering the chassis, improving the suspension, installing roll cages for safety, mounting strong engines and changing the transmission system. To accommodate the diverse rallying terrain, Safari Rally cars use a sequential or semi-automatic gearbox with numerous gear ratios.

In addition, specialised parts like rally-spec tyres, navigational tools, and safety equipment are crucial. The cost of labour isn’t cheap. You need the best brains for this to happen and you pay top dollar for this. All these coupled together, answer how much does it cost to build a rally car.

Legendary driver Azar Anwar is on record saying that working on the car modification never stops. Anwar is one of the most popular faces in WRC Kenya rallying in the last 20 years.

“Motorsport is something that never ends in terms of preparation. You’re always working on the car. You rally with your car, come back and modify, repair, and keep looking for parts like better rims, and better suspensions. You’re always trying to improve the car so it is a continuous struggle,” he remarks.

Rallying has grown exponentially due to increasing corporate sponsorships and the goodwill of the drivers. All this is despite how expensive this sport is.

HOW MUCH DOES A FULLY BUILT RALLY CAR COST?

If you buy a rally car abroad, a general approximate is around $25,000. This cost covers the following:

• High-performance suspension
• Rally computer
• Engine and tuning
• Rallying wheels
• Roll Cage
• Seats
• Belts
• Lights
• Interior fabrication
• Intercom
• Fire Extinguishers
• First Aid kit
• Spill Kit

WHICH CARS ARE USED IN SAFARI RALLY?

WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha Kenya. Photo/Tropic Air Kenya

In answering how much does it cost to build a rally car; the choice of car you to use for rallying matters so much. Below are popular vehicle brands used for rallying.

Toyota: Toyota models are known for toughness, dependability, and superior off-road abilities. They have a solid drivetrain, adequate suspension travel, and a track record of dependability in harsh conditions.

Ford: Its robust design and off-road capability make it a darling for rallying.  Ford cars have strong engines, lots of ground clearance, and are roomy for the driver and co-driver inside.

Mitsubishi: Mitsubishi has potent performance, adaptability, and dependability. It has cutting-edge four-wheel drive systems, adjustable suspension, and a track record for enduring harsh terrains.

Subaru: The excellent all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged performance in Subaru rally models provide enough power for the challenging safari rally stages. The AWD system gives better traction when driving thereby enhancing performance.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE RALLY IN THE WORLD?

In a historic auction moment, a 1988 Audi Sport Quattro S1 rally car shattered the world record for the highest-priced rally car ever sold. Commanding an astounding sum of nearly £1.8 million at the prestigious Artcurial Parisienne collectable car event, this legendary vehicle exceeded expectations by more than doubling its projected final price.

Renowned globally as an iconic rally car, this specific Audi Quattro made its mark in the 1988 Race of Champions. Its exceptional condition played a significant role in commanding the remarkable selling price, solidifying its status as a prized gem among motorsport enthusiasts and collectors alike.