A work in Progress # 3: Ex-Ed Ordynsky LJ Suzuki Sierra

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Pre-restoration, at Ed's

Anyone who has followed the Australian rally scene will know about Ed Ordynski and his exploits in Galant VR4s and Lancer Evos during the 1990s.  Like most rally drivers, Ed began in club-based competition, initially campaigning a Corolla in South Australian events in the mid-1970s before following the well-trodden path into Datsun 1600s and ultimately going on to become a four-time winner of the Australian Group N Rally Championship, amongst other accolades*.  

Ed Ordynski Datsun 1600
One of Ed's Datsun 1600s (internet image - Rallysport Magazine)

Apparently, Ed has donated one of his three Datsun 1600 rally cars to a South Australian motorsports museum.  I would love to see it the next time I'm in SA!  There is, however, another ex-Ordynski vehicle that I know for a fact is now residing a little closer to home and that I'm very confident of not only seeing, but taking a ride in some time soon. 


The Ordynski name may not be exactly synonymous with the Suzuki nameplate but here you have it - a 1970s', 797 cc F8A-powered Suzuki Sierra, weighing in at a very competitive  740kg - that belonged to Ed and did duty as his farm vehicle for many years before he retired it to a shed.  It's now owned by a Tasmanian four wheel drive enthusiast who's doing it up with the help of his brothers (perhaps it would be more accurate to say that his brothers - Jim, possibly more than anyone else - are doing it up with some assistance!).










Jim already has runs on the board when it comes to Suzi restos, having created the magnificent Jimmy 800 shown below (https://uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com/2017/03/jims-suzuki-stockman-jimmy-800-special.html?q=cmi).  If the ex-Ed mobile comes out half as well, it's going to be one helluva beast!





As already mentioned, the now under-restoration Suzuki has spent a number of years being stored in a shed and, as a result, it's in really good nick with no structural rust.  It would also seem that Ed didn't drive it with quite the same zeal as he showed in his past life as a world class rally champion, as the chassis and body are remarkably straight and don't show any signs of "offs."  The yellow duco is all original; it's a tiny bit faded but otherwise is quite presentable, especially for a work-horse.  Even the interior trim, vinyl door tops and roof are quite well preserved.

None of this matters to the restoration team, though; they seem to be of the if it's worth doing, it's worth over-doing school of thought, as some of the following photos show!  All the car's body and mechanicals have been stripped off, leaving a bare chassis that's been painstakingly wire-brushed and repainted, as have the front and rear axles.  The suspension has been renewed, the non-operational engine will be reconditioned and all the other componentry brought up to scratch. 





    
More recently, some of the body panels have received their final coat of paint, as the grille and bonnet shown below demonstrate.  Merely "presentable" was never going to cut it as far as Jim was concerned!



The project certainly hasn't been a rushed job.  However, it seems that the application of paint is a fair indication that the project's coming to a head, so I might hopefully be able to bring you a part 2 fairly soon.  I reckon it's going to be a ripper! 



U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

 Pre-restoration photos by Ed himself, via the new owner.

Under restoration images supplied by the owner.


* Ed's "other accolades":
  • 1st Group N, Rally Australia, World Rally Championship, 1989, '91, '92, '93, '94, '95, '96, 2001.
  • 1st Group N, Rally New Zealand, World Rally Championship, 1994.
  • Australian Group N Rally Champion, 1990, 1993, '94, '95.
  • Australian Rally Champion, outright, 1990, in a Group N car.
  • Winner, 1993 Esanda International Rally of Canberra.
  • Winner, 2002 Subaru International Rally of Canberra
  • Winner, 1995 Mobil 1 Round Australia Trial.
  • Winner, 1986 South Australian Rally Championship.
  • 2nd outright, Australian Rally Championship, 2003.
  • 9th outright, Sandown 500 V8 Touring Car Race, 1995.
  • 3rd outright, Rally of Thailand, 1994.
  • Winner, Mitsubishi Ralliart Driver of the Year, eight times.
(Taken from his bio on the MG Car Club of South Australia's website.)

You might also like to read the excellent article accessible via the attached link:

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