If you’re planning on taking part in your first banger rally this year, you will want to be confident that your wheels are up to the job.
With that in mind, you must make sure your banger is mechanically sound and at least one of the crew is competent under the bonnet to keep it running in the very trying conditions it will probably encounter.
It doesn’t matter which car you choose for the banger rally, whether it’s a decommissioned London taxi cab, a classic Mark II Jag, tatty Triumph TR7 or run-of-the-mill Rover, it just needs to run well and be comfortable for all the rally crew.
And if it’s not quite right, there are also a host of adaptations you can make to help ensure the ride is as swift, safe and pleasurable as possible, bearing in mind that the rally is on public roads and it’s not a race, more a challenge of your map reading skills, endurance and creativity.
Banger rally organisers are always at pains to point out that if you speed or break the motoring laws of the country you are travelling in, you could land yourself in hot water. Read our blog on tips for safe driving on your European banger rally.
The banger rally experts at Sterling have provided 10 tips for building up your banger into the most comfortable and durable rally car you can, without breaking the strict budgets set by the rally organisers.
1. Brakes
While you won’t be driving at race speeds, you will probably be driving in some pretty inhospitable terrain with some serious hills to navigate. With that in mind, you might want to upgrade your brakes.
The better your brakes, the less you will have to use them and the safer you will be.
Mind you, you will have to shop carefully because performance brakes could well push you over your banger rally budget.
2. Upgraded suspension
Regular street car shock absorbers are fine around town or on a nice level motorway, but they are not designed to take the frills and friction that banger rally cars can endure.
To improve handling and performance, think about upgrading your banger rally shocks.
3. Extra spot lamps
You need to see and be seen in the hills and mountains of a European banger rally. A couple of extra lights on the front of the car will pay huge dividends.
4. Roof-mounted spotlights
Fix spotlights on the roof with a pivot and they will be very handy to pick out street signs and landmarks when you are in the dark off the beaten track.
5. Upgraded seats
You are going to be in the car as driver or passenger – or both – for many, many hours, so you’ll want to be comfortable and safe. Invest in good supportive bucket seats for the driver and co-driver. If you are taking turns in the back of the car, the standard bench seat will be adequate.
6. Fit racing seat harnesses
Banger rallies are great fun but the most important thing is the participants’ safety. Dispense with the standard seatbelt and think about fitting a racing harness for the front seats to maximise protection in the event of a collision.
7. Choose some rugged tyres
Depending on how far the rally will take you and on what road surfaces you will mainly be driving, it’s a good idea to invest in a decent set of rugged tyres for the trip.
If you spend a lot on them, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t swap them back to standard tyres when you come to sell (or scrap) the banger rally car and use the good ones on your next project vehicle.
8. Mud flaps are helpful
While it is unlikely your banger rally will take you off road, it will certainly take you on some challenging road surfaces, so it is a good idea to fit mud flaps to prevent stones and grit from kicking up.
9. USB ports are a must
Your mobile phone and sat nav will likely be very busy tools during your European banger rally. You’ll need the phone to check in and stay in touch and the satnav to get you safely to your destination.
For that reason, if they are not already a feature of your banger, you will need to get a couple of USB ports fitted. It’s a simple job, but it will pay huge dividends.
10. Get a wacky paint job
As well as endurance driving, banger rallies are about fun and expressing your creativity, both in the fancy dress you may choose to wear and the look of your banger.
The easiest way to express yourself and make an instant impact is the wacky paint job or decal you go for. The wackier the better.
Banger rally insurance deals
Now your car is ready for action, you will just need to sort out all the legal stuff such as MOT, road tax and insurance.
Sterling offers specialist cover for banger rallies from £95 per week – you only need to take cover for the length of the rally. Whether you’re planning to drive across the UK or further afield in Europe, call the experts at Sterling on 0344 381 9990 for a swift no-hassle quote.
Read our blog on laws you need to know when taking part in a European banger rally.