Austarion

Well, the "Headline" says it all. I was competing in a touring road rally (ie, normal roads, within speed limit etc).

I was navigating at the time, and the driver lost it around a corner at 90 on gravel and went straight into a tree. (Or rather, sideways into a
tree).

Missed the passenger door by just 3mm.... !

Did a fair bit of damage. Took out the entire rear quarter panel.

But like most Starions, we still managed to drive it home. Well, limp home. 35 kph all the way back to Perth. The damage was too much for the gravel roads so I phoned the director and withdrew.

But a sad end for the JD. It was driving so beautifully as well.

The Starion kept it's honour until the end. It took all the damage, sacrificing itself to provide safety to the passenger and driver.

I'd like to give it a decent burial, but unfortunately, I'm going to have to scavenge it.

Of note - The JD taillight can be ripped out almost intact by a large tree!

The Rear glass window can take a direct hit and still remain intact!

The moral ? Never let anyone else drive your car.

I've always maintained this with the Rally car (with the exception of JayFitz who got it airborne once) but now my wife has extended this policy for me to everyone... Except her of course.

Still a shame. It was my daily driver. And I never expected it to get out of control in a touring road event - regardless of driver.

Time to build a new car...

Now where did I put that JB shell ?

( I am going to investigate repairing the JD... But I'm just going to build a new one in the short term)

Regards
David

my condolances man, glad to hear you and the driver got out unscathed... dont worry about it, I know its sad but a re-birth often gives a chance to try out new ideas..
best luck finding another shell.

Jayfitz = me.
I hope you're paying attention!
The airborne bit wasn't my fault, I was quite content to stay on the ground.
It just felt like a bump. My only regret is not having a photo of Dave's face when I pulled up to the service area. rofl
That thing is a BEAST!

~

It is a sad event to happen to a Starion. I saw the damage first hand this arvo. It appears to be just superficial panel damage, but on the hardest panel to repair/replace. Plus the rear quarter window is gone.
Luckily, we have spares.
Still, it's a testimony to just how tough a Starion can be.
The car can still be driven around, but probably not for too long before it will need to be fixed.
I don't think this is the end of this car. I have a feeling that it will be back, better than ever, before too long.
How about you make it a convertible? Now that would be sexy, and quite different too!

Viva Starions, and their drivers!

Hard luck, David. I have been involved in a couple of side-on accidents in Starions and can only say that they are very strong in that area. Exactly what needs to be replaced? Hopefully it can be repaired and will be back on the road soon enough (especially being a rare JD).

Good luck with it.

always glad to hear u walked away from a wreck... sorry 'bout the car
Sounds like u had fun up until..
What powered this beast ? ...any details beneficial to a street staz ?

My condolences also..
And i do agree Starions are tanks. Had a side on brush with a 4wd and no dints.. just a superficial scratch.

Glad to see your both ok.

cheers

tom.

dang.

well, even monkeys fall out of trees. :D
hope all gets fixed.

Hard luck david, so long as you are fine, the stazz can be replace but lives cant.

The jury is still out on that one.

In the mean time, I still need a Starion, so the JB will be built anyway.

Quest: The "Beast" is a former privateer Grp A Rally Starion. It has some serious suspension/engine/drivetrain/brake upgrades. Rebuilt into a JA shell - still have to find a suitable rollcage. (original is 38mm)