Group 1

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The group 1 was between 1960 and 1981 existing near-standard rating group of the touring cars , the regulation by the former FISA , precursors of the FIA in Appendix J of the International Sporting Code has been defined. In the German-speaking world, the term series touring car was also common.

A number of 5,000 cars was required and had to be produced within 12 months. Four seats, the dimensions of which were defined in the regulations, were also mandatory. With a displacement of up to 700 cm³, two seats were sufficient. In the context of historic motorsport, the rules of the group are still currently used.

Between 1977 and 1981 the group itself was divided into 1a (more restrictive) and 1b (more free). If further changes were made, this led to the transfer to group 2 .

The wording of the FISA formulations is in italics . Additions have been made where necessary for understanding. In the case of definitions and provisions that seem trivial, the text has also been shortened.

Article 255

Article 255 in the context of Annex J was worded as follows:

Section III

Series touring cars (Group 1)

Article 255 (definition):

Series touring cars are touring cars that are produced in large series. These cars must take part in the competitions without being modified in any way for the purpose of improving performance or driving characteristics. The only work permitted is normal maintenance or the replacement of parts that have become unusable due to wear or damage. The limits of the permitted changes and installations are explained in detail in Art. 257 below. With the exception of these permitted changes, any part that has become unusable due to wear or damage can only be replaced with an original part that exactly corresponds to the one it is replacing.

Despite all the precision conveyed by the wording, the blurring that arises from the fact that a replaced part is no longer available for re-testing is not taken into account. So whether there was wear or damage is at the discretion of the participant.

In practice this means that unworn parts (pistons) can also be replaced in order to fit those with oversize.

Article 256 (minimum number of vehicles and number of seats)

Wording of Article 256:

In the case of series touring cars, at least 5,000 completely identical cars must have been built in twelve consecutive months. They must have at least 4 seats. Cars with a total displacement of less than 700 ccm can also be supplied by the manufacturer as a two-seater.

Article 257 Permitted fittings and modifications

  • Lighting equipment:

Insignificant for the vehicle performance. The standard equipment must be available and may be added.

In racing, the vehicles drove with the minimum standard. Additional headlights were installed in rally sport and long-distance races.

  • Fuel and oil tanks:

Must match the series.

  • Cooling system:

If radiators of different sizes are provided for the type of wagon, only those with which the required minimum number of wagons have been equipped will be permitted.

The attachment of a radiator blind or cover is permitted.

The make and type of the thermostat are optional, but it may not be omitted or moved.

Explanation of the CSI:

The radiator shutter can be attached as a solid plate behind the radiator cover.

  • Carburetor / injection system:

The carburetor (s) or the injection pump (s) that are installed as standard in the homologated car type and noted on the test sheet may not be exchanged or modified. However, it is allowed to change the parts that regulate the amount of fuel, but not those for the air supply and air volume. What was meant was that the nozzle assembly could be changed, but not the air funnel and throttle valve.

  • Electrical equipment:

The voltage of the electrical system must not be changed. ... The ignition coil, the capacitor, the distributor, the voltage regulator are free on the condition that the ignition system remains unchanged, as intended by the manufacturer for the type of vehicle concerned.

Spark plugs:

Make and type are optional.

  • Power transmission:

For one and the same series of 5000 cars, the following is permitted on the express condition that there are different possibilities for series production and normal sale to customers and that this is noted on the test sheet.

    • Transmission:

either 2 different gear steps without the requirement of a minimum production

or 2 different gears both with regard to the gradation and the number of gears on the condition that each of these 2 different gears is installed in 50% of the required minimum number of cars. The attachment of an overdrive reduction gear on the outside of the gear unit is permitted.

    • Rear axle:

2 different final drive ratios.

  • Shock absorber:

Make and type are free, their functional principle is to be retained. The last passage has no practical effects as all dampers used are hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers.

  • Wheel and tires:

The wheels must be the same as those intended by the manufacturer on the model in question. They are determined by the diameter, width of the rim and the track width that they create. Today we speak of offset . Wheels today would be called rims .

Wheels that differ in appearance and dimensions can be homologated under the following conditions: that enough vehicles are equipped with them to justify the homologation, that they are fitted in accordance with the paragraph “Fenders”, Art. 253d. In any case, the 4 wheels of a car must belong to the same set of homologated wheels. Make and type of tires are optional, provided that they are tires as intended by the manufacturer so that they can be fitted onto the original wheels without an intermediate layer. All special or additional devices such as tire protection against bursting, against snow or ice are permitted.

  • Brakes:

Must be those provided by the manufacturer. The replacement of the pads that are worn out is permitted and the method of attachment is free, provided that the braking surface is not increased. Disc brakes are only permitted if they are installed in the appropriate minimum number and homologated.

It is permitted to apply dual-circuit brakes on condition that they are of the same make as the hydraulic master cylinder, or that they are provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

Explanation of the CSI:

The choice of material for the brake pads is free, with the proviso that the new pads have friction surfaces of the same dimensions, that is, - correspond in dimensions to the original friction surfaces. The same applies to the clutch linings.

If a brake booster is provided as standard for a vehicle, this device must not be put out of operation.

A brake compensation unit between the front and rear wheel brakes may not be installed unless the manufacturer has planned to install one in series production.

Additional accessories that are not covered by the homologation

All accessories that do not have any influence on the driving behavior of the car are permitted without restriction. For example

Accessories that enhance the interior of the car and make it more comfortable (lighting, heating, radio, etc.). Accessories that allow easier or safer driving (tachograph, windscreen washer device, additional windscreen wipers on the rear window, additional exterior mirrors, etc.) are permitted on condition that they do not directly affect the mechanical power of the engine, the steering, the power transmission of the Braking system or the road holding.

All control devices and their functions must remain if they are provided by the manufacturer. It is permitted, however, to relocate them to make them easier to see or to reach, for example lengthening the handbrake lever, putting additional covers on the pedals, etc. The steering wheel may be on the left or right, provided that no other changes are made can be made (branches etc.), except for a simple relocation of the steering linkage as provided and supplied by the manufacturer.

Explanation of the CSI:

The following is permitted:

1. The original windshield can be replaced by another of the same material, which is equipped with a heating and defrosting device.

2. The originally installed heater can be replaced by any other heater also provided by the manufacturer and listed in the catalog as available on request.

3. An electric water thermometer can be replaced with a normal tube thermometer and a pressure gauge of the usual type with another one of higher precision.

4. The warning system can be exchanged or supplemented by an additional one (possibly for operation by the passenger).

5. The locking device of the hand brake lever can be designed so that an immediate release of the blockage is possible.

...

8. The seat bracket can be changed. The use of seat (protective) covers of any kind is permitted, including those that form a seat shell.

9. The support points of the jack can be reinforced, moved or increased.

10. Protective caps can be placed on the headlights which have no other purpose than to cover the headlight glass without affecting the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

  • Body:

No part of the bodywork (dashboard, all equipment, regardless of where) may be removed or changed. No accessories that are installed in the homologated car type in the simplest configuration by the manufacturer may be removed.

Explanation of the CSI:

Bolts and screws can be replaced as required and secured with split pins and wire.

  • Bumpers, hubcaps, trim:

Bumpers are mandatory for all cars if they are normally provided by the manufacturer. In the case of circuit races or hill climbs, the additional provisions may allow the bumpers to be removed.

Well-known Group 1 cars

literature

  • ONS manual 1971