Articles
Davrian to Darrian - extracts from the book Adrian Evans was the enthusiast and entrepreneur who created the Davrian Sportscar. A 750 Motor Club member and competitor, he was one of the first to spot the competition potential of the Hillman Imp's Coventry Climax inspired all-aluminium engine and advanced transaxle. In 1967, he built 3 prototypes to take the Imps' running gear and power unit. Inspired by the success of these first cars, he set up a business at North Street in Clapham, where he stayed until 1976. Cars were mainly Imp inspired and Imp-derived, but towards the end of the Clapham years, some Mini-engined examples were produced. Functional, lightweight and strong, the cars became a force to be reckoned with in competition. The Mark 7a, which was the last variation of the marque to be produced at Clapham, was available with a choice of engines; typically, Imp, Mini, Ford and Renault. A move to Wales in 1976 proved to be rather fraught, due to problems with acquiring premises, but orders were still met albeit over a more protracted period. Here the Mark 7a was developed into the more refined Mark 8, the first car to be built at their new Lampeter factory. This was soon to be followed by the Dragon, which was sold as a complete car, utilising Bridgend built CVH engines. Interest in the company and the product was high, but overextended and under financed Davrian Developments folded in 1983. Approximately 350 examples were produced, most of which are still with us today. Davrian's success in competition was superb. Throughout the seventies and well into the eighties, it scored many outright wins, literally 100's of class wins, on the circuits, hillclimbs and rallies. Many prestigious championships were won by these diminutive but big-hearted sportscars. A Davrian can still be relied upon for a class win today, especially if the circuit is twisty or damp, when the excellent chassis excels. Will Corry purchased the company in 1983 and changed direction with his unusual, but ultimately unsuccessful Corry Cultra, which was produced in Northern Ireland. In 1985 the company ceased trading, but all was not lost for Davrian enthusiasts. Long-time Davrian stalwart and in the later years, Davrian employee, Tim Duffee worked from his Llangybi base in Mid-Wales, repairing existing Davrians, providing a spares and repair service for Davrian owners and enthusiasts. In 1985 he produced the superb Darrian T9, which moved the goalposts forward but retained the Davrian's underlying principles, albeit better developed. The T9 gestated into the T90 in 1995. 'Davrian to Darrian' The Illustrated History by Martyn Morgan Jones The complete illustrated story covering the development of the Davrian from 1965 - 1983, commencing with the Mark 1 and continuing right through to the Dragon. The book also covers the Corry Cultra, Darrian T9, T90, GTR and MC 220 models. The new paperback edition has 160 pages and contains approximately 180 B&W illustrations. Cost: £18.99 inc. ISBN 1-870519-65-5 For more information including ordering information, please email Martyn Morgan Jones: mmcpjones@aol.com About the Author Martyn Morgan Jones is a retired Deputy Headteacher, currently pursuing a new career as a freelance writer. He has an interest in all forms of motoring, particularly motorsport, and a passionate interest in all thing Hillman Imp shaped and derived! A family man, with two children, he is also Imp Club member number 12. He has been involved with the Imp Club since its inception, holding the posts of Editor and Public Relations Officer over the years. Currently, Martyn is restoring a Mark 8 Davrian. Other interests include mountain biking hill walking, computing, history and Volvos!