RollHard X Bicester 2021 – The Harder They Roll

Another visit to Bicester Heritage’s red-brick buildings, but this time there’s an intriguing juxtaposition between ancient post-war architecture and a modern community. RollHard have taken over the avenues and courtyards and provided their loyal following a day out at one of the most desirable classic car venues in the UK.

Who are RollHard then? You may have noticed rather low cars with the RollHard legend emblazoned on their rear windows, but it’s a bit more than a sticker.

RollHard are a global organisation all brought together for the passion of the retro, the modified and the classic. They don’t specifically alienate cars of standard height either, it’s really all about bringing together a like-minded community. Having set up their first UK show in 2017, the organisation has quickly gained traction and is now established as one of the UK’s most noteworthy modified car clubs.

Always keen to promote the relaxed nature of their way of thinking, RollHard started displaying at the unique Cressing Barns in Essex but soon found a natural home in leafy Oxfordshire. In previous years, the RollHard crew had access to one of the exhibition hangars to house and showcase cars for the event, but the current health recommendations provided something of an unexpected treat. This year the whole of the technical area has been opened up. Their second show at Bicester Heritage, despite the stormy weather, promised to be a memorable one.

The UK has a long history of modified cars, with definite trends that have embraced drag, rat, sleeper, bomb and custom rod influenced cars, with more recent trends towards lowered, cleaned and JDM vehicles. RollHard embraces the lot, including the owners, making for a fascinating mix.

The weather started rather ominously with a couple of showers putting a potential dampener on the day. Luckily the clouds did rumble on and car wipe-down and detailing started in earnest. The field along the test track hosted the majority of the cars and offered a tantalising taste of what was offered within the actual venue.

Fyse is well known in Datsun circles and his vision and ability to know what looks right has resulted in his pride and joy – a 1975 C130 Datsun Laurel. Fyse’s car, which started life in blue has seen a continuous stream of modifications, including the fitting of hard-to-find JDM trim as well as almost annual wheel upgrades.

Cameron’s Toyota MKII Grande could easily be mistaken for the similar Cressida. The luxury sports-oriented Grande was the top-spec model and perhaps the first inkling of the concept of the Lexus philosophy. Tastefully finished, the car also displays a set of beautifully etched wheels and a plush interior.

Another Toyota, but placed at the bottom end of the Toyota pecking order, is Rob’s Toyota 1000. Rob has owned this car for several decades, having junked the original 1-litre engine and treated it to a rebuilt 5K engine out of a Liteace and finished off with a set of Compomotive CX three-piece rims.

Another Datsun within the technical area was this superb 620 Series pick up truck. With so few left in the UK, the majority of survivors have been imported, which is likely to be the case with this well-restored example. The car’s detailing, such as the bullet type shoulder line on the doors give it a little distinction from all of the near-identical wave of Japanese picks ups.

The appearance of a Ford Pilot was a pleasant surprise and a car that has a very long connection with the custom car community. This car is owned by Matt and seems to cross into several schools of modification rules. One of several cars that managed to grasp an award. Not bad for a car over 70 years old.

The main section, known as the MT Yard, housed the temporary headquarters for the RollHarders, with the Wriggly Monkey Brewery acting as a perfect hook up spot. Chilled tunes, merchandise and a selection of RollHard signature cars including Richard Woolner’s well known Austin Healey Sprite kept the vibe alive.

The paddock enclosure is set by the scene of this air-bagged Jaguar XJ40, which is flanked by the two iconic sheds. Air suspension is commonly believed to ride better but the main purpose is to simply maintain a stance.

Three variations on a BMW theme next. First off is Dave’s wide-arch 2002 furnished in a distinctive Marlboro livery. The engine has also been extensively modified to suit its ‘just off the racetrack’ styling. Like the best-modified cars, it has a handful of delightful interior touches including a Becker Europa radio.

This 520 E12 owned by Beinn is another car that follows a pleasing trend to use motorsport-inspired wheels. The rarity of wheels offers a glimpse of the work and dedication committed to by their owners. The car has seen a fair amount of fabrication over the years too and is still being fettled.

Reece’s BMW 700 is a unique and very obscure creation. Despite its appearance it has a rock-solid VW Beetle chassis which has offered flexibility to roll as low as possible. Fitted with an Airlift set up, it is another car worthy of close inspection simply due to the engineering talent involved.

American metal was in abundance too, with patina playing a subtle role in each of these selected cars. Rambler had a fair amount of exposure in Europe when current, partly due to the suitability of many of their cars to European drivers. This Ambassador looked sensational.

Parked in front of the old firehouse, this first-gen Econoline by Ford was based on the Falcon and created to tackle the huge success of the VW transporter in the US.

There was a large contingency of VWs with both air and water-cooled treats to keep their followers happy. This example is John’s 1995 South African built VW Citi, which remained in production right up to 2009. Rolling on Rota OS Mesh alloys, some panels have been retro-fitted to make the car look like a Euro-spec model, but the C-pillar detail gives away its origins.

Finally, the Chevrolet Corvair courted a fair amount of controversy when new due to its wayward handling, but most survivors have seen rectification and we suspect a little lowering has gone into this example ensuring it remains planted.

Originality plays a huge part in the choices selected, this phase one Peugeot 106 owned by Mark has seen some neat amendments, including a complete engine bay shave, VW sunroof conversion and finished off with some neat Tramont split rims.

Another French fancy is this Renault 5 GT Turbo rolling on Pirellis P-Slots, suiting the car down to a tee. Cheaper than most of its competitors when new, the majority ended their lives prematurely in the hands of the inexperienced and as a result it has become difficult to spot early examples.

Andi’s B5 Passat-powered Audi 100 Coupe took a prime location on the Main Drive, allowing visitors to get close and appreciate the incredible amount of detailing carried out on the car. The interior smelt of fresh leather.

What do we have here? Lurking in the visitor’s car park was Car and Classic’s very own Chris Pollitt’s renovated and revitalised Citroen ZX. A trendsetter in the making? Possibly.

Complementing Chris’ ZX was this nicely treated 306 estate parked on the other side of the test track. Peugeot certainly missed a trick by not offering a sporting variant of their family estate.

Also lurking in the car park was Joshua’s K11 Micra with an unreal wheel camber. And yes it’s on static suspension.

This tastefully treated Imp belongs to Mark who has owned it for 10 years. It’s largely standard, with the exception of the neat banded steel wheels and a little lowering. As Mini prices continue to increase, the Imp, its closest rival, has benefited from the surge of interest as an alternative, yet the car has always had its own following.

With more than a nod to its BTCC history, Scott’s Volvo 850R travelled a long way to be at the show. It has seen a considerable amount of renovation to complement the Air Lift bags. See those wheels? As the 850 shares the same PCD as Ferrari, the BBS GT2s have been obtained from an F355.

We’ll round off the brief rundown of the day with a thumbs up from Fyse, which essentially sums up the day. A great and intimate yet inspirational day out at one of the UK’s best motoring venues. As a positive promotion of RollHard’s following and image it can’t be faulted. Let’s hope the venue continues to serve the collective, as we will definitely be returning.