WD AUTOBODY "REVIVING HISTORY"

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    • 1981 JPS BMW 635 Race Car
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RACE CAR restoration

Historic Motorsport Enthusiasts

At WD Autobody, we don’t just restore race cars—we revive history with expert craftsmanship and an unwavering passion for historic motorsport.


Specialising in race car restoration and custom fabrication, we ensure your race car is not only race-ready but also commands attention with its fierce, competition-inspired presence.


Our dedication to excellence in historic motorsport, particularly in Heritage Touring Cars, drives everything we do. As a trusted name in race car restoration, we maintain a strong presence at the heritage revival race meets, actively supporting our clients and building lasting relationships within the racing community.


Race cars demand specialised expertise, and we deliver precision crafted solutions tailored to the highest standards of authenticity, safety, and presentation. Whether you need a full restoration, smash repairs, or custom fabrication and modifications, our skilled team is committed to delivering exceptional results—ensuring your race car looks as impressive as its legacy.


As your trusted race car specialists, we’re here to handle all your restoration and smash repair needs.


Let’s talk about your project—because every race car deserves expert craftsmanship and a flawless finish!

Contact Us

heritage touring CAR interview

Step into Motorsport History!

Join us for an exclusive interview with Dean How, owner and driver of the legendary 1981 JPS BMW 635, alongside Emma Thompson from WD Autobody's "Reviving History" team. Experience the passion that keeps motorsport history alive with behind-the-scenes access and racing highlights from Heritage Touring Car – Group C at the 2025 Phillip Island Classic.

WD Autobody joined Dean How as the restored JPS BMW 635 roared back to life. 

Motorsport Restoration: Inside the Workshop

Historic Motorsport Enthusiasts, It’s Time to Rev Your Engines!


By popular demand, we’re giving you an exclusive pit stop tour of our workshop! Step into the heart of WD Autobody, where precision and passion come together. Our 'Reviving History' team is hard at work on two iconic Group C Historic Touring Cars, including the legendary 1981 JPS BMW. This classic is getting a meticulous cosmetic overhaul as it prepares for the high-speed action at the Autumn Classic Speedfest at Morgan Park Raceway 

CURRENT RACE CAR PROJECTS

1980 Commodore VC GROUP C TOURING CAR

BMW E30 M3 race car

Replica BMW race car

COMPLETED RACE CAR PROJECTS

1980 BMW JPS 6 SERIES GROUP C TOURING CAR

Historic Motorsport At Its Finest

1981 ALLAN GRICE JPS 635 BMW Sandown

A piece of history from Sandown Hang Ten 400 introduced by the late Leo Geoghegan 1981 Allan Grice the team was born out of Allan Grice's Craven Mild Racing which had run Holden Torana's and Holden Commodore's in the mid to late 1970s and into 1980. In 1981 CMR became the factory operation for BMW Australia running a Group C version of the 3.5 litre, 6cyl, BMW 635 CSi. The car would have a new paint scheme as well with the red, white and gold of Craven Mild replaced by the black and gold of John Player & Sons. Over the next seven seasons the sinister looking black BMW's would become one of the most recognisable cars in Australian Touring Car Racing, with the 635 often used in adverts by both BMW Australia and sponsors JPS in the days before the government ban on Tobacco advertising in Australia.  For 1981, Allan Grice was the teams lead driver in the 635 CSi. Grice finished 2nd in the Amaroo Park based AMSCAR Series for cars with a maximum engine capacity of 3.5 litres (which excluded the V8 Commodores and Ford Falcons), and then went on to finish 7th in the crash shortened James Hardie 1000 partnered by British sports car driver David Hobbs. The relationship between Grice and Gardner had deteriorated during their six-year association which led to Gricey's removal from the team at the end of 1981 (most of the animosity was from Gardner allegedly not having a high opinion of Grice's aggressive driving style with Gardner preferring a more sensible approach. However, in many ways Grice's style was ahead of its time in Australia).  

The Story Behind the JPS Team BMW 635 CSI Group C

The JPS Team BMW 635 CSI Group C is a storied vehicle with deep roots in racing history, captivating race car enthusiasts worldwide. This iconic car was originally built by BMW Motorsport for the European Touring Car Championship in 1980, where it was campaigned by a dedicated privateer team.

In early 1981, Allan Grice Racing acquired the car with significant support from BMW Australia and substantial financial backing from John Player. The car was then transformed into a Group C specification, adorned in a sleek black colour with striking gold logos. This transformation marked the beginning of BMW's first official foray into Australian motorsport, a move overseen by the legendary Frank Gardiner.

At the time, the BMW 635 CSI was a dominant force in European racing, clinching numerous victories in the 1981 season. However, this success came with its own challenges. The JPS team faced a hefty 200kg weight penalty before their first race, making the 3.5-litre BMW one of the heaviest cars on the track at 1450kg, matched only by the 5.7-litre Falcon XD.

Despite the weight disadvantage, the JPS Team BMW 635 CSI Group C remains a celebrated piece of motorsport history, revered for its engineering excellence and the competitive spirit it embodied. This car not only marked a significant chapter in BMW's racing heritage but also left an indelible mark on Australian motorsport.

Image from Australian Muscle Car

 UP CLOSE: The Group C BMW That Almost Never Was – The Race Torque 

Race meets Videos

Bathurst 1000 Heritage Touring Cars 2024

WD Autobody supporting Heritage Touring Cars Group C | 2024 Repco Bathurst 1000

The WD Autobody team returned to the track, at an adrenaline-charged weekend at the 2024 Repco Bathurst 1000, supporting the Heritage Touring Cars Group C legends who took centre stage with their thrilling performance.

Catch the action in our video, and don’t forget to follow our page for updates on upcoming events and our latest motorsport restoration and repair projects!

Bathurst 1000 Heritage Touring Cars 2024 Race 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoJM--LGyVg


Live Stream at Bathurst 1000 Heritage Touring Cars 2024 Race 4

2024 Winton Festival of Speed

Revved Up With The Group C Heritage Touring Cars at the Winton Festival of Speed!

WD Autobody returned to the race track, following the legendary Group C Heritage Touring Cars. Check out our latest video, captured exclusively from the pits at the Winton Festival of Speed.

WD Autobody at The Pits: 2024 Winton Festival of Speed!

What an adrenaline-pumping weekend at the Winton Festival of Speed! We spent two days immersed in the roar of engines and the thrill of speed as the historic touring cars Group C dominated the circuit.  The thrill was undeniable as these historic machines thundered by, reigniting the racing passion in every fan's heart. 

Live Stream at 2024 VHRR Winton Festival of Speed

 Attention, race fans! Don’t miss out on the 2024 Winton Festival of Speed—relive the action with the live stream of the racing legends. Skip ahead to 2:05:26 to catch the epic Group C & Group A combined race. 

2024 Adelaide Motorsport Festival

2024 Adelaide Motorsport Festival: Live Stream

 If you couldn't make it to the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, don't worry—we've got you covered! Catch all the action from the live stream back in March 2024. For the thrilling Group C & Group A Heritage Touring Cars, jump ahead to 2:21:50 and enjoy the race! 

Adelaide Motorsport Festival 2024

What an exhilarating weekend it turned out to be at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival! The evening we arrived, they organized a stunning display of handpicked race cars parading through Adelaide's main street. It was a moment of pride for us to stand beside Dean How's sleek black BMW E24 635i race car. Witnessing those classic cars back in action on the track was truly fantastic.

Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport 2024

 The scorching heat of over 40 degrees set the stage for an adrenaline-fueled two-day affair at the Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport. Our team rallied behind Dean How, the proud owner of the sleek Black and Gold BMW E24 racer, as we immersed ourselves in the electrifying spectacle of high-octane racing action.

GROUP C & A Heritage Touring Race MEETS

10–11 May, 2025

Morgan Park Raceway, Autumn Classic Speedfest

9am

-

5pm

Morgan Park Raceway – Warwick Qld

Event Details

10–11 May, 2025

Morgan Park Raceway, Autumn Classic Speedfest

HRCC's Traditional Autumn Historic and Classic motor racing weekend promoted and organised by HRCC. The event is open to all Historic 5th Ca...

Event Details

9am

-

5pm

Morgan Park Raceway – Warwick Qld

6 - 8 June, 2025

2025 HSRCA Sydney Classic

9am

-

5pm

Sydney Motorsport Park

Event Details

6 - 8 June, 2025

2025 HSRCA Sydney Classic

Join us at the 2025 HSRCA Sydney Classic, featuring the thrilling heritage touring cars from Groups C and A. This iconic event will showcase...

Event Details

9am

-

5pm

Sydney Motorsport Park

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WD AUTOBODY PTY LTD

Factory 2/54 Collins Road, Dromana Victoria 3936, Australia

Telephone : +61 (03) 5981 1611

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