[matchless]

This is the Taprobana 4x4 Challenge AKA RFC’s Sri Lanka. It happened in October 2013 but due to personal reasons I was not able to post this earlier. Better late than never so I am posting this thread now.

I thank Mr.Sean Hameed. The fact that he built a competition vehicle from scratch on a tight schedule while organizing an event like this was unbelievable. It was not only the vehicle he built but he supported me in many other ways and I am very thankful to him. I wouldn’t have completed the event without his help.

I need a new thread to talk about the vehicle, it creator (Sean) and its build but I don’t have photos or video to share it.

Here are the specifications:
Maruti Gypsy 410MG, engine: Toyota 2L-T from Land Cruiser, automatic transmission, Toyota LC Differential, Amadaxtreme coil over suspension and Silver stone MT117. It had a beautiful articulation, stability and handling.

The way the event started was unexpected a separate train was allocated for this event and journey from Colombo to east cost with all the vehicles, had a great time with all competitor.

It was a great experience to be in an international arena, and competing with foreign teams. They have awesome machines, and it is a pleasure to watch the drivers in action. Everyone was pushing their 4x4 to limits for reduce every second and was ready to break the machine and their bones to get on to the podium.

Photo credits go to the following photographers and websites from where I downloaded the picture, as I couldn't take any pictures.

Andrew Farhat (lebanonoffroad.com)
Jithendri
Charnchai (RFC)
Sam
Fahd Lafir
Sanjaya Ratnaweera
Biser3a.com

Day 1 :













Sean and Luis J.A.Wee

[DeClutch 4X4]

one word 'WOW'!! the rigs pictured are drool worthy for sure. Congratulations on attempting this one of its kind event. It would also be interesting to know about how did you decide to participate? any pre-requisites/cirteria's attached? and how did you manage to get 410W transported and was it easy to bring it back (assuming it took SG410W along with you)?

[sreejeshmp]

Congrats Man, Its a dream for me to attend RFC, may be for all 4x4 lovers, waiting for update on DeClutch4X4s questions .

Love to see the RFC 410W pics, please post them also.
- Sreejesh

[matchless]

Thanks!

I was trying to take my gypsy MPFI but due to few reasons i couldn't, hence i requested Sean to rent me a 4x4 for participating in this year event.

Sean wanted me to drive an Indian 4x4 hence he sourced this gypsy and built this small monster for me. For which I am gratefully to him (it is hard to see a person like him).

With respect to taking personal 4x4 out of India, it is possible you need to get Carnet and carry through ship.

Below are day 2 & 3 picture

[matchless]

[Joe M]

Wow! Those are some hard-core off-roaders, doing some serious hill climbing. None of the normal SUVs/off-roaders come even close! Wonderful event. We don't have any Land Rovers or Patrols modified like that here, have we?

[mac187]

Great stuff. This deserves a detailed write-up. Request you to please find more time for a detailed write up about the machines, the trail and the arrangements.

[Twinn]

Originally Posted by Joe M

We don't have any Land Rovers or Patrols modified like that here, have we?

There a lot of landys and patrols here and they are modified to an extent but not shortened as done by the car no's 106, 143, 103, 144 there are all souped up to an extent its quite difficult to figure out the make & model

[wanderernomad]

Great Event and fabulous vehicles. What an experience it would have been. And to top it all, a BHPIAN was there. Kudos, truly matchless. Any significance of not having the bumper or panels at all?

[matchless]

Sorry for the delayed reply.

Originally Posted by Twinn

There a lot of landys and patrols here and they are modified to an extent but not shortened as done by the car no's 106, 143, 103, 144 there are all souped up to an extent its quite difficult to figure out the make & model

All the 4x4 in this competition were completely modified except 2 Toyota BJ40. other vehicle were Toyota LC, Nissan patrol, Defender and one Mitsubishi jeep (look like CJ3b)

Originally Posted by wanderernomad

Great Event and fabulous vehicles. What an experience it would have been. And to top it all, a BHPIAN was there. Kudos, truly matchless. Any significance of not having the bumper or panels at all?

Thanks! Can not put the bumper because of the Tyre, also to get good approach angle.

[matchless]

Few more SS on Day 3 and 4

[Jaggu]

These are just super drool stuff. You had loads of fun i guess please post the rest and where is the vehicle? Did you get it back to India?

[sourabhzen]

It must be an amazing experience participating in such a wonderful event. I would thank my stars even if I get a chance to see it live! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Will wait for your thread on the vehicle.

[aa_asif]

Mind boggling pictures! Looks like the 4X4 scene in Srilanka is way too serious with such insanely modded beasts. Did that yellow Pajero on winch in the river crossing resume after that?

[matchless]

Originally Posted by aa_asif

Mind boggling pictures! Looks like the 4X4 scene in Srilanka is way too serious with such insanely modded beasts. Did that yellow Pajero on winch in the river crossing resume after that?

Yes they crossed the river and completed the ss