Speedy success for car firm despite flood disaster

An enterprising company from East Yorkshire has not let this summer’s catastrophic flooding put a dampener on their business.

Z Cars, based in Aldbrough, East Yorkshire produces conversion kits to allow high performance motorcycle and Honda Vtec engines to be fitted in the classic Mini.

Taking their design expertise one step further, Z Cars have recently developed the Monte Carlo – a new model designed to appeal both to kit car enthusiasts and drivers looking for a performance racing car.

With help and support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) the company launched the Monte Carlo – fully compliant with the highest international safety standards – on the international stage earlier this year.  And in June, their first order – worth £60,000 – was secured.  Despite being severely affected by flooding, the company did not let this get in the way of their commitment to fulfilling the order.

Chris Allanson from Z Cars said: “Our customer was based in Romania and required a high performance version of the car which, in order to be competitive, had to be capable of 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and 0 to 100 mph in 6 seconds. With this specification the order was worth some £60,000!  Not only that but he also asked for the car to be available in just six weeks to be ready for a race in the Romanian hill climb series.

“From the start the schedule was incredibly tight and would be difficult to meet but we were confident we could make the deadline. We were getting along well until, on 25 June, the heavens opened over East Yorkshire and our workshops and surrounding areas were filled with floodwater to a depth of 18 inches.

“Despite a complete shutdown for three days we moved heaven and earth to ensure that the car was ready for our customer’s arrival at the plant on 12 July.”

The customer was so impressed – not only with the performance of the car but also the dedicated team that built it – that he has ordered a second vehicle.

For more information about Z Cars visit www.zcars.org.uk