Malaysian Rainforest Challenge Ibex

2000: Codd sets sights squarely on Rainforest Challenge: Experienced eventer Pete Codd has chosen the prestigious Malaysian Rainforest Challenge as the first competitive test for his brand new Ibex 250-S. The vehicle has virtually been built with the event in mind, but by choosing the oriental challenge Pete will miss the Bulldog Trophy in the UK.

"It goes without saying that we would love to be on the Bulldog. But we can't be in two places at once. I hope to have the vehicle ready for IBEXFest2000, the Ibex owners' bash at Tong. It would be useful to give it a shakedown that weekend. But then the vehicles ship out a few days later. so I'm afraid the Bulldog is out of the question."

"This will be our third attempt at the Rainforest Challenge, and we are gaining experience and local knowledge on each occasion. Last year we were 4th and I am optimistic that the British entrants can do well this year. We now know what we are facing and we are adapting the vehicles to suit the conditions."

"The Ibex is an immensely strong vehicle, and with the 250-S we have the best of both worlds. 100-inch wheelbase for stability and an entry/ exit angle of 90°, or at least as good as 90° on 34-inch tyres."

Specific performance details for the new event-Ibex remain under wraps, but some very generalised information is available. Powered by petrol V8, the output is believed to be in the region of about 275bhp. The gearbox is semi-automatic and the diffs are controlled (front and rear) by ARB Air Lockers. Everything in the drivetrain, and I mean everything, is seriously beefed-up.

Renowned off-road racing buggy builder Matt Lee has sorted the suspension, coil-over and minus A-frame at the back. Rumour has it that wheel travel is about 12-inches - not up to USA rock-crawling standards perhaps but better than stock Land Rover and designed for the job in hand. Quote, Pete Codd:- "If we've got it right it should be fast across the ground ... and fast through the corners."

Winches (two) are believed to be Warn 8274-50 (front) and Warn HS9500 (middle) paying out to the rear. The rear roller fairlead appears identical to the fairlead used on the Foers Vector Winching System (patented). It is not known whether the front 8274-50 is 12 volt or 24 volt.

John Foers is fabricating some special knock-off rapid exit door tops especially for the Malaysian challenge. As Pete explained, "Being petrol engined, we're hoping for a fairly dry event. But if we do have to abandon ship in the middle of a river crossing, we're going to be getting out pretty fast. We're not hanging about to see what lives in the water".
- Peter Bradley

The vehicle was photographed, in an incomplete state, by Matthew Wild.

Go to the Ibex and Malaysia pages