Rob Johnston Racing (RJR), is relatively small operation in Wolstanton, UK. Their namesake has been involved in the sport for many years, with a penchant for building and driving winning cars. Competing in the 750mc Sports Specials Championship, RJR has seen their products routinely set pole positions, reach the podiums, and even place 3rd overall in the 2018 season. Their principle product, the Cyana, has quite the pedigree too.
Last year Rare Component Cars covered the cars of Jeremy Phillips, founder of Sylva Autokits. They produced a wide range of roadsters and track day cars. Sylva's most enduring and profitable model was the Striker, that had an overtly Lotus Seven-like configuration. The car saw production in 4 successive series and also spawned a "streamliner" version. Called the Phoenix, it was a curvaceous, low slung roadster that made for a very versatile platform for the hobbyist or racer.
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| The RJR Cyana, from above |
The concept and general arrangement of the Sylva Phoenix informed the development of the Cyana, but RJR has taken it to a new extreme. The Cyana adds considerable width to the track, over the Phoenix. With its bodywork stretched over massive tires and the addition of a splitter and rear diffuser, it definitely looks aggressive. RJR made sure it has the hardware to back it up as well.
The chassis is a round-section tubular spaceframe that is fully bracketed and comes powder coated to customer spec. It features an adjustable pedal box, dual brake master cylinders, a hydraulic clutch, and TIG welded wishbones at the corners. All interior aluminum panels are pre-cut, drilled, and formed for ease of assembly. A full set of rose joints, misalignment spacers, an Mk2 steering rack, rack extensions, steering column, and fabricated uprights (front and rear) round out the setup.
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| The RJR Cyana chassis & floor-pan |
The Cyana is clad in a 5 piece GRP bodywork set, supplied in white Gel coat. The complete floor assembly, which includes the front splitter, rear diffuser, and all mountings are provided as well. This comprehensive chassis and body kit is available with a choice of engine mounts to suit either Ford Duratec or Ford Zetec engines. Prices start at £5995.00, sans donor drivetrain.
In addition to producing the Cyana kit, RJR also builds bespoke examples in various states of tune, and offers restoration and servicing for Sylva kits as well. One recent Cyana build featured a Honda (Acura) S2000 engine and sequential gearbox. RJR has also been developing a version of the Cyana for street, according to social media posts.
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| The RJR Cyana, in its natural habitat |
One would be hard pressed not to think Mr. Johnston has a most enviable job. Building, driving, and winning races in cars like these has got to be a blast!
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| The RJR Cyana MK1 |
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| The RJR Cyana MK2 |
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| The RJR Cyana MK3 |
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| The RJR Cyana, under the hood |
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| The RJR Cyana, with Striker in pursuit |
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| The RJR Cyana, with S-2000 power (#20) |
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| RJR Cyana's, in a row |
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| The RJR Cyana, at rear |
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| An RJR customized Sylva Phoenix, owned by Jeff Wiltshire |
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The RJR wide-body suits it well. The skirts and
fender extensions were adapted from the Cyana. |
The Phoenix wasn't tuned by Rob. RJR fitted the body extensions but nothing else to the car.
ReplyDeleteMr. Wiltshire, thank you for the additional background info. Being its owner I'll take that as gospel from you. I'll correct this detail accordingly.
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