1982 Ralt RT4 Formula Atlantic

History

The Ralt’s history has thus far been traced back to Steve Overton in 1985. This was accomplished using the log books that are still with the car. There could be earlier history, but at this point we are not aware of it.

Jim Wright acquired the Ralt next in 1989. He raced the car in the pro E-Car Formula Atlantic Series. By 1994, the Ralt was parked. The car still changed hands, however. Gregg Matocha acquired the car in 1996, and by 2012 it was in the hands of James Smith. The car then went to Dan Helman, then onto David Rugh of Rugh Engineering. There the Ralt was restored in 2021.

In 2021, Allen Nicholas purchased the Ralt. He raced the car a handful of times over the next several years, missing a number of events during that time due to the Covid pandemic. The Ralt’s most recent race was October, 2024.

Description

There are 10 hours on the Ivey Engines Cosworth BDA and the Hewland FT200 gearbox. The FT200 was last rebuilt by John Anderson Racing, including new forks, bearing carrier, dog rings, all new bearings, new Hewland “chicklet”style differential, new chromate finish, etc. 

The restoration included, but was not limited to, the following:

• New wheel bearings
• Rebuilt Calipers
• New master cylinders
• New CV boots
• Rebuilt rack
• 90% new plumbing
• Rebuilt radiator
• Full body stripped and redone in red
• Fresh fuel cell
• All suspension new polished nickel
• New brake discs all around
• New throttle cable
• New air filter
• New oil and water radiators
• New oil and water lines
• New brake and clutch plumbing
• New throwout bearing assembly
• Corner weighted, and aligned
• And more…..

Components added since the Ralt’s most recent purchase on March 15, 2021 include:

• New Racetech electric tach, Oil press/temp, Water temp gauges
• New Lifeline electronic-operated fire bottle with three lines & nozzles
• New Oil cooler & Water radiators. Hy tech stainless exhaust system
• New Tilton twin plate Cutch and Annular Release Bearing
• New Tilton master cylinders (3) with reservoirs
• New side mount Titan Oil pump with integral filter
• Taller roll bar for 6ft. 2 in driver installed; dashboard bulkhead expanded

Spares Include:

• Gear sets (32)
• One extra set (4) Dymag wheels
• Spare fiberglass nose
• Poly engine shipping container
• Four new brake rotors
• One pair of new drive shafts
• One set (4) Transport wheels
• Jumper Battery
• Quiet Horsepower muffler
• All weather car cover
• Extra pair of front wings
• Spare oil cooler and water radiator

A 24 ft. enclosed trailer with equipment to run the car is also available for an additional $10,000. 

The Ralt is located in Salinas, California, not far from Laguna Seca. It is ready for a test day at the track, or for the grid. 

If you have ever thought about getting one of these cars, this is it. The Ralt RT4 model won multiple championships globally, including SCCA, IMSA, British Atlantic, and the Australian Atlantic Championships. It dominated the SCCA Runoffs in the 1980s. 

This particular RT4 has pro series and runoffs history. Yet, due to outside circumstances, this RT4 spent much of its life on the shelf, which helped to preserve it. This Ralt still has its original chassis tag affixed to it.

The Ralt is in excellent condition, as verified by a top Formula Atlantic prep shop. The price is beyond excellent for a car of this caliber. The RT4 has been a passion project of a pro-team mechanic, and it shows. 

Finally, after a few years of no feature races for these cars, 2026 is the launch of the A2V Series for Formula Atlantics, Super Vee and F2. It is the time to have one of these cars. Your opportunity to run up front will be no better than this year, the first year of the series. Once these series get rolling, the grids inevitably get fuller, the prices of the cars go back up, and the competition gets tougher. You can ride the wave by starting early up front and then leveraging that experience each year to remain up front. 

We have raced Formula Atlantic for years and enjoyed absolutely amazing experiences at our local club races with friends, at the Rolex, Long Beach, and being in the support race for the U.S. Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Be ready when history repeats itself with Atlantics being the bargain ticket to the big dances.

All vehicle descriptions are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Corrections, and supplemental information, are always welcome. Buyers are responsible for confirming vehicle histories, condition, and authenticity to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Motorsports Market is not the owner of the vehicle and assumes no liability for errors and omissions.

(c) 1996-2026, Motorsports Market. All Rights Reserved.

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