Davrian and Darrian a brief history
Now celebrating over 50 years of production, Darrian's history dates back to the mid 1960’s when the Davrian brand was launched by entrepreneur, Adrian Evans. After a number of twists and turns in the car manufacturer's history, Davrian eventually became known as Darrian. Now owned by Tim Duffee with his son Rhodri and based in Lampeter, Wales
Now celebrating over 50 years of production, Darrian's history dates back to the mid 1960’s when the Davrian brand was launched by entrepreneur, Adrian Evans. After a number of twists and turns in the car manufacturer's history, Davrian eventually became known as Darrian. Now owned by Tim Duffee with his son Rhodri and based in Lampeter, Wales
Tim Duffee came to own the brand after a sequence of chance circumstances however his love of Darrians was kick-started when he decided to build a Davrian for his Mum!
This was during the early '70s and Tim was rallying a Hillman Imp. He was becoming more involved in the sport and in 1973 decided to buy a proper Davrian competition shell from the works in London and headed off to compete in the Firestone International Rally in Spain.
Following Rally success Tim started specialising in Davrians and was then subcontracted to work for the company.
This was during the early '70s and Tim was rallying a Hillman Imp. He was becoming more involved in the sport and in 1973 decided to buy a proper Davrian competition shell from the works in London and headed off to compete in the Firestone International Rally in Spain.
Following Rally success Tim started specialising in Davrians and was then subcontracted to work for the company.
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Tim's Mum and her Mk4 Davrian
Originally Davrian was based in London and had achieved much success in Modified Sportscar Racing with drivers Bob Jarvis and Pat Longhurst. However, in 1976 it was decided to move the factory to Wales, a move that would see greater involvement in Rallying with the Mk7a
Tim joined his friend Adrian in Wales and from 1980 Davrian Developments were based in Lampeter producing the Davrian Mk8 and Dragon models.
Unfortunately, three years later, financial problems forced Davrian into administration
Tim joined his friend Adrian in Wales and from 1980 Davrian Developments were based in Lampeter producing the Davrian Mk8 and Dragon models.
Unfortunately, three years later, financial problems forced Davrian into administration
Tim Duffee's Mk7a on the Epynt ranges
From Davrian to Darrian
The assets of Davrian were purchased by Corry Cars of N. Ireland. The Davrian jigs and moulds were moved to Tim’s Farm near Lampeter where the workforce continued to do spares and repairs for the all the Davrian models, a service continued till this day.
Following a brief involvement with Corry Cars, who also went into liquidation, Tim managed to formalise the purchase of the Davrian assets so they could remain in Wales. It was then that Tim decided to build an inline mid-engined Rally Car based on Davrian construction principals. A number of people showed an interest and that marked the beginning of the Darrian.
The assets of Davrian were purchased by Corry Cars of N. Ireland. The Davrian jigs and moulds were moved to Tim’s Farm near Lampeter where the workforce continued to do spares and repairs for the all the Davrian models, a service continued till this day.
Following a brief involvement with Corry Cars, who also went into liquidation, Tim managed to formalise the purchase of the Davrian assets so they could remain in Wales. It was then that Tim decided to build an inline mid-engined Rally Car based on Davrian construction principals. A number of people showed an interest and that marked the beginning of the Darrian.
The new car was a instant success and won with driver Geoff Kitney on its first time out.
Having won the Motoring News Championship in 1990 and 1993, and with rally car sales slowing down, Tim became involved with what is now known as the University of Wales Trinity St. David and turned to circuit racing. The Team ended up winning the 1996 British GT Championship and continued to concentrate on Circuit Racing until 1999 when the focus returned once again to rallying.
Since that time many students have been involved with Darrian over the years and the car was constantly developed. The first Darrian T9 evolved into the Darrian T90, then to the T90 GTR and current GTR+ model.
Having won the Motoring News Championship in 1990 and 1993, and with rally car sales slowing down, Tim became involved with what is now known as the University of Wales Trinity St. David and turned to circuit racing. The Team ended up winning the 1996 British GT Championship and continued to concentrate on Circuit Racing until 1999 when the focus returned once again to rallying.
Since that time many students have been involved with Darrian over the years and the car was constantly developed. The first Darrian T9 evolved into the Darrian T90, then to the T90 GTR and current GTR+ model.
The first Darrian T9
From our rural workshops and with skilled local workforce based in West Wales, Darrian cars take on the best from the major manufacturers and continue to enjoy much success throughout the UK and Ireland.
Darrian and Davrian are registered trademarks of Tim Duffee
