Free FIA Homologation Database

Homologation. What does it mean? Spell check doesn’t even recognise it as a known word. In summary homologation is the process in where a car, parts or equipment is standardised and recorded to ensure that the objects in question meet the regulatory standards.



Let us look at FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), the global governing body for 4-wheeled motorsport, and what they homologate. Anyone who is relatively clued up on motorsport will know that vehicles competing at international level will have been homologated but it does not stop there. The FIA also homologate equipment including helmets, overalls, FHR devices (frontal head restraints) gloves, ROPS (roll over protection systems) and a whole lot more, to ensure they meet the requirements set.

For the purpose of this article we will be looking at vehicle homologations and more specifically historic vehicle homologation.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could see each intricate bit of detail that put together the machines that built the sport we love today? Wouldn’t it be great if you could investigate each component that made up the iconic Group B rally cars of the 80s such as the MG Metro 6R4 or the classic GT cars such as the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato? Well you can. You have access to 3284 (at time of press) homologation documents on the FIA’s website. You can sift through thousands of pages on historic motorsport vehicles, from rally cars, to Le Mans cars; this database has them all.

Motorsport homologation papers can often be over 100 pages, long so we have put together some of the best bits we have come across in the article below. with a direct link to the database so you can continue your exploration.

MG Metro 6R4

How could we not start with the iconic MG Metro 6R4. The illustration below was taken straight from the original homologation paper, showing the materials used for each external body panel. As you can see the MG Metro 6R4 was mainly made up from plastic.

Part of the FIA homologation process is to lay out separate body panels and have them clearly photographed. You can see the rear boot/wing compartment of the 6R4 in one complete piece, and the front slitter in a separate photograph. When a car comes to scrutineering the inspecting scrutineer will be able to refer back to the homologation papers in the case they suspect something might not be quite right, such as incorrect material used for the rear wing. The vehicle must match the homologation papers.

Aston Martin DB4 Zagato

In modern times, the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato is one of the most expensive cars... ever. There have been cases where originals have been sold at auction for over £10 million. Using the FIA's Database you can investigate the components that make up such an iconic piece of motorsport history.

**BLOG DISCOUNT**

Use BLOG10 for 10% off your entire order.



Click the image to browse

Lancia Delta S4

One of the final cars to join the party in the Group B rally category was the Lancia Delta S4 - now you can explore the ins-n-outs of the turbo AND(!) supercharged rally monster! Below you can see the break down of the engine, and detailed shots of the supercharger and turbo charger. The Lancia Delta S4 really was a step above the competition.

Another interesting page is the space frame chassis/ROPS which was the main structure of the vehicle, including the specific dimensions of each member.

Ferrari F40

We would be shocked if the Ferrari F40 hadn't collected the accolade for 'the most posters on boy's bedroom walls'. The Ferrari F40 was built to celebrate Ferrari's 40th Anniversary. Originally only 400 were made and production reached 1,311 in total - many have often been owned by famous celebrities and motorsport icons.

Below is an extract from the Ferrai F40's homologation papers of the twin-turbocharged, V8 engine. You can explore so many more vehicle by following the link at the bottom of the article.

I guess we should include a small disclaimer. Even if you have a remote interest in the automotive industry, motorsport or engineering, we warn you that you could spend hours scrolling through documentation on the FIA's Free Homologation database. The 4 extracts above are just the tip of the iceberg. Just make sure you aren't sat up until 03.00 looking back at all the cars you have ever owned...or wish you owned.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FIA HOMLOGATION DATABASE

**BLOG DISCOUNT**