Kiwi rally star Hayden Paddon is using the Coronavirus lockdown to fully rebuild the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX that he used to win the 2008 and 2009 New Zealand Championships.
The car holds a special place in Paddon's heart, having also taken him to victory in the Asia Pacific section of the 2010 Pirelli Star Driver scheme.
“That was a million-dollar [NZ dollar] prize for six rounds of the World Rally Championship in PWRC,” said Paddon.
“As well as the Pirelli drives in an Evo X, we used the Green Machine on Rally New Zealand, where I took my first PWRC win, and Rally Japan where we finished second.”
The rebuild of the car won't see it back in action though.
"I have no plans for it," Paddon added.
"I just want to restore it back to its original state, going through every nut and bolt and make it like new again.
"It will be driveable, but won't be used in competition so that I can keep it in this condition.
"This car has always meant a lot to us, which is why we have never sold it."
Paddon lives on site at the Highlands Park racing facility where his workshop is based.
Hayden Paddon will use the lockdown to rebuild his Lancer Evo IX.
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