Corris Rivett
The main project car in My Winter Car. A rear-wheel-drive legend based on the Ford Taunus TC1, featuring a 2.0L SOHC engine and classic European styling.
Corris Rivett - Complete Guide
Corris Rivett
Ford Taunus TC1
Overview
The Corris Rivett is the main project car in My Winter Car, representing a significant evolution from the Satsuma in My Summer Car. Based on the Ford Taunus TC1 (1971-1976), this rear-wheel-drive sedan offers a completely different driving and assembly experience in the harsh Finnish winter.
Unlike the lightweight, front-wheel-drive Satsuma, the Rivett is a substantial machine weighing approximately 1015kg with its cast-iron 2.0L engine and steel body construction.
Technical Specifications
Drivetrain
RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
Engine
2.0L SOHC Inline-4 (Ford Pinto)
Horsepower
99 hp @ 5500 RPM
Torque
154 Nm @ 3700 RPM
Transmission
4-Speed Manual (Stock) / 5-Speed / 3-Speed Auto
Weight
1015 kg
Top Speed
~160 km/h
Fuel Capacity
54 liters
Body Style
2-Door Sedan
Layout
FR (Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive)
Brakes
Front Disc / Rear Drum
Steering
Rack and Pinion (Non-assisted)
Tires
13-inch (studded winter tires required)
Real World Basis
Ford Taunus TC1
2.0L SOHC "Pinto" Engine
TL20H 2.0L SOHC 'Pinto'
Overhead Cam Inline-4
Peak Power
99 hp @ 5500 RPM
Peak Torque
154 Nm @ 3700 RPM
Power Delivery
Strong from idle, ideal for ice driving
Fuel Economy
~12L/100km (worse in cold)
Key Characteristics
- •Interference Engine: Timing belt failure causes catastrophic valve/piston collision
- •Crossflow Head: Intake and exhaust on opposite sides for better airflow
- •Timing Belt: Rubber belt vulnerable to cold weather - requires preventative replacement
- •High Thermal Mass: Cast iron block takes time to warm up in winter
Transmission Options
4-Speed Manual (Stock)
All-synchromesh gearbox. Rugged and reliable. Tall gearing for fuel economy.
5-Speed Manual (Aftermarket)
Better highway cruising. Lower RPM at speed. Improved fuel economy.
3-Speed Automatic
Borg-Warner Type 35. Smooth power delivery on ice. Acts as primitive traction control.
Chassis & Handling
Rear Suspension: 4-Link Solid Axle
The Rivett's rear suspension dramatically affects driving dynamics:
- •Live Axle Design: High unsprung weight causes bouncing on frozen ruts
- •Coil Springs: Better ride quality than leaf springs
- •4-Link Location: Axle positioning controlled by arms
- •Handling Trait: Pronounced oversteer when traction breaks
Oversteer Physics
- •Rear tires lose grip first on ice
- •Back of car swings out in corners
- •Requires 'counter-steering' to correct
- •Long wheelbase (2579mm) makes slides slower but recovery difficult
Weight Distribution
- •Front-heavy due to iron engine block
- •Light rear end reduces traction
- •Solution: Add sandbags in trunk for ballast
How to Acquire the Corris Rivett
Unlike My Summer Car where you inherit the Satsuma, the Rivett must be purchased:
- 1Buy Classifieds Magazine - Available at PSK Service Centre
- 2Find the Ad - Search for 'Corris Rivett' or similar RWD project car listing
- 3Call the Seller - Phone number: 08-609-553 (Reijo Livaloinen)
- 4Complete Transaction - Pay ~500 markka for bare shell with 10-12 random loose parts
- 5Transport Home - Must tow or drive the non-running project back
Randomized Barn Find
Model Year
1971-1976 (random)
Trim Levels
Base, L, XL, GT
GT Features
Factory tachometer, rally lights, vinyl roof
Base Features
No tachometer, basic trim
Cold Start Protocol
Starting the Rivett in winter is a complex ritual:
Pre-Start Checklist
Block Heater (30-60 minutes prior)
Warms coolant and oil. Critical for battery preservation. WARNING: Unplug before driving!
Battery Check
Cold weather reduces capacity. Test voltage (should be 12.6V+). If weak, charge or replace.
Oil Condition
Use 5W-30 viscosity for winter. Check for cold sludge formation. Monitor for condensation contamination.
Starting Procedure
- 1.Pull choke lever fully out (under dashboard, left of steering column)
- 2.Turn ignition key and pump gas pedal rhythmically
- 3.Stop cranking after 5-10 seconds if no start
- 4.Once running, maintain 2000-2500 RPM
- 5.Gradually push choke in as temperature rises
- 6.Turn on cabin heat and defroster before driving
Assembly Order Recommendations
Chassis & Suspension
- Install rear axle and springs
- Set ride height and alignment
- Install brakes (front disc, rear drum)
Engine Assembly
- Short block and long block
- Timing belt and components
- Carburetor and intake
- Exhaust system
Electrical System
- Wire harness installation
- Fuse box connections
- Dashboard gauges
- Lighting system
Body & Interior
- Body panels and trim
- Seats and carpet
- Door mechanisms
- Final testing
Tuning & Optimization
Winter Setup
Tire Strategy
- • Studded winter tires are essential
- • Reduce tire pressure 2-3 PSI for better contact
- • Monitor stud wear and replace when needed
Weight Management
- • Add 2-4 sandbags in trunk for traction
- • Center load over rear axle
- • Balance grip vs. handling
Drivetrain
- • Stock 3.9:1 final drive good for torque
- • Open diff standard, LSD optional for better traction
Performance Modifications
Engine
- • Upgrade carburetor to larger venturi
- • Mild cam grind for better mid-range
- • 9.5:1 compression for pump gas
- • Free-flowing exhaust for power
Suspension
- • Lower spring rate for handling
- • Adjustable dampers for conditions
- • Slightly more negative camber
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Engine Won't Start
Cause
Dead battery
Solution
Charge or jump-start
Cause
Frozen carburetor
Solution
Use block heater 1+ hours
Cause
Faulty starter
Solution
Tap starter while cranking
Cause
Bad timing
Solution
Check timing belt tension
Poor Performance
Symptom
Lacks power
Fix
Tune carburetor
Symptom
Rough idle
Fix
Check compression (120+ PSI)
Symptom
High fuel consumption
Fix
Inspect timing
Handling Issues
Symptom
Excessive understeer
Adjustment
Add rear sandbags
Symptom
Rear slides easily
Adjustment
Check tire pressure
Symptom
Poor steering feel
Adjustment
Inspect suspension bushings
Critical Warnings
- • The 2.0L SOHC Pinto engine is an interference design. If the timing belt breaks, the valves will collide with the pistons, causing catastrophic engine damage. Always replace the timing belt preventatively.
Pro Tips
- • Add 2-4 sandbags in the trunk over the rear axle to improve traction. The RWD Rivett is tail-happy on ice without extra weight.
Cultural Context
The Finnish 'Talviauto' (Winter Car)
In Finnish car culture, maintaining a separate 'winter car' is traditional:
- •Purpose: Sacrificial vehicle for snowy season
- •Characteristics: RWD, robust, affordable
- •Usage: Daily commuting in harsh conditions
- •Summer Car: Separate vehicle for nicer weather
The Corris Rivett represents this ethos perfectly - a cheap RWD car that becomes a character-building project, teaching the fundamentals of automotive assembly while providing the unique satisfaction of bringing a sleeping legend back to life in the frozen Finnish countryside.