Rapport Forte

In 1979, designer Chris Humberstone joined forces with Rapport International, whose trade was modi- fying Range Rovers, mostly for Arab customers. The first fruit ofthis merger was the Rapport Forte of 1980.

With wedgy styling by Humberstone, the Forte was a four-seater with an electrically-operated steel and aluminium roof which folded into the boot. Its body was also of steel and aluminium, with GRP wings, and its mechanical basis was the Jaguar XJ 12. With the 5.3-litre V 12 fitted, it sold for pound 36,774 (less with a smaller XJ6 engine). Its price reflected the Forte's luxurious leather-and-suede interior, air-conditioning and other appointments.
In 1982, however, the company's ambitions were wrecked by the arrival of the receivers. At least one estate model had been built, along with just a few convertibles. Alongside modifed Range Rovers and drophead conversions, Rapport had also made the Ritz, at the same time. This was basically a Honda Accord (!), spruced up with a restyled glassfibre bon- net, boot, front wings, spoiler, rear skirt and a curious bar which acted as a headlamp cover, plus some luxury touches inside. Available with or without turbo- charger, only 40 or so were made.

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