View allAll Photos Tagged Bodyshell
Towards the end of the 1970's, British Leyland was in a state of absolute despair. Shoddy and dated car designs married to biblical unreliability meant the company was facing near meltdown, and obviously came to the conclusion that they needed someone else to take the helm before the ship properly sank. Enter the Japanese, more to the point, Honda!
Since the 1960's, the Japanese had shown the world that they can mass-produce reliable cars, and thus were raking in sales by the million as people turned from their flaky European models to the highly efficient Japanese alternatives. Desperate to stop their market being swept out from under them, European Manufacturers imposed heavy import taxes on Japanese imports so as to try and price them out of the market, which meant builders such as Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi were losing a fortune. The alternative past this blockade was to combine their efforts with some of the more struggling car companies of Europe so as to create hybrid cars.
And thus the Triumph Acclaim was born!
Based almost solely on the Honda Ballade, essentially all that differentiated it was the Triumph badge, and the fact that the car was built at the Cowley Plant near Oxford using the former production lines of the Austin Maxi. The intention largely was to replace the 10 year old Triumph Dolomite as the 4-door saloon of the company. Unlike the Ballade however, the car did come with much more luxury features as with a Triumph badge, the car was intended to be more higher market than the conventional Japanese equivalent. But most importantly, the car has the distinction of being the first truly reliable British Leyland car (and it only took them 12 years to get it right!)
Basically, the car's major components were built in Japan and shipped to Cowley, where they were placed into the locally built bodyshells. Build quality was very good too, with the leaky panels and rough ride seemingly absent, and holds the record for the fewest warranty claims on a British Leyland car. However, Japan may have shown Europe how to build a reliable car, but they didn't know how to build a car that didn't rust. Much like it's Japanese counterparts, the Acclaim rusted like crazy. In Japan this was seen as planned obsolescence, with the intention being that a new model would replace it in two or three years time. But in Britain, cars are built to last, with models going unchanged almost completely for years and even decades. Examples being the Mini, which didn't change in any way, shape or form between its launch in 1959 and its demise in 2000!
But still, despite the terrible rusting problem, the car's reliable nature resulted in 133,000 cars being sold, and became the first Triumph to be within the Top 10 highest selling cars since 1965. However, in the end the Acclaim's show of being a good, reliable car was merely a testbed for the variety of other Japanese style products British Leyland intended to push in the near future. After only 4 years of production, the Triumph Acclaim was shelved in 1984 along with many other British Leyland products such as the Austin Ambassador and the Morris Ital so as to rationalise the company into a small number of highly reliable machines based off the Triumph Acclaim's Japanese based success. From the Acclaim, the Rover 200 was a direct descendant, being based heavily on the next generation Honda Ballade, but also spurring from this plucky car was the mechanicals of the Austin Maestro and Montego.
The ending of Acclaim construction in 1984 also brought the end to the Triumph badge itself on motorcars. Although Triumph still exists on motorbikes, the car division has long since perished, together with Austin and Morris. As for the Acclaim itself, it is truly one of those rarities you won't find everyday. Today only 488 are left, which, although much more than the remaining Ital's and Ambassadors of the same period, is still a very low number. But even so, the Triumph Acclaim did show British Leyland how to make a reliable machine, even though it technically wasn't a British machine in the first place!
Tribute MX250 *(1993) Engine 1899cc S4
Registration Number L 69 MEP
Not 100 per cent, but i believe this is a Tribute Automotive MX250> Tribute are based in Doset and among other models supply conversion kits to transform Mazda MX5 Mk.1s and Mk.2s to this 250GTO Ferrari lookalike.
The GRP kit is a straight forward replacement of body panels and addition of cover panels to a Mk I Mazda MX5 bodyshell. The kit can also be fitted to the MX5 Mk2 with some modifications to the kit panels.The conversion retains the full monocoque bodyshell, running gear, doors and glass of the base vehicle. The finished car is hence exempt from IVA. The self build kits, are priced from £4000.
*1993 is the date of the donor car
A Big thankyou for an incredible 24 Million views
Shot 04:05:2014 at the Donington Historic Festival REF 102-132
Sold for £ 5.500
The Jaguar Land-Rover Collection
Brightwells Auctions
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
England
March 2018
The Austin/Morris 1100 range was an instant hit. Its Pininfarina styling was very up-to-the-minute and its clever Hydrolastic suspension made it ride even better than its sophisticated European competition. Issigonis had another hit on his hands.
So impressed was Fred Connolly (owner of the famous leather firm) with the ride and comfort of the humble 1100 that he approached Vanden Plas (one of his main customers) with the idea of introducing a limousine in miniature - based on the 1100.
The idea was enthusiastically embraced and the new model launched at the 1963 Earls Court Motorshow. Eventually nearly 40.000 Princess 1100/1300s were to be produced, initially from Longbridge, but latterly from Vanden Plas themselves where they took an MG bodyshell complete with twin carb 55bhp engine and painted, coach-lined and trimmed the car to their normal high standard. Complete with full Connolly leather interior, lashings of burr walnut to the dash and doors, picnic tables and the oversized Vanden Plas grille at the front, the recipe was complete.
This stunning 1968 model comes to us with only a current V5C in the way of paperwork. An MOT check shows it was last tested in 2012, so it will no doubt need some careful servicing before venturing forth once more, having covered barely 30 miles since then.
A quick look at the car confirms that its indicated mileage of just 16.873 is very likely to be correct, although as we don’t know for sure, it is only guesswork based on its condition.
We have not attempted to start it since it has been on-site, a job which its lucky new owner can look forward to when they get it home.
With top examples heading east to Japan where they can't get enough of these clever little limousines, prices have sky-rocketed of late, but you never know, it's offered a no reserve so there’s always that chance.
The bodyshell of ex EWS class 66 No.66048 at Progress Rail Electro Motive Diesel at Longport on the 25th March 2023.
FGW's efforts to increase the number of seats in HST sets resulted in some conversions to a composite layout featuring both First and Standard class seating. A not entirely new idea even for the mark lll bodyshell as Scotrail did similar with their push / pull rakes in the early 80's. Nonetheless it remains a relative rarity in the railway scene today with FGW being the only operator of composite mark lll's at this time.
The Cadillac Eldorado is a premium luxury car that was manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 to 2002 over ten generations. Competitors and similar vehicles included the Continental Mark series, Buick Riviera, Oldsmobile Toronado and Chrysler's Imperial Coupe.
The Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac line. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960 had distinct bodyshells and were the most expensive models that Cadillac offered those years. The Eldorado was never less than second in price after the Cadillac Series 75 limousine until 1966. From 1967 on, the Eldorado was built in high volumes on a unique two door personal luxury car platform.
The Eldorado carried the Fleetwood designation from 1965 through 1972, and was a modern revival of the pre-war Cadillac V-12 and Cadillac V16 roadsters and convertibles.
Classic Days Schloss Dyck 2018 - Driven by Dave Marcis, a NASCAR legend and the last team owner without manufacturer support. Frame is from 1979, bodyshell from 1985. 5.7 litre V8, max. 850PS, detuned 650PS.
The V12 Coupé is probably the rarest XJ40 model ever built.
Designed and manufactured by Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department, this is a strict one-off.
The details on the car are great: the non-functional Perspex side windows, the hand-painted badge (Coupè instead of Coupé, by the way), the 'stretched' door veneers and sill strips all indicate this is not a production car.
The interior and bodyshell do look the bit: convincing enough to pass as a production car!
This rare masterpiece is owned by JDHT and was driven out of its shelter for the annual meeting of the XJ40 owners' forum, XJ40.com.
Posted for a bit of personal "photo therapy".
Shunted at a roundabout on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Almost certainly to be written off due to bodyshell distortion.
Driver fine, apart from neck pain and seat recline collapse.
The impact point seems very localised, almost like a motorbike wheel impact. The other party (Ah! Insurancespeak!) was driving a recent Vauxhall Corsa which ended up something of a mess, plus the lady had injuries from an airbag.
Ho-hum. All a bit sad, as this car meant a lot to us, a symbol of my daughter's new-found independence and confidence. Plus, as all DIY mechanics know, working on an old vehicle creates a certain bond which is painful to break. Maybe this is stronger when it's dad maintaining daughter's car.
These models, valued by collectors, are considered by many to be the greatest classic 911s of all-time. RS stands for Rennsport in German, meaning race sport in English. The Carrera name was reintroduced from the 356 Carrera which had itself been named after Porsche's class victories in the Carrera Panamericana races in Mexico in the 1950s. The RS was built so that Porsche could enter racing formulae that demanded that a certain minimum number of production cars were made. Compared with a standard 911S, the Carrera 2.7 RS had a larger engine (2687 cc) developing 210 PS (150 kW; 210 hp) with MFI, revised and stiffened suspension, a "ducktail" rear spoiler, larger brakes, wider rear wheels and rear fenders. In RS Touring form it weighed 1075 kg (2370 lb), in Sport Lightweight form it was about 100 kg (220 lb) lighter, the saving coming from the thin-gauge steel used for parts of the bodyshell and also the use of thinner glass. In total, 1580 were made, comfortably exceeding the 500 that had to be made to qualify for the vital FIA Group 4 class.
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007-09) Engine 4691cc V8
Registration Number THE 8 C
ALFA ROMEO SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759785842...
First shown as a prototype at the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow. In 2006 Alfa Romeo announced production a limited series of 500 8C Copetizione production Coupes. To be produced in four colours, Alfa Red, Competition Red, black or yellow with custom paint jobs available to customer specification at an additional charge.
The bodyshell is made of carbon fibre, produced by ATR Group, and fitted to a steel chassis, made by Italian company ITCA Produzione. The final assembly takes place at the Maserati factory in Modena, Italy.
Powered by a modified Maserati engine of 4.7 litres featuring a Ferrari/Maserati derived 90-degree cross-plane, with wet sump lubrication of 400PS and manufactured by Ferrari.
The 500 cars will be distributed: USA 90, Italy 80, Germany 80, Japan 70, France 40, United kingdom 40, Switzerland 35, Others 65.
Shot at TheSpeed, Goodwood Festival of Speed 01:07:2011 Ref 76-032
Please do not forget to visit the Flag Counter on the link below to record a visit from your country. So far 52 countries (last new country Austria and 32 US states last new State Michigan) Last new overseas visitor United States last new US state visitor California
Sold for £ 5.500
The Jaguar Land-Rover Collection
Brightwells Auctions
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
England
March 2018
The Austin/Morris 1100 range was an instant hit. Its Pininfarina styling was very up-to-the-minute and its clever Hydrolastic suspension made it ride even better than its sophisticated European competition. Issigonis had another hit on his hands.
So impressed was Fred Connolly (owner of the famous leather firm) with the ride and comfort of the humble 1100 that he approached Vanden Plas (one of his main customers) with the idea of introducing a limousine in miniature - based on the 1100.
The idea was enthusiastically embraced and the new model launched at the 1963 Earls Court Motorshow. Eventually nearly 40.000 Princess 1100/1300s were to be produced, initially from Longbridge, but latterly from Vanden Plas themselves where they took an MG bodyshell complete with twin carb 55bhp engine and painted, coach-lined and trimmed the car to their normal high standard. Complete with full Connolly leather interior, lashings of burr walnut to the dash and doors, picnic tables and the oversized Vanden Plas grille at the front, the recipe was complete.
This stunning 1968 model comes to us with only a current V5C in the way of paperwork. An MOT check shows it was last tested in 2012, so it will no doubt need some careful servicing before venturing forth once more, having covered barely 30 miles since then.
A quick look at the car confirms that its indicated mileage of just 16.873 is very likely to be correct, although as we don’t know for sure, it is only guesswork based on its condition.
We have not attempted to start it since it has been on-site, a job which its lucky new owner can look forward to when they get it home.
With top examples heading east to Japan where they can't get enough of these clever little limousines, prices have sky-rocketed of late, but you never know, it's offered a no reserve so there’s always that chance.
1969 Mustang Body Shell is used at the FORD booth to be built (by Galpin Auto Sports) into turnkey car during the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Watch this car being built in 3 days at the SEMA Show
on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=z47Pt8dtBcY
4th October 2013
456013 arrives at Clapham Junction towards the end of the fleet's time on the South Central/Southern, and before transfer to South West Trains in 2014 to allow 10 car operation on some routes before their final withdrawal at the start of 2022.
These 2 car units were a curious mix of equipment, with bodyshells substantially based on Class 321, but with front end jumpers to operate with Class 455, two traction choppers as Class 319 but with two EE507 traction motors recovered from Class 405 4-SUB units instead of the G315 as used on 319.
Superleggera (Italian: "super light") is an automobile construction technology .
The name was coined in 1937 by the Italian coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Touring.
Unlike the monocoque and body-on-frame methods widely adopted by the 1950s, Superleggera cars use a frame of metal tubes as a full-body frame which closely follow the shape of the car.
These are then covered with body panels, made of aluminium alloy. The Superleggera frame tubes are too small and of unsuitable material for mounting suspension components. This distinguishes it very clearly from spaceframe construction where no separate chassis is required.
The Superleggera construction method was primarily based on the use of 'Duraluminium', which originated from the zeppelin industry before World War I.
Carrozzeria Touring sold a Superleggera license to Aston Martin, who used it for their DB4, 5 and 6 models.
Corrosion resistancer:
Where the dissimilar metals of the aluminium bodyshell and the steel tubes are touching, they will begin galvanic corrosion unless this is prevented, usually by intervening pastes or non-conductive shims.
Car makers such as Bristol, who had past experience in the aircraft industry, were more successful in countering this corrosion than others.
source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superleggera
Here we are, one of the rarest Rolls Royces and indeed cars to ever trundle down the roads, the last of the mighty Corniche. Although sold only as the Corniche, it is often dubbed the Corniche 2000 or the Corniche V, depending on your preference.
The last of the original Silver Shadow based Corniche's of the 1960's were built in 1995, and for three years Rolls Royce only sold the Silver Spirit and Spur until these were replaced by the Silver Seraph in 1998 following acquisition of the company by both Volkswagen and BMW.
Volkswagen was contracted to build Bentley and Rolls Royce vehicles between 1998 and 2003, whilst BMW supplied the engines to replace the original Rolls Royce V8 that had been handed down since the introduction of the Silver Shadow in 1965. In the end BMW were only able to supply their own V12 to the Silver Seraph, whilst the original RR V8 continues to be used even to this day, with a 6.75L version ending up in the Corniche V.
Either way, to compliment the new Silver Seraph, plans were launched to create a convertible two-door saloon version with the revived Corniche name. However, instead of taking a regular Silver Seraph, removing the rear doors and cutting off its roof, Rolls Royce instead went to long time partners Bentley for design assistance, with the result that the Corniche V is in fact built on the platform and with the bodyshell of the Bentley Azure,with Rolls Royce grille and badging, as well as Silver Seraph styling added instead. This was the first, and only Rolls Royce car to be derived from a Bentley product, instead of the usual tradition where Bentley cars were derived from Rolls Royce models.
In January 2000 that car was launched and became the company's flagship motor, with a base price of $359,900. As mentioned, the car is powered by a 6.75L Rolls Royce V8, providing 325hp and whisking the car to a top speed of 135mph at a rate of 0-60 in 8 seconds, which is pretty good going for a 6,000lb luxury saloon!
Inside the car came outfitted with every luxury and refinement characteristic of a Rolls-Royce. The car has a Connolly Leather interior, Wilton wool carpets, chrome gauges and a wide choice of exotic wood trims. Dual automatic temperature control, a six-disc CD changer, automatic headlamps and automatic ride control are standard.
Vehicles were built to order, but the heavy base price made them not as easy to purchase as the technically similar Bentley Azure, which meant that eventually only 374 of these cars were built between 2000 and 2002 when BMW took full control of Rolls Royce.
The Corniche V has the distinction of being the last ever Rolls Royce to be built at their traditional Crewe Factory, which had housed the company since 1946. On August 30th, 2002, a Corniche with chassis number SCAZK28E72CH02079 left the factory as the final Rolls Royce product of their home base, leaving in the company of a classic 1907 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.
Following the departure of Rolls Royce, the company set up shop in Goodwood near Chichester in the south of England, where the next car to be built was the 2003 Phantom. The spiritual successor of the Corniche V is essentially the Phantom Drophead Coupe, but this is a point of conjecture. Production at the Crewe factory was turned over entirely to Volkswagen and the construction of Bentley automobiles. The Bentley Azure continued in production until 2009, bringing an end to the 14 year old design that had helped spawn the last of the Corniches.
Originally the name was meant to be revived on Rolls Royce's latest car, but in the end was dubbed the Wraith.
Today you'd be very, very hard pressed to find one of these cars. Although many forget about the Corniche V and indeed the Silver Seraph, the surviving examples can still fetch a hefty price of up to £250,000 and more.
The Lancia Delta began production in 1979 and wasn't changed much until 1986, the year before it was first used in this guise for rallying. The Lancia Delta S4 supercar had a roughly similar bodyshell design for 'mine looks a bit like that' purposes but was otherwise just a purpose built race car with some plastic moulds for a roof and bonnet. The Integrale was in line with the Group A. regulations in 1987 by being much more like the production car.
Equipe Nationale Belge
Chassis n° 550-0082
Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 3.400.000 - 3.9000.000
Sold for € 2.530.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2024
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2024
24 Hrs du Mans 1957
Equipe Nationale Belge
n° 60
Result : Disqualified
Engine : 1.498 cc - Flat 4
Claude Dubois (B)
Georges Hacquin (B)
Porsche has a rich and legendary history in motorsport, marked by victories in the world's most prestigious races. Since its inception in the 1950s, the German marque has become synonymous with performance, technical innovation, and reliability, quickly earning a reputation as a manufacturer capable of competing with the very best.
Porsche's first successful competition cars were lightweight developments of its first road car, the 356, one of which took class honours at Le Mans in 1951. The firm's first purpose-built sports-racer arrived two years later in the form of the 500 Spyder, a mid-engined prototype built and campaigned successfully by Porsche's Frankfurt distributor, Walter Glöckler. In 1954 the 550 Spyder was upgraded with the Ernst Führmann-designed Type 547 quad-cam engine, which was carried over to the successor Type 550A (spaceframe) model and then the replacement 718 RSK Spyder. Intended primarily for racing, Führmann's new engine featured a roller-bearing crankshaft; dry-sump lubrication; twin-plug ignition; and twin downdraught carburettors and produced around 110bhp, which was some going for 1½-litre in the early 1950s.
The 550 Spyder's external skin was formed in one-piece welded aluminium sheet which, being fitted rigidly to the ladder frame chassis, contributed to the car's structural rigidity. The dash panel provided a further structural element in being welded rigidly to the bodyshell. Front suspension was independent by twin trailing arms and lateral torsion bars. An anti-roll bar was incorporated. At the rear a swing-axle system was used, controlled by trailing arms operating lateral tubular torsion bars. Drum brakes were fitted front and rear and early 550 Spyders weigh some 550kg (1,212lb) which figure was later increased to around 590kg (1,300lb). The 550 Spyder was claimed to be capable of 200km/h (138mph) with 0-60mph occupying only 10 seconds. With this outstanding pedigree, the Porsche 550 Spyder RS (Rennsport) racing version soon established itself as a consistent winner in international sports car racing's small-capacity classes. This remarkable 550 quickly established its dominance with impressive performances at prestigious events such as the Carrera Panamericana, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and the Targa Florio. Today the Porsche 550 RS Spyder is one of the most coveted sports-racers of its era.
Chassis number '0082' is among the final examples of the 90 Porsche 550 RS Spyders produced. This car was ordered by Porsche's Belgian Distributor D'Ieteren Frères in Brussels. Completed in March 1956, the Spyder was delivered new to the Équipe Nationale Belge (Belgium's national racing team) finished in their distinctive yellow livery with a black interior. While there, '0082' was raced by many noted Belgian 'gentleman drivers': Claude Dubois, Christian Goethalsm Georges Harris, Freddy Rousselle, Georges Hacquin, Alain Dechangy, Yves Tassin, as well as the celebrated lady competitor, Gilberte Thirion.
The car's competition history is exceptionally well documented for the 1956 and 1957 seasons when it competed for Équipe Nationale Belge. '0082' competed in no fewer than six races in 1956, achieving multiple podium finishes including 3rd place in its class at the 12 Hours of Reims. The Spyder's best result of the season was a class win at the 1,000 km of Paris at Montlhéry where it finished 20 seconds behind Phil Hill and Alfonso de Portago in a Ferrari 857 S. The races it participated in during 1956 with its competitor number are as follows:
La Roche Hill climb 25th March
Spa-Francorchamps GP 13th May Start no.1
Montlhery 1000 km de Paris 10th June Start no.42
12 Heures de Reims 29th June Start no.33
Rouen-Les Essarts GP 8th July Start no.12
GP Sweden Kristianstad 12th August Start no.41
The car's most significant event was the aforementioned 1957, 24 Hours of Le Mans, making it one of only ten 550 Spyders to ever contest the celebrated race. Sadly, its race ended in disqualification following a breach of the rules. In 1957, the Spyder is known to have participated in at least the following races:
La Roche Hill climb 31st March
Grand Prix de Spa 12th May Start no.1
1000km Nurburgring 26th May Start no.31
Grand Prix des Frontières, Chimay 9th June Start no.4
24 Heures du Mans 26th June Start no.60
Rouen-Les Essarts GP 7th July
GP Sweden Rabelof 11th August Start no.22
Spa-Francorchamps GP 25th August Start no.32
Silverstone GP 14th September Start no.34
Best result of the season was 2nd place at the Grand Prix de Frontières, Chimay, and '0082' also finished 3rd at both the Grand Prix de Spa and the Nürburgring 1,000 km.
Following the end of its career with Équipe Nationale Belge, '0082' was raced in hill climbs, minor races and rallies by Jacques Thenaers. Correspondence on file suggests that the Spyder was re-bodied by Apal as a coupé in the 1960s and fitted with a 2.0-litre Porsche Carrera engine at around the same time. The Porsche had been purchased from Écurie Francorchamps by Edmond Pery around 1965 and was next owned by Belgian racing driver Pierre Bonvoisin. It was raced in coupé configuration for the next few years before passing to a Mr Michaelis of Embourg, Belgium in 1970. By this time the Carrera engine had been replaced with a Super 90 unit. Off the road in storage for the next 20-or-so years, the car was acquired in March 1989 by Corrado Cupellini from Bergamo, Italy. At this time, both the non-original Super 90 engine and Apal bodywork were removed to restore the car as closely as possible to its original configuration and a new aluminium body fabricated. The car was later sold to Philippe Jegher, who entrusted Porsche in Germany with the final refinements of the restoration.
The Spyder's next known owner was Bruno Ferracin (from May 1995) who was followed by Peter Ludwig in January 2000. A comprehensive restoration was then embarked upon, which included rectifying the new bodywork so as to be exactly like the original body on 082, sourcing a correct Führmann-type engine and transmission. Particularly worthy of note are the rare aluminium/steel wheels designed specifically for use at Le Mans. The rebuild was carried out by Porsche Zentrum Würzburg at a cost of €100,000 (invoices and photographs on file). Following the rebuild's completion, '0082' participated in the Mille Miglia Storica in 2001, Two years later the engine was rebuilt again.
For a close on 70 year old competition car '0082' is exceptionally well documented. Its accompanying history occupies five folders containing photographs, mostly of its participation in the Mille Miglia; two folders detailing its competition record for the 1956 and 1957 seasons; photocopies of service invoices from 1957 onwards; ownership history from 1956 onwards; several folders containing correspondence between previous owners; maintenance invoices for the year 2000; a German title; and its original key.
Boasting a most impressive and well documented in-period competition history, including Le Mans participation in 1957 and being one of a mere ten examples of the 550 model to do so, this Porsche 550 RS Spyder, now presented in a yellow wrap livery, used by the Belgian National racing team during the 1956 and 1957 seasons, is eligible for the most prestigious international events including the Le Mans Classic and Mille Miglia Storica. An exciting prospect for the fortunate next owner.
The V12 Coupé is probably the rarest XJ40 model ever built.
Designed and manufactured by Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department, this is a strict one-off.
The details on the car are great: the non-functional Perspex side windows, the hand-painted badge (Coupè instead of Coupé, by the way), the 'stretched' door veneers and sill strips all indicate this is not a production car.
The interior and bodyshell do look the bit: convincing enough to pass as a production car!
This rare masterpiece is owned by JDHT and was driven out of its shelter for the annual meeting of the XJ40 owners' forum, XJ40.com.
Porsche 996 Mk.II GT3 Cup (2001-05) 3600cc H6
# 88 Mark Cowne (London)
Racing in Class 2 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
PORSCHE SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690528015...
The Porsche 996 was introduced in 1998, an all new design made by Harm Lagaay; with an all new body work, interior and drive-train including the first water-cooled engine in a 911.
The 996 platform was also used as the basis for two lightweight GT variants, the GT2 and GT3. The GT3 was based on the standard 996 Carrera, but was stripped to reduce weight. It also featured stiffer, adjustable suspension and upgraded brakes, and used the bodyshell of the four-wheel-drive version, which incorporated additional front-end stiffening. and was produced in two series, The Mk.1 was introduced in 1999 featuring a naturally aspirated version 3.6L flat six making 360 bhp, The Mk.II GT3 variant was based on the second generation of the 996, and featured updated aerodynamics, and a more powerful version of the 3.6L engine from the MK.I, now producing 380 bhp mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The engine has a Aluminum crankcase of the air-cooled 911 with its true dry sump oiling system. The six separate individual Nikasil lined cylinders in this engine are covered with two separately installed water jackets each covering a bank of 3 cylinders on each side of the engine, thus adding water cooling to a crankcase originally designed for air-cooled cylinders
Shot 01:10:2011 at the Britcar 24 hour meeting, Silverstone REF: 80-197
Please do not forget to visit the Flag Counter on the link below to record a visit from your country. So far 52 countries (last new country Austria and 32 US states last new State Michigan) Last new overseas visitor Italy last new US state visitor Pennsylvania
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Jensen Interceptor II (1969-71) Engine 6276cc V8 OHV Production 693
Registration Number KRX 163 H
JENSEN SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157624203748256...
The Jensen Interceptor is a sporting GT class car, hand built at West Bromwich, England with the body designed by Carrozzeria, Touring in Italy and powered by a US Chrysler V8.
The Interceptor broke with Jensen tradition by having a steel bodyshell rather than one of GRP.
The Mark II shared the same Chrysler engine as the original Interceptor but offered revised front styling and ventilated disc brakes
Shot at The Enfield Pagaent 30.05.2010 Ref 69-246
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The XR4Ti was the trim level given to the sportiest of the original release Ford Sierras. The XR4Ti differed from the other Sierra models principally in the adoption of the small side rear window of the 5-door liftback, in the 3-door bodyshell.
Apart from this excentricity, the XR4Ti displayed the usual go-faster styling of the period - big wheels, deep bumpers, red stripes and spoilers. One feature taken from the 'Probe' series of Ford concept cars was the use of a 'bi-plane' rear wing, the top section which biseced the rear window.
If all these styling diversions were not enough of a shock, the 1982 Ford Sierra range replaced the conservative, three-box, square-cut styling of the best selling Ford Cortina Mk V, with the new aerodynamic, slippery form, as pioneered by the Audi 100 of the same year. The media dubbed the styling 'jellymold' and were critical of the grille-less nose. This bold gamble would stand the Sierra on good stead toward the end of its product cycle, when it still looked modern, whilst many of its principle competitors were starting to look dated. At the time, however, it was widely reported (falsely) that Frd was readying to put the conservative Cortina back into production. The Sierra lost the Cortina's position as the top selling car in the UK to the Escort, but enabled Ford to be perceived as an innovative and contemporary company. The Sierra was replaced in 1993 by the dynamic handling Ford Mondeo, which returned Ford to a more conservative styling template for family cars in Europe.
This Lego Ford Sierra model has been created in Lego Difital Designer for Flickr LUGNuts 43rd Build Challenge - 'Plus or Minus Ten' - celebrating vehicles built ten years before or after the birth year of the modeller - in this case the 1982 Ford Sierra.
Ford Lotus Cortina Mk.1 (1963-66) Engine 1558cc S4 DOC Production 4012
Registration Number GLM 29 C
FORD UK SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623665118181...
Marriage of the twin cam, twin carburettor 105bhp Lotus engine to a Cortina bodyshell, lowered and with coil rear springing (semi-elliptics 1966) and servo disc and drum brakes. Wide rim wheels and green side flashes. Along with 108mph top speed.
Shot at Tatton Park, Manchester, Classic Car Show 18:08:2012 REF 88-107.
1/32 slot car Porsche 911R in Team Gulf livery c.1969. Modified and lowered MRRC kit with slimline motor.
This eclectic selection were stored at Thurleigh Airfield. A strange mix of stripped bodyshells and other vehicles that all seemed destined for export. There must be good demand for Honda Civic bodyshells somewhere! Older vehicles seem to be the pair of Range Rovers and the ex-Vale Furnishers Mercedes luton van.
Rear window removed from the 1991 Volvo 240 DL. Thanks to long use of the same basic bodyshell it should fit my 1984 244.
I brought my ice-cream bucket of tools along but only needed that red one - a baseboard pry bar.
Alfa Romeo Junior Z
The Junior Z was created by Zagato using the short-wheelbase Type 105 chassis from the Spider, and the five-speed gearbox from the Giulietta. It was an arresting-looking coupé that added real variety to the Alfa Romeo line-up, but unlike earlier Alfa-Zagatos, it was not conceived for racing, nor was it particularly lightweight - it featured a steel bodyshell with an aluminium bonnet and aluminium door-skins (on the earlier 1300 JZs).
The sloping front and Kamm tail were certainly a world apart from the well-crafted classicism of the rest of the Giulia-derived cars, but no less appealing for it. The Junior Zagato was a little lighter and more aerodynamic than the standard cars so it was a bit quicker too. Considering its coachbuilt status, values are surprisingly low.
The BREL built Class 321's of the early 1990's were one of the final EMU designs using the BR MK3 bodyshell that had seen use through the 1980's in EMU designs from Class 317 onwards. Originally used on the WCML they have had a presence on the Great Eastern for a number of years now.
On 17th May 2019 Class 321 321342 is seen heading a peak time train between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria on approach to Shenfield.
I'm on the hunt for illustrated 1970's boxes for some of my Matchbox Cars:
MB 41 Siva Spyder (Streaker)
Like the Guildsman, this is another bizarre (but cool) car:
freespace.virgin.net/dr.dean/who1/othersivas.htm
"he 'S160' began life as a project for Marcos as a GT with a Hillman Imp engine. However, Marcos dropped the concept and SIVA re-designed it into the SIVA S160 Spyder. The car debuted in the 1971 Racing Car Show. The 'Spyder' was based on a VW beetle floorpan. The Spyder was unique in that all the car switchgear was housed in the driver's door. A bare bodyshell was available for £525 or a completed car was available for £895. There were 12 'S160 Spyder' produced in total."
Jensen Interceptor I (1966-68) Engine 6276cc V8 OHV Production 22
Registration Number VRT 11 G
JENSEN SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157624203748256...
The Jensen Interceptor is a sporting GT class car, hand built at West Bromwich, England with the body designed by Carrozzeria, Touring in Italy and powered by a US Chrysler V8.
The Interceptor broke with Jensen tradition by having a steel bodyshell rather than one of GRP.
The original specification included electric windows, reclining front seats, a wood rimmed steering wheel, radio with twin speakers, reversing lights and an electric clock. Power steering was included as standard from September 1968.
Shot at The Enfield Pagaent 30.05.2010 Ref 69-248
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Thanks
After making do with leaving my GPS on top of my invariably rolled up windproof fleece on the floor of my velomobile, I finally decided on a design for mounting it to the curve of the right-hand wheelarch.
The Garmin cradle is bolted to a piece of carbon fibre plate, to which are singly bolted two aluminium strips curved to match the bodyshell. The right-hand strip has a 6mm standoff while the left has 1.5mm, and the carbon plate's holes are angled accordingly. This tilts the GPS towards me, and rotation of that angle is achieved by staggering the aluminium strips. Fuzzy Velcro™ on the strips meets great slabs of hooky Velcro™ on the bodyshell.
Original DSC_7271
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2007-09) Engine 4691cc V8 Production 500
ALFA ROMEO SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759785842...
First shown as a concept at the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow the intent to build a limited run of 500 was announced at the 2005 Paris Motor Show. The production version is similar to the concept, with small variations, the most noticeable exterior difference being the rear hinged hood. The bodyshell is carbon fibre and produced by the ATR group, it is mated to an all steel chassis mad by Italian company ITCA Produzione with final assembly at the Maserati factory in Modena.
The car uses the platform and powertrain of the Maserati Gran Tourismo with the engine assembled by Ferrari. The V8 has variable timing valves and produces an output of 450 PS. Transmission is a six speed transaxle gearbox with computerised gear selection by means of levers behind the steering wheel.
The 500 cars were released as follows
USA 90 United Kingdom 40
Italy 80 Switzerland 35
Germany 80 Others 65
Japan 70
France 40 Total 500
Shot at the Classic and MPH Show, NEC, Birmingham 13.11.2010. Ref 66-009
Fourth highest price of the day.
1965 Ferrari 275 GTS
Sold for US$1,586,250 inc. premium
From the catalog:
Coachwork by and Design by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 07767
Engine no. 07767
3,286cc SOHC All-Alloy V-12 Engine
6 Weber Twin-choke Carburetors
260bhp at 7,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
*Matching numbers example, quipped with rare and desirable factory hard top
*Exceptionally well-presented example with less than 45,000 original miles
*Desirable US-delivered example, imported new by famed Ferrari agent Luigi Chinetti
*Restoration carried out by noted restorers MPI Motion Products and North Coast Exotics
*Accompanied by original books, tools, Massini report and restoration records
THE FERRARI 275 GTS
There had been open-top Ferrari road cars before the advent of the 250 series, but it was, chiefly, Pininfarina's offerings on the later chassis that established the convertible as a fixture of the Ferrari range. After the experimentation and variety which characterized the coachwork of the 250-series cars, the arrival of the 275 in 1964 brought with it bodywork being manufactured by Pininfarina themselves, with a considerably improved build quality. The chassis followed Ferrari's established practice, incorporating a multi-tubular frame tied together by oval main tubes, and for the first time on a road-going Ferrari there was independent rear suspension, this setup employing a double wishbone and coil-spring arrangement similar to that of the 250LM sports-racer. The adoption of a rear-mounted five-speed transaxle combining the now all-synchromesh gearbox and differential in a single unit helped improve weight distribution, and this feature would characterize future generations of front-engined Ferrari road cars.
By the mid 1960s, Ferrari's road cars were beginning to lose some of their rougher edges and take on a more luxurious mien. The 275 GTS's interior is notable for its generously sized seats and wood veneer dashboard, the latter appearing for the first time in a Ferrari. Even the most sybaritic of customers, though, would acknowledge that the driving experience is the raison d'ętre of Ferrari ownership, and in this respect the 275 GTS had lost none of its predecessors' aggressive charm. Car & Driver magazine had this to say: "Since the engine is heir to a V12 tradition that's gone on for almost twenty years, it's only natural that it should be the dominating factor in the car's personality, and that the whole car should have been developed around the engine and its own unique character. You can feel it as much as you can hear it. It has a taut, powerful rush of response that comes to you through the seat of your pants, through the steering wheel rim. The instant the clutch is engaged, the chassis takes on life and begins to move as a unit with the engine, it's an all-in-one-piece sensation that you normally feel only in racing cars, one that's unique to the Ferrari among normal passenger vehicles today."
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This remarkable, matching numbers example of the timeless Ferrari 275 GTS benefits from a concise and well-researched chain of ownership - including a documented 33-year period of care by one devoted owner - in addition to a spectacular restoration performed by the Ferrari specialists at Motion Products (MPI) and North Coast Exotics.
According to research complied by marque expert Marcel Massini, chassis no. 07767 is the 137th of the just 200 275 GTS examples built. The chassis was sent to Pininfarina for Spider coachwork in June of 1965, and the luxurious motorcar was completed at the Maranello Ferrari Works presumably during August of 1965, having completed its engine assembly by Ferrari foreman Mr. Amos Franchini. The 275 GTS had the exterior finished in 'Argento 20265' silver metallic, while the interior was trimmed in 'Nero Franzi' black leather. The car was configured as a left-hand drive, US-market example, with speedometer in miles-per-hour. 07767 is believed to have been fitted with the rarely optioned hard top from new, as sold with the car today.
The new 275 GTS would make its way Stateside right away, being delivered to legendary Ferrari importer and 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner Luigi Chinetti and Chinetti Motors in September of 1965. Chinetti is recorded as having sold the new Ferrari to its first owner in November of 1965. By 1972, the car was owned a Mr. Thomas W. Donahoe of Houston, Texas, before being acquired by Mr. Charles H. Noble, Jr of San Antonio, Texas, in who's devoted ownership the exotic Ferrari 275 GTS would remain for the next 33 years. By the 2000s, Mr. Noble would have noted Ferrari restorer Bob Smith Coachworks of Gainesville, Texas re-paint the car in red, a very common Ferrari color at the time, in addition to other light restoration work. The 275 GTS would leave Mr. Noble's devoted custodianship in 2012 - at which point Mr. Noble was 86 years old - when renowned classic car dealership Fantasy Junction brokered the Ferrari to the consignor, a noted Ferrari collector from Ohio. The car had just 42,490 miles recorded on the odometer at the time and was sold with its rare factory hard top. In 2014 the Ferrari would make an appearance at the XXII Palm Beach Cavallino Classic held at The Breakers Hotel and was shown later that year at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
During 2017 and 2018, the consignor entrusted his rare and desirable, matching numbers Ferrari 275 GTS to his preferred Ferrari restoration shops with a restoration of the car in mind. The specialists at Motion Products (MPI) - at the time with the late Wayne Obry at the helm - completely stripped the Pininfarina-built Spider coachwork in order to properly change the exterior color to the stunning 'Blu Ferrari 20-A-180' dark blue color seen on the car today. Photos taken of the car in bare metal shows a very clean and unhurt bodyshell, with no signs of past accidents or serious rust issues. Additionally, MPI would retrim the sporty 2-seater cockpit in lovely Tobacco-colored leather hides, while installing new Wilton carpets in dark blue, matched by a fresh dark blue Spider convertible top. The factory hard top was also refinished at the time in neatly contrasting black paint. North Coast Exotics would take on the mechanical aspects of the restoration, by completely stripping and rebuilding the original matching numbers Type 213 V12 engine with new pistons, in addition to rebuilding the 5-speed transaxle and restoring the chassis, brakes and suspension. A period-correct 6-carburetor set up featuring 12 individual velocity stacks was fitted, a very rare factory option believed to have been fitted to just four 275 GTS examples from the Ferrari factory. The original Weber 40DCZ6 3-carburetor set up with the original F.I.S.P.A airbox and intake manifolds is offered along with the car, should one wish to go back to the stock configuration.
Still displaying the rewarding benefits of the expert restoration, this outstanding 275 GTS has just 44,975 original miles recorded on the odometer at the time of cataloging. The car is thoroughly documented with Marcel Massini's comprehensive report, a stack of invoices reflecting the work MPI and North Coast Exotics carried out in addition to a leather binder containing receipts and documentation from Mr. Noble's ownership. The original tool kit, jack, owner's manual, and the previously mentioned factory hard top - one of an estimated just 20 examples made - is also offered with the 275 GTS. Presented in the lovely period-appropriate livery of Blu Ferrari over Tobacco and fitted with Borrani wire wheels shod on Michelin XWX tires, the Ferrari looks just right. Offering the visceral appeal of open touring at vintage driving events - or running with the rare and desirable factory hard top fitted - this beautiful matching numbers 275 GTS model from the most successful era of Ferrari production would complement any collection of sports cars or open grand tourers.
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It's Bonhams day!
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This year I was able to escape the snow and join Fred in Scottsdale for sunshine, cars, and music! I also drove down to Tucson to meet Doug for lunch and spend a nice evening visting with Richard and Lola.
Two Hillman Avenger Tigers at the Wheelnuts 2015 Classic Car Rally, Stroud Glos.
Named to evoke memories of the Sunbeam Tiger, the Avenger Tiger concept began as a publicity exercise. Avenger Super (four-door) cars were modified by the Chrysler Competitions Centre under Des O' Dell and the Tiger model was launched in March 1972. Modifications included the 1500 GT engine with an improved cylinder head with enlarged valves, twin Weber carburetors and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. The engine now developed 92.5 bhp (69 kW) at 6,100 rpm. The suspension was also uprated, whilst brakes, rear axle, and gearbox are directly from the GT.
A distinctive yellow colour scheme ("Sundance") with a bonnet bulge, rear spoiler and side stripes was standard, set off with "Avenger Tiger" lettering on the rear quarters.
Road test figures demonstrated a 0–60 mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 108 mph (174 km/h). These figures beat the rival Ford Escort Mexico, but fuel consumption was heavy. Even in 1972, the Tiger developed a reputation for its thirst.
All Avenger Tigers were assembled by the Chrysler Competitions Centre and production figures are vague but around 200 of the initial Mark 1 seems likely.
In October 1972, Chrysler unveiled the more "productionised" Mark 2 Tiger. The Avenger GL bodyshell with four round headlights was used. Mechanically identical to the earlier cars, the bonnet bulge was lost although the bonnet turned matt black, and there were changes to wheels and seats. These cars went on sale at £1,350. Production was around 400. Red ("Wardance") was now available as well as yellow ("Sundance"), both with black detailing.
From Bonham's catalogue:
Sold for £2,070 inc. premium
Footnotes
Its styling inspired by Raymond Loewy's Studebakers, an entirely new range of cars was introduced by the Rootes Group in the mid-1950s, the first arrival with this new look being the Sunbeam Rapier. A two-door sports saloon, the latter was announced in 1955, in advance of its Hillman and Singer siblings. Whitewall tyres and a chromed waistband dividing the two-tone colour scheme were obvious transatlantic influences, while the Rapier's pillar-less bodyshell and unique wind-down rear quarter window made for the ultimate in fresh-air motoring this side of a full convertible. Styling changes, mechanical improvements, and larger and more powerful engines were introduced as the Rapier progressed through Series I to V over the next ten years.
The Rapier played an important part in Rootes' competition programme, achieving some notable successes both in circuit races and on the 'rough stuff'. The car was first raced in Series I form in the 1956 Mille Miglia but rallying was its true forte, as demonstrated by an impressive tally of class wins and team awards extending into the 1960s. In 1958 Peter Harper finished 5th in the Monte and won the RAC Rally outright, while Paddy Hopkirk finished in 3rd place on the 1959 Alpine event. The Tour de France was another event in which the Rapier excelled, as exemplified by a commanding 1, 2, 3 class finish in 1962.
The overdrive-equipped Rapier offered here is an example of the Series IV, introduced in October 1963, which featured a more powerful version of the existing 1.5-litre engine and, from October 1964, an all-synchromesh gearbox. Other significant changes included 13" wheels and a diaphragm clutch. Owned by the current vendor for a number of years, '452 GYU' has been used periodically for rallies/shows and has been driven by his wife. Described as in generally good condition, with original interior, the car is offered with sundry bills, current MoT/tax and Swansea V5. A Holbay modified engine is the only notified deviation from factory specification.
Lot heading
1964 Sunbeam Rapier Series IV Saloon
Registration no. 452 GYU
Chassis no. B/3300791/OD/HHO
Engine no. B/3300791/OD/HHO
Still just about recognisable as the bodyshell of the French Peugeot J10 van of the 1980s, this Turkish version has an updated, BMC-esque, front panel, low floor behind the front axle and plug doors. Some examples had bonded glass, others were gasket glazed as shown here, Despite the Peugeot's sliding driver / passenger doors being replaced with conventional hinged doors, the retain the vertical handles of the original.
Ashley Laminates Ltd was a company set up by Peter Pellandine and Keith Waddington in 1955 to produce fibreglass body shells for car conversions and in 1956 Peter founded Falcon Shells Ltd. The advert above features The Ashley 1172 whose fibreglass shell came in two forms for either the open-top Roadster or the covered Coupé which could be fitted onto the Ford Prefect E93A (1172cc) chassis. ‘The Ashley 1172’ conversion kits were launched in 1958 and remained in production until 1961.
.
ashleysportiva.weebly.com/ashley-bodyshell-models.html (Ashley Laminates car models).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_(automobile) (Ashley Laminates).
I don't usually go for going away shots but I think it works okay here. Direct Rail Services class 57 no. 57002 leads classmate no. 57010 south at Cathiron (South Nuneaton) on 10th July 2014 working light locomotives from Crewe Gresty Bridge to Daventry DRS.
The first Class 57s were built in 1997 for Freightliner, a Class 47 bodyshell was taken, stripped, rewired and then fitted with an EMD engine. In 2002, 12 further Class 47s were converted to 57s for Virgin Trains, these were numbered 57/3 and fitted with ETH. In 2003, four additional locos were ordered for dragging Pendolinos, these were fitted with Dellner couplings from new and the remainder of the fleet was retrofitted with Dellners in the same year. DRS now operate the majority of the class 57/0 and 57/3. Network Rail operate some Class 57/3s, First Great Western operate the Class 57/6 fleet and West Coast Railways operate a fleet of 57/0, 57/3 and 57/6.
Porsche 911 Carrera RS (1973-74) Engine 2808cc Production 48
Registration Number YYY 568 M
PORSCHE SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690528015...
The RS was built so that Porsche could enter racing formulae that demanded acertain number of road cars of the same specification were built for homologation purposes. The RS (Rennen Sport) was originally introduced with a 2687cc engine developing 210bhp with Bosch (Kugelfischer) MFI, revised and stiffened suspension, a "ducktail" rear spoiler, larger brakes, wider rear wheels and arches. In RS Touring form it weighed 1075 kg (2370 lb), in Sport Lightweight form it was about 100 kg (220 lb) lighter, the saving coming from the thin-gauge steel used for parts of the bodyshell and also the use of thinner glass. In total, 1580 were made, comfortably exceeding the 500 that had to be made to qualify for the vital FIA Group 4 class.
49 Carrera RS cars were built with 2808 cc engines producing 300 PS (221 kW).
Shot at the Masters Historic Festival, Oulton Park 17:03:2012 Ref 82-193
Sold for £24,750
`The definitive small-bore sportscar', as Car & Driver has termed it, the Elan was introduced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show. Based around a steel backbone chassis clad with a lightweight composite body, it rode on all-round independent suspension and also featured four-wheel disc brakes, pop-up headlights and integral bumpers. The engine was clever too, mounting a Harry Mundy designed light alloy twin-cam cylinder head on a cheap, robust and readily available Ford `Kent' bottom end, mated to a four-speed manual transmission. More than the sum of its parts, the diminutive Lotus redefined its class in terms of ride, handling and performance, thanks to Colin Chapman's superlative grasp of spring and damping rates resulting in a precise yet supple chassis.
All Elans are special, but this one is a proven winner. The vendor states that this car was completely restored on a new Tony Thompson chassis with a new lightweight bodyshell incorporating reinforced footwells and boot floor, foam-filled double-skinned underwings, diff cooling vents, Tony Thompson eight-point rollcage, plumbed-in fire extinguisher, and fully adjustable Koni suspension with 26R-spec front anti-roll bar. The engine is reportedly an all-steel John Smirthwaite-built Twin Cam utilising twin Weber 45DCOE carburettors and camshafts selected for a broad torque band to suit rally use. Other parts include straight-cut gears, uprated clutch, Tony Thompson driveshafts, Salisbury LSD, magnesium Minilite-style alloys, aluminium radiator / swirl pot and Tony Thompson competition exhaust. There's bias-adjustable braking, with the handbrake lever mounted on the transmission tunnel.
It comes with an impressive history of results: 1st-in-class and 10th overall in the 2001 Classic Marathon, 1st overall on the 2002 London-Lisbon rally and a 1st-in-class on the 2005 Rally of the Tests.
Unrallied for the past five years, this well-prepared Elan nevertheless has great potential.
The Austin-Healey Sprite is a small open sports car which was produced in the United Kingdom from 1958 to 1971. The Sprite was announced to the press in Monte Carlo by the British Motor Corporation on 20 May 1958, just before that year's Monaco Grand Prix. It was intended to be a low-cost model that "a chap could keep in his bike shed", yet be the successor to the sporting versions of the pre-war Austin Seven. The Sprite was designed by the Donald Healey Motor Company, with production being undertaken at the MG factory at Abingdon. It first went on sale at a price of £669, using a tuned version of the Austin A-Series engine and as many other components from existing cars as possible to keep costs down.
In 1961 the Sprite was joined by a badge-engineered MG version, the Midget, reviving a model name used by MG from the late 1920s through to the mid 1950s. Enthusiasts often refer to Sprites and the later Midgets collectively as "Spridgets."
The little Sprite quickly became affectionately known as the Frogeye in the UK and the Bugeye in the US, because its headlights were prominently mounted on top of the bonnet, inboard of the front wings. The car's designers had intended that the headlights could be retracted, with the lenses facing skyward when not in use; a similar arrangement was used many years later on the Porsche 928. But cost cutting by BMC led to the flip-up mechanism being deleted, therefore the headlights were simply fixed in a permanently upright position, giving the car its most distinctive feature. The body was styled by Gerry Coker, with subsequent alterations by Les Ireland following Coker's emigration to the US in 1957. The car's distinctive frontal styling bore a strong resemblance to the defunct American 1951 Crosley Super Sport. 48,987 "Frogeye" Spriters were made.
The problem of providing a rigid structure to an open-topped sports car was resolved by Barry Bilbie, Healey's chassis designer, who adapted the idea provided by the Jaguar D-type, with rear suspension forces routed through the bodyshell's floor pan. The Sprite's chassis design was the world's first volume-production sports car to use unitary construction, where the sheet metal body panels (apart from the bonnet) take many of the structural stresses. The original metal gauge (thickness of steel) of the rear structure specified by Bilbie was reduced by the Austin Design Office during prototype build, however during testing at M.I.R.A. (Motor Industry Research Association) distortion and deformation of the rear structure occurred and the original specification was reinstated. The two front chassis legs projecting forward from the passenger compartment mean the shell is not a full monocoque. The front sheet-metal assembly, including the bonnet (hood) and wings, was a one-piece unit, hinged from the back, that swung up to allow access to the engine compartment.
The 43 bhp, 948 cc OHV engine (coded 9CC) was derived from the Austin A35 & Morris Minor 1000 models, also BMC products, but upgraded with twin 11⁄8" inch SU carburettors. The rack and pinion steering was derived from the Morris Minor 1000 and the front suspension from the Austin A35. The front suspension was a coil spring and wishbone arrangement, with the arm of the Armstrong lever shock absorber serving as the top suspension link. The rear axle was both located and sprung by quarter-elliptic leaf springs, again with lever-arm shock absorbers and top links. There were no exterior door handles; the driver and passenger were required to reach inside to open the door. There was also no boot lid, owing to the need to retain as much structural integrity as possible, and access to the spare wheel and luggage compartment was achieved by tilting the seat-backs forward and reaching under the rear deck, a process likened to potholing by many owners, but which resulted in a large space available to store soft baggage.
LOCATION:- Derby Litchurch Lane
DATE:- 18.06.2001
'Networker Classic' prototype, what would of been the BR class 424 seen here stored at Litchurch Ln Works in Derby.
This vehicle was originally a 4-CIG driving trailer 76112. The "Networker Classic" concept involved rebuilding Mark 1 design Southern Region EMUs of Classes 411, 421 and 423 to meet current crash-worthiness standards. This involved building a new bodyshell on the existing chassis, but keeping the original electrical and motor equipment. Therefore, the aim was to produce a 'new' unit at one quarter the cost of manufacturing a train from scratch. The rebuilt units would have had a life of at least fifteen years, thus saving considerable amounts of money when replacing old stock. However, for some reason the project was not successful, and train companies turned to new-build trains of Classes 375, 376, 377, 444, 450, 458, and 460 from various manufacturers.
'Slim Jim' Hastings Line Class 33, 33207 stands at Reading with an empty van train bound for Old Oak Common on May 9th 1979. There were twelve of these narrow-bodied locomotives built with their bodyshells seven inches narrower than a standard class 33, so that they could operate through the tunnels between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings that had been constructed with restricted clearances.
Towards the end of the 1970's, British Leyland was in a state of absolute despair. Shoddy and dated car designs married to biblical unreliability meant the company was facing near meltdown, and obviously came to the conclusion that they needed someone else to take the helm before the ship properly sank. Enter the Japanese, more to the point, Honda!
Since the 1960's, the Japanese had shown the world that they can mass-produce reliable cars, and thus were raking in sales by the million as people turned from their flaky European models to the highly efficient Japanese alternatives. Desperate to stop their market being swept out from under them, European Manufacturers imposed heavy import taxes on Japanese imports so as to try and price them out of the market, which meant builders such as Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi were losing a fortune. The alternative past this blockade was to combine their efforts with some of the more struggling car companies of Europe so as to create hybrid cars.
And thus the Triumph Acclaim was born!
Based almost solely on the Honda Ballade, essentially all that differentiated it was the Triumph badge, and the fact that the car was built at the Cowley Plant near Oxford using the former production lines of the Austin Maxi. The intention largely was to replace the 10 year old Triumph Dolomite as the 4-door saloon of the company. Unlike the Ballade however, the car did come with much more luxury features as with a Triumph badge, the car was intended to be more higher market than the conventional Japanese equivalent. But most importantly, the car has the distinction of being the first truly reliable British Leyland car (and it only took them 12 years to get it right!)
Basically, the car's major components were built in Japan and shipped to Cowley, where they were placed into the locally built bodyshells. Build quality was very good too, with the leaky panels and rough ride seemingly absent, and holds the record for the fewest warranty claims on a British Leyland car. However, Japan may have shown Europe how to build a reliable car, but they didn't know how to build a car that didn't rust. Much like it's Japanese counterparts, the Acclaim rusted like crazy. In Japan this was seen as planned obsolescence, with the intention being that a new model would replace it in two or three years time. But in Britain, cars are built to last, with models going unchanged almost completely for years and even decades. Examples being the Mini, which didn't change in any way, shape or form between its launch in 1959 and its demise in 2000!
But still, despite the terrible rusting problem, the car's reliable nature resulted in 133,000 cars being sold, and became the first Triumph to be within the Top 10 highest selling cars since 1965. However, in the end the Acclaim's show of being a good, reliable car was merely a testbed for the variety of other Japanese style products British Leyland intended to push in the near future. After only 4 years of production, the Triumph Acclaim was shelved in 1984 along with many other British Leyland products such as the Austin Ambassador and the Morris Ital so as to rationalise the company into a small number of highly reliable machines based off the Triumph Acclaim's Japanese based success. From the Acclaim, the Rover 200 was a direct descendant, being based heavily on the next generation Honda Ballade, but also spurring from this plucky car was the mechanicals of the Austin Maestro and Montego.
The ending of Acclaim construction in 1984 also brought the end to the Triumph badge itself on motorcars. Although Triumph still exists on motorbikes, the car division has long since perished, together with Austin and Morris. As for the Acclaim itself, it is truly one of those rarities you won't find everyday. Today only 488 are left, which, although much more than the remaining Ital's and Ambassadors of the same period, is still a very low number. But even so, the Triumph Acclaim did show British Leyland how to make a reliable machine, even though it technically wasn't a British machine in the first place!
*a Mk I Escort powered with a twin-cam 1600cc Engine ..
Won the tough London-Mexico Rally in 1970 ..
( the car piloted by the legendary Hannu Mikkola with Gunnar Palm as navigator.)
To capitalise on this success, Ford's AVO division brought out a performance model, the Mexico, with a strengthened bodyshell, uprated suspension, 1,598cc Crossflow engine, sporty interior and Mexico decals. Only 10,352 Mexicos were built and survivors are highly prized today.
Newlands Corner - Guildford
~ 7059
Porsche 911 Carrera RS (1973-74) Engine 2687cc HO6 OC Production 1580
*Registration Number KDN 528 L
PORSCHE SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690528015...
The Carrera name was reintroduced to in 1973, originally applied to the 356 Carrera and in turn came from Porsche class victories in the Carrera Panamerica races accross Central America in the 1950's. The RS was built so that Porsche could enter racing formulae that demanded that a certain minimum number of production cars were made. Compared with a standard 911S, the Carrera 2.7 RS had a larger engine (2687 cc) developing 210bhp. With revised and stiffened suspension, a "ducktail" rear spoiler, larger brakes, wider rear wheels and rear wheel arches. In RS Touring form it weighed 1075 kg, in Sport Lightweight form it was about 100 kg (220 lb) lighter, the saving coming from the thin-gauge steel used for parts of the bodyshell and also the use of thinner glass. In total, 1580 were made, comfortably exceeding the 500 that had to be required to qualify for FIA Group 4 Class.
49 Carrera RS cars were built with 2808 cc engines
In 1974, Porsche created the Carrera RS 3.0 with K-Jetronic Bosch fuel injection producing 230 PS It was almost twice as expensive as the 2.7 RS but offered a fair amount of racing capability for that price.
Many Thanks for a fan'dabi'dozi 27,597,200 views
Shot 27:07:2014 at Silverstone Historic Festival REF: 103-261
www.handh.co.uk/buy/1950-bentley-mk-vi-woody-shooting-bra...
Postwar Bentleys became increasingly difficult to differentiate from their Rolls-Royce equivalents through having to share design and engineering expertise, components and production facilities. The Bentley MkVI hit a WW2 performance and luxury starved UK market in 1946. Initially, the MkVI shared the same 4257cc six-cylinder engine with the Silver Wraith, though at least Bentley motors had high lift cams and twin carbs.
Unlike the Rolls, however, which was produced in separate chassis form for bespoke coachbuilt bodywork, most Bentleys had standard four-door bodyshells made for them by Pressed Steel of Oxford, whilst the MkVI cars were put together in R-R quality conditions at their Crewe works. The same bodies were also used for R-R Silver Dawns from 1949. A larger capacity 4566cc six was fitted under the bonnets of both R-R and Bentley bonnets from mid-1951.
Offered here from a discerning Cotswolds-based collector is a truly exceptional MkVI, which first left the factory in 1950 with saloon car bodywork, though has been skilfully converted in recent years to a four-door estate car in Harold Radford style with superbly executed and very period-looking traditional shooting brake coachwork hand-crafted by leading coachbuilder Rod Jolley from Lymington, Hampshire, with input from Milford On Sea restorer Paul Kitcher. The well stocked documents file contains most comprehensively descriptive invoices which detail the extraordinary amount of work carried out by these specialists to Bentley chassis number 8384 EY which is presented in Balmoral Green with light green leather interior and much nostalgic woodwork.
The paperwork confirms that the transformation commenced in April 2000 with the dismantling of all useable parts from the rear of the vehicle and cutting off the unwanted roof and tail panels and the templating and developing of the required shooting brake shape. In May 2000 alone, £8607 46p was spent on achieving the first steel sections of the estate bodywork so that wooden doors and rear timberwork could be accommodated later on. Further bills are on file for £9415 36p spent in June, £6333 39p July, £4452 73p August, £5064 30p September, £6440 87p October, £8667 November, £4551 19p December and another £9117 01p during January 2001 completed the main exterior work.
Much detailed attention to both the outside as well as the inside of the car, including the stripping of the front passenger seat and the re-engineering the seat frame to accept the reclining mechanism from a DB6, cost a further £12,391 62 in February 2001, and the floors were painted, B-posts leaded and rear sliding window handles fabricated in March.
A laminated and heated windscreen cost £300 74p in April 2002, a pair of R-R Type exhaust manifolds £424 21p and a clutch friction plate £260.49p in October, and a brake master cylinder £264 27p in January 2003, by when £5581 25p had been spent on repainting. Also on file are further invoices for £5167 85p for re-assembly and £2265 for plating and anodising and a new bumper in March 2003. A complete retrim and new tailor-made carpets cost £6392 in August, and transporting the car to/from the trimmers, removing the rear springs, re-setting them with extra leaves to better handle the new rear end and refitting same involved further expenditure of £545 07p and £590 43p in September of last year.
Whilst most recently, in March of this year, £3877 26p was invested in finishing off, sorting minor mechanical and electrical niggles following a test drive and completing the detailing to the highest standards of such items as fabricating door cappings in walnut, and varnishing the fold-out tables and the fishing rod holders!
From the simply vast amount of work done-not forgetting the huge sums of money spent-this has to be the ultimate Bentley MkVI and, in this shooting brake form, truly unique and unrepeatable, too, and it could be yours today for considerably less that it has cost to create.
On a gloomy morning, 195129 is seen stabled at Huddersfield, between Driver Training duties.
The diesel version of the new CAF units is being delivered in 2-car and 3-car variants; the Class 331 EMU shares the same bodyshell design.
Taken 23/10/19 at a foggy Bath Spa Station: According to Wikipedia the Classs 800s are "... a type of electro-diesel train used in the United Kingdom, based on the Hitachi A-train design. They have been built by Hitachi since 2015. The first units entered service on the Great Western Main Line (GWML) in October 2017, and will enter service on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) from December 2018.
These trains are being assembled at the Hitachi Newton Aycliffe facility, alongside the related Class 801 electric multiple unit, from bodyshells shipped from the Kasado plant in Japan; no body construction takes place in the UK.
The Class 800 units are known as IETs (Intercity Express Trains), as part of the Intercity Express Programme (IEP). They have been named Azuma, meaning East in Japanese, by future operator Virgin Trains East Coast."
First Greater Western Limited, trading as Great Western Railway (GWR), is a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that operates the Greater Western railway franchise