View allAll Photos Tagged Bodyshell
Peugeot 205 T16 (Homolagation) (1984) Engine 1899cc S4 Turbo
PEUGEOT SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690496925...
In iorder to homologate the 205 T16 for International Group B competition, Peugeot were requrired to build a minimum batch of 200 road-going examples, and in accordance with FIA regulations these had to be based on a current production road car. Peugeot decided to base the Group B rally car on the two door version of the 205..The engine was based on the cast iron block of the Diesel version of the then new XU engine family, albeit with a specially developed 16-valve head. The gearbox came from the Citroen SM but was mounted transversely. The car had all wheel drive. The body was built by Heuliez, where standard three door bodyshells from the production line were delivered and heavily modified. Heuliez cut off the complete rear of the car and welded in a transverse firewall between the B-posts. The rear frame was then built in a mixture of sheet steel profiles and tubes. The front was modified in a similar way with a tube frame carrying the front suspension. The completed bodies were delivered to Simca (Talbot) for the 200-series production cars and to Peugeot Talbot Sport for the competition versions. All street versions were LHD and finished in a dark grey colour, apart from the first one which was white with the competition cars decals.The competition cars of the first evolution series (VIN C1 to C20) were built at the sport department Peugeot Talbot Sport and presented to the public at the same day as the standard street version. Later competition vehicles of the Evolution 2 series (VIN C201 to C220) were built differently as the rear spaceframe had no more sheet steel profiles in it but was completely made from tubes only.
Apart from appearance the homolagation cars had almost nothing in common with the regular production model and shared the transverse mid-engine, four-wheel drive layout of the rally car, but had less than half the power; at around 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp).
A big thankyou for an incredible 23.3 Million views
Shot at the Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham 16:11:2013 REF 101-286
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
In researching this car I found out Ford actually started with the cars painted blue, then over painted the bodyshell with the white sections.
Jaguar XJR 6.0ltr V12 OC
# 31c
The work of marque specialist Hyper Engineering with red fixed head engine and built around a lightened 1990 bodyshell, with full roll cage, uprated disc braking system, (front gripped by AP 6 pot callipers, rears moved outboard, beefed up suspension with Spax adjustable shock absorbers, variable electronic power steering, 17 inch alloy wheels shod with 40-profile tyres.
The 6.0 ltr. V12 engine is estimated to develop 475bhp. Based around the Jaguar block with Sigma Engineering cylinder heads, Cosworth pistons, Zytek fuel, ignition and management system remapped to race spec.
Shot at the Donington Historic Festival 01.05.2011 Ref 66-120
Introduced in early 1951, Ford's Consul (four-cylinder) and Zephyr (six-cylinder) models were notable for their use of a monocoque bodyshell, MacPherson Strut independent front suspension and hydraulic drum brakes. Able to seat up to six thanks to the provision of a front bench seat and column gearchange, the Ford duo were powered by a new generation of 'oversquare' engines. Notably rugged and surprisingly quick, the 2262cc OHV-engined Zephyr Six proved a highly effective rally car with Maurice Gatsonides winning the 1953 Monte Carlo Rally aboard one and Vic Preston piloting another to victory on the 1955 East African Safari Rally. Unveiled at the 1953 London Motor Show, the range topping Zephyr Zodiac cost £851 and boasted such niceties as: a clock, heater, windscreen washers, gold plated lettering and spot lamps etc. Though solid colours remained optional, most Zodiacs were finished in smart two-tone liveries and all benefited from a higher compression engine and improved 82mph top speed. Only in production between 1954 and 1956, just 22,634 Zephyr Zodiacs are thought to have been sold.
This particular example was reputedly the property of Lieutenant Colonel Jeph Simpson Magrath and other members of his Somerset-based family until 1983. Acquired by The Worthing Carriage Company some five years later, the Ford was converted into a historic rally car and successfully completed the 1991 Monte Carlo Challenge. Crewed by Sir David Steel and David Hall, the well-prepared saloon finished 55th overall and 7th in class. Shorn of much of its rallying equipment thereafter, the Zodiac achieved further fame when it appeared on the long-running television drama, Heartbeat. Purchased from the relevant film hire business by Mickie Downey, a bass player with The Skiprats rockabilly band, 'UVS 614' was the subject of a half-page article in the Sunday Sun newspaper (January 22nd 1995).
And another from an earlier era, this time we have a Bedford SB with Duple Vega bodywork, seen here in the grey and black livery for Seagull Coaches. This is a resin bodyshell with parts from a diecast model
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 76-034
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
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.
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.
Haldane 3000HD (1988-94) Engine 1993cc S4 OHC Ford Pinto
Registration Number Q 25 TDS (Undefined age registration, issued from Glasgow)
HALDANE ALBUM
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John Haldane launched Haldane Developements Ltd. in Glasgow in 1988 to produce automobiles and kits. In 1993 Brian Harrison and Alisdair Scott took over production until 1994. From 1994 Pilgrim cars took over production, retaining the Haldane name but moved the facilities from Glasgow to Henfield in West Sussex. Production finally ended in 2008 after around 136 vehicles had been produced.
The first model was the HD100 a model based on the Austin Healey 100, with a fibreglass body mounted on a chassis developed in house. The four cylinder engine came from the Vauxhall Chevette. From 1993 a revised chassis was released to accommodate Ford engines. Around 100 examples were built between 1988-1994.
In 1991 a second model, the HD3000 complemented the range, modeled on the Austin Healey 3000 it otherwise corresponded with the HD100 around 36 were built by 2008
This Austin Healey replica was built by Haldane before the Scottish company ceased trading. The rights are now with Pilgrim who are planning to return the car to production.
Styled on similar lines as the classic Austin Healey the car has a composite (GRP) monocoque bodyshell, powered by a modern engine with Ford Sierra suspension and a robust backbone chassis and Geoscan designed suspension. It will be supplied either as a kit priced between £13,900 to £16,900 dependant upon specification or factory built for £18,000 for one with used components to £ 27,000 for a top specification factory built car with new components.
Diolch am 88,328,487 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr.
Thanks for 88,328,487 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated.
Shot 10.10.2021 at Bicester Scramble, Bicester, Oxon. Ref. 122-174
Porsche 993 (911) Carrera (1993-98) Engine 3600cc Flat 6 268bhp
Registration Number E 8 HUN (Cherished number, first allocated from Exeter for Barnstable)
Production 68,029
PORSCHE SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690528015...
The 993 designation is the companies internal name for this generation 911. The external design of the Porsche 993, penned by Englishman Toni Hatter, used the basic bodyshell architecture of the 964, but with changed external panels, with much more flared wheelarches and a smoother front and rear bumper design, an enlarged retractable rear wing, teardrop mirrors, but keeping the doors and roof panels.
The Carrera represented the "base model" of the 993, and was available in rear and all-wheel drive versions. It was equipped with the naturally aspirated 3.6 liter M64 engine, further developed from the 964 and combined with a new dual-flow exhaust system now incorporating two catalytic converters. In contrast to the 964 were the numbers Carrera 2 or 4 were used to differentiate between two and four wheel the numbers have been dropped and the models are simply referred to as C2 and C4.the cars can be distinguished by the Carrera 4 having clear front turn signals and rear red lenses instead of orange on the 2W
Diolch am olygfa anhygoel, 62,399,647 oblogaeth y Lloegr honno dros y Mynyddoedd
Thanks for a stonking 62,399,647 views
Shot 30-07-2017 exiting the 2017 Silverstone Classic REF 129-582
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.
Continuing the build of this model using a 3D printed bodyshell.
Here is the body primed and with the platform parts (also 3D printed) in place. I have opened up one of the doorways to show the tram as it was in service condition - passengers boarded at the rear.
Liveried bodyshell. Adding colour to the interior part certainly makes a difference. The brown / orange stripe on the seats will be added using a decal.
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.
Nº 76.
Renault 21 GTS (1990).
Escala 1/43.
"Les Classiques de L´Automobile" - Editions Hachette / Auto Plus (France).
Ixo.
Año 2012.
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Les Classiques de L´Automobile
Hachette-Auto Plus
(...) "La série a commencée a être distribuée à partir de février 2010, c'est la Citroën DS 19 Pallas de 1965 produite par Ixo Models qui commence le défilé des automobiles classique de cette collection.
Les miniatures sont réalisées en métal et matière plastique, les moules et matrices de productions proviennent du fond d'Ixo Models déjà mainte fois utilisé,
ce qui fait que l'on retrouve dans cette collection de nombreuses miniatures identiques à celles déjà proposées dans d'autres collections distribuées en france,
avec leurs qualités, mais aussi et surtout avec leurs défauts non corrigés." (...)
Source: genieminiature.com/Les%20classiques%20automobile%20%20Aut...
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RENAULT 21 Hatchback 1989 - 1994
"Manufactured in three body configurations, a 4-door sedan, a 5-door estate and a 5-door hatchback, Renault 21 is a car which was also exported to the North American market through American Motors.The design of the car was made by the famous Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who's also responsible for the appearance of multiple Lamborghini, Ferrari, Caddilac and BMW models. The hatchback variant was included into the Renault 21 series in 1989 but the production was ceased in 1994 when the French manufacturer introduced the Laguna Liftback."
Source: www.autoevolution.com/cars/renault-21-hatchback-1989.html...
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1989 Renault 21 1.7 GTS Hatchback
"The Renault 21 1.7 GTS Hatchback is a front wheel drive vehicle, with the engine positioned in the front, and a 5 door hatchback bodyshell.
Its 1.7 litre engine is a naturally aspirated, single overhead camshaft, 4 cylinder unit that has an output of 92 bhp (93 PS/69 kW) of power at 5750 rpm, and maximum torque of 135 N·m (100 lb·ft/13.8 kgm) at 3000 rpm.
The engine drives the wheels via a 5 speed manual transmission.
The stated weight at the kerb is 1084 kg.
Maximum quoted speed is 179 km/h, or 111 mph."
More info: www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=5368
While the bodyshell might change from what was previously showed, the engine and capacity of the SLS AMG stays at an exciting high.
For more about the unveiling of the golden SLS AMG check www.sls-amg-reporter.com
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
A few minutes before this shot I'd left just the bodyshell on the table, I came back to find the wind had blown it onto the grass - luckily no damage done...
Heaton to Derby RTC (Network Rail).
This track assessment unit was built in 1987 using the same bodyshell as the Class 150/1 "Sprinter" units that were built from 1985-1986. The unit is formed of two driving motor vehicles with individual carriages numbered in the Departmental series; 999600-999601. It normally works on lines also used by Sprinters and Pacers where the track quality is not good enough for larger and heavier track assessment stock.
LBRT painted bodyshell bought on eBay… I’ve added the wheels, registration plates and dms fleet plates. All I need now is a donor DMS bus for the glazing and seats .
47295 in Ipswich lower yard 25/01/2003 awaiting onward transit to Brush Traction Loughborough for stripping. The 47 worked to the lower Yard under its own power 3 days previous.The 47 was sold for preservation February 2003.The bodyshell was held at MOD Ashchurch.
Lovely Morris Mini Cooper S, dating from 1966, is seen attending the 2025 Kop Hill Climb at Princes Risborough.
This particular vehicle had a complete rebuild using the body of a Mk.III Mini.
The CL Series Valiant was introduced in November 1976. Although it used the same bodyshell as the previous VK range, the front and rear ends were restyled. The front end used horizontally arrayed quad round headlamps flanking a central grille. The front guards and bonnet were also reworked accordingly. The new bootlid's curved leading edge flowed down to new taillights that sandwiched a simple centre garnish panel. The bumpers, however, were the same units as had been used on the 1969 VF series Valiants.
The 3.5 L (215 cu in) Hemi-6 and 5.9 L (360 cu in) V8 were dropped, and the only engine options were low- and high-compression versions of the 4.0 L (245 cu in) Hemi-6 and the 5.2 L (318 cu in) V8. The CL's introduction had closely coincided with that of the strict exhaust emission regulations contained in ADR 27A. With the 318 engine, a new emissions control system was introduced: Electronic Lean Burn.
Valiant and Regal sedans also benefited from the 1978 introduction of Radial Tuned Suspension in response to Holden's having marketed their suspension as particularly suited to radial tyres.
36,672 CL Valiants — including the last-ever Chargers — were built.
This Valiant wagon is created for the #mocaround49 challneg #vacationwagon
The Audi TT is a 2-door sports car marketed by Volkswagen Group subsidiary Audi since 1998, and now in its third generation. The first two generations were assembled by the Audi subsidiary Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. in Győr, Hungary, using bodyshells manufactured and painted at Audi's Ingolstadt plant and parts made entirely by the Hungarian factory for the third generation.
Mercedes SL60 AMG (1996-98) Engine 5956cc V8 *Production 49 (RHD production)
Using the R129 bodyshell, suitably modified for the increased performance the SL60 was sold in very limited numbers in RHD form.
This cars paint work and interior were specifically ordered when new, being Diamond Blue metallic paint and Blue Alcantara Nappa Leather interior.
At the time output was quoted at 381bhp as not to overshadow the flagship SL600 but has since been officially recognised as being 414bhp, top speed is electronically limited at 155mph.
A full restoration to the original specification was under taken in 2009 after which the car took 1st prize in the Concours of Elegance competition of Mercedes Benz of Great Britain.
MERCEDES SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623671722255...
Shot 25.11.2011 at Mercedes World Brooklands - Ref 68-449
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Mercury Cougar is a nameplate applied to a diverse series of automobiles sold by the Mercury division of Ford from 1967 to 1997 and from 1999 to 2002. While the nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various times during its production, the Cougar was also marketed as a convertible, four-door sedan, station wagon, and hatchback.
With 2,972,784 examples produced, the Cougar is the highest-selling nameplate ever produced by the Mercury brand; its 34-year production is second only to the Grand Marquis in the Mercury model line (produced for 36 years). During the 1970s and 1980s, the Cougar was closely tied to the marketing of the Mercury division; Mercury advertised its dealers as "The Sign of the Cat" with big cats atop Lincoln-Mercury dealer signs. In line with the Cougar, several animal-related nameplates were adopted by the division, including the Bobcat, Lynx, and Sable.
The Mercury Cougar was introduced by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford on September 30, 1966. Far exceeding initial sales projections, the Cougar accounted for nearly 40% of 1967 Lincoln-Mercury sales. The Cougar received the 1967 Motor Trend Car of the Year award (the first Lincoln-Mercury vehicle to do so).
The Lincoln-Mercury counterpart of the Ford Mustang, the Cougar was initially introduced as a two-door hardtop. The base price of a Cougar was US$2,854 ($22,765 in 2020 dollars) ($284 ($2,265 in 2020 dollars) more than a Mustang hardtop); a fully-optioned XR-7 cost US$4,500 ($35,894 in 2020 dollars) (essentially matching the base price of a Thunderbird).
For 1971, Lincoln-Mercury released the second-generation Mercury Cougar. Seeking more direct competition for the model line, the division largely benchmarked the Cougar against the numerous GM A-body coupes, placing the Cougar in competition with the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. While again sharing much of its bodyshell with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar began to transition away from its role as a "plush pony car", deriving aspects from both sports cars and luxury cars.
Similar in size and performance, the Cougar overshadowed the Mercury Cyclone intermediate coupe, leading Mercury to phase out the latter model line during 1972. Slightly smaller than the 1964 Mustang, the imported Capri (not officially badged as a Mercury) began to succeed the Cougar within Lincoln-Mercury as a sporty car.
The second-generation Cougar is the final version derived from the Ford Mustang and the final version offered as a convertible. A light blue/white 1973 Cougar XR-7 convertible was the "last" convertible assembled by Ford Motor Company as American manufacturers ended assembly of convertibles during the 1970s in anticipation of increased rollover safety standards.
From Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Cougar
Photo by Eric Friedebach
On the left, the interior of the UVG with 3+2 seats. The seatbelts were painted in for added effect. The backseat is fitted into the bodyshell.
On the right, the Paramount interior. Since last night the toilet has been topped with a drinks dispenser (made of a bit of rubber and a length of white pencil lead) and the entrance has been given grabrails and modesty panels. The woodgrain effect is easily recreated by painting the brown thinly over the white plastic without undercoat.
When first operated by Rennies, the Paramount cab simply had the pespex screen from its express coach days removed. Later the pole and the modesty panel would disappear after the Tigers ceased to be used by Rennies on school trips to Europe. The cab shells were initially retained to meet the needs of the Tempo 100 certification, whereby to be granted the ability to travel at 100kmh (60mph) on European motorways there has to be, amongst other things, no possibility of objects rolling from the saloon into the cab and jamming under the pedals. Once they were relegated to 'about the doors' work that condition was no longer applicable, and the 'executive' features would disappear one by one into newer vehicles.
The 1956 Chevrolet was the middle year of what has come to be known as the 'tri-fives', as such, it was the first refresh of the 1955 bodyshell. Notably the radiator grille was now leaned forward at the top, producing a longer hood (bonnet) profile.
Models were again arranged 150, 210 and Bel Air. The 210 Sport Coupe shown here matched the sportiest bodystyle with mid-range trim. The car now wore a long arc chrome strip which drooped at the tail ans split the body in models with two-tone paint. The roof was paired to the lower bodysides, while the trunk and hood matched the upper bodyside.
A range of six and vee-eight engines were available, the V8 was a 265 CID (4.3 L) rated at 170 bhp (127 kW), 210 bhp (157 kW) or 225 bhp (168 kW) depending on the carburetor configuration. Power was to jump considerable the following year with the introduction of the 283 CID (4.6 L ) small block.
Other GM divisions, picked up new bodies for 1957, with the exception of Chevrolet and Pontiac. The 1957 was a hasty refresh of the 1955/56, the top Bel Air trim becoming one of the most famous and sought after Chevrolet models.
The Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 60.000 - 90.000
Sold for € 82.800
Zoute Grand Prix 2023
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2023
One of the most influential designs of recent decades and an outstandingly successful rally car, the Audi Quattro brought four-wheel drive into the motoring mainstream. Introduced in March 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, the Quattro was based on the outwardly similar Coupé's bodyshell but used a different floor pan to accommodate its permanent four-wheel-drive transmission and independent rear suspension. The engine was a development of the five-cylinder, 2.1-litre, single-overhead-camshaft unit first seen in the 200 saloon. Equipped with a KKK turbocharger, it produced 200bhp in road trim with considerably more being available in competition tune. Weighing only 1,290kg, the production Quattro raced from 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 220km/h.
Phenomenally fast and sure-footed on the road, the Quattro excelled in international rallying. Initially developed to comply with Group 4 regulations and then those of Group B, the Quattro won the Manufacturers' Championship for Audi in 1982 and 1984 and the Drivers' Championship in '83 and '84 in the hands of stars such as Hannu Mikkola, Michele Mouton, Stig Blomqvist and Walter Rohrl, but its enduring legacy would be the demonstration of four-wheel drive's advantages for passenger cars. Since then Audi has gone on to apply its Quattro 4WD system to many other models but only the original (or 'ur') version is spelled with a capital 'Q'.
Finished in Diamond Silver metallic, this beautifully preserved Ur-Quattro was delivered new in Italy where it has spent most of its (easy) life belonging in more recent years to the brother of famous football legend Gianluca Vialli. The Audi moved to Belgium in 2018 and an engine overhaul was carried out in 2019; also, the underbody was treated and the entire exhaust pipe renewed. This car has covered a believed genuine mileage of only 87,300 kilometres, and unmolested examples like this are rarely found these days. Boasting lovely period cloth upholstery, still fitted with its original type radio, the interior takes you straight back to the 1980s. This exceptional Ur-Quattro was invited to and shown at the Zoute Concours d'Élégance in 2021 for the Audi Quattro 40th Anniversary celebration.
A lovely example of a car that was to define the Audi marque and change the course of automotive engineering history, this wonderful Ur-Quattro is offered with Belgian registration documents and a nice history file.
The Peugeot 404 is a large family car produced by French automobile manufacturer Peugeot from 1960 to 1975. A truck body style variant was marketed until 1988. The 404 was manufactured under licence in various African countries until 1991 (in Kenya) and was manufactured in Argentina by Safrar/Sevel in El Palomar, in Québec, Canada at the St-Bruno-de-Montarville SOMA Ltd. plant and in Chile by Automotores Franco Chilena S.A. in Los Andes.
Styled by Pininfarina, the 404 was offered initially as a saloon, estate, and pickup. A convertible was added in 1962, and a coupé in 1963. The 404 was fitted with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, with either a Solex carburetor or Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection or a 1.9 litre diesel engine available as options. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show as an option was the inclusion of a 3-speed ZF automatic transmission, similar to the unit already offered on certain BMW models, as an alternative to the standard column-mounted manual unit.
Popular as a taxicab, the 404 enjoyed a reputation for durability and value. Peugeot's French production run of 1,847,568 404s ended in 1975. A total of 2,885,374 units had been produced worldwide at the end of production.
Saloon introduced with 72 hp petrol engine and column-shift four-speed gearbox with gate "reversed" (first down, up for second and towards the wheel for third down and fourth up) – identical to the 203 and 403 (except that fourth gear is direct drive). The grand touring model has square air vents on the dashboard and body-coloured wheels.
Introduction of the Super Luxe model: Superstructure painted silver, chrome headlight rims, large diameter hubcaps, tan leather interior trim, front armrest. The grand touring model has body colour wheels replaced with metallic silver ones.
1962
New suspension with increased travel and flexibility. Dashboard is modified and square air vents are replaced by circular directional vents New reinforced drum brake linings Anti-reflective paint used for the dashboard.
Introduction of Commerciale, Break and seven-seat Family estate versions, with tandem coil spring rear suspension in the place of the sedan's single spring arrangement. These versions have a balanced spring system to assist in opening the tailgate, different rear light clusters, rear bumper arrangement and the fuel filler cap is no longer hidden behind the rear number plate, but behind a flap in the rear wing. These variants are also longer (4,590 mm (181 in) compared to 4,445 mm (175 in)) and heavier (1,190 kg (2,624 lb) compared to 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)) than their saloon equivalents.
Convertible launch
The Peugeot 404 cabriolet/convertible made its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October 1961 and the accompanying coupé version was launched six months later. The convertible and coupé bodyshells were made by the Pinin Farina workshops in Turin and only the floorpan and mechanical elements were shared with the saloon. These models were initially powered by the same single carburetter engine as the saloon and the option of a fuel injected engine (XCKF1) with a Kugelfischer injection system was added to the range at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1962. The US$3,899 price in 1965 put the convertible in the same price bracket as the Jaguar E-Type in the American market.
1963
The 404 Super Luxe sedan has the 85 hp fuel injection engine (XCKF) and has door cappings trimmed with leather The 404 grand touring sedan adopts painted side window trims instead of chrome The steering wheel and horn ring change. The Family estate gains a split middle row of seats to improve access to the rear row. The 404 coupé is introduced with the same body as the cabriolet but with a fixed roof (Wikipedia).
See also (in Dutch):
Peugeot 104 (1972-88)
PEUGEOT SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623690496925...
Peugeot's first super-mini sharing the same bodyshell as the Citroen LNA. Engines range 954 cc, 1124 cc 1219 cc and a 1360 cc. Shot at Cars in the Park, Lichfield 04.07.09 ref 40-92
AC Cobra Mk.IV CRS (Carbon Road Series) (2000-on) Engine 5000cc V8
Registration Number V 99 COB
AC SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759779024...
Based on the same platform as the Superblower, but featuring a lighweight carbon fibre bodyshell. The car is powered by a 5.0 litre V8 producibg 225bhp.
The CRS is offered at a lower price than the Superblower with the same standards, the car offers an entry level to AC ownership.
Shot at Donington Historic Festival, 6th May 2012 Ref: 84-239
The Jensen Interceptor was a sporting GT-class car hand-built in the United Kingdom by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. The Interceptor name had been used previously by Jensen for an earlier car made between 1950 and 1957. The car broke with Jensen tradition by having a steel bodyshell instead of glass-reinforced plastic and by having the body designed by an outside firm, Carrozzeria Touring of Italy, rather than the in-house staff. The early bodies were Italian-built, by Vignale, before production by Jensen themselves began – with subtle body modifications – in West Bromwich.
(Wikipedia)
- - -
Der Jensen Interceptor war ein Sportwagen der GT-Klasse, den die britische Automobilmanufaktur Jensen zwischen 1966 und 1976 baute. Die Bezeichnung Interceptor hatte Jensen bereits 1950 für einen Vorgänger verwendet, der heute meist als Early Interceptor bezeichnet wird.
(Wikipedia)
Taken 29/01/20: I only noticed when I was back home that I failed to take any snaps of the station buildings at Oxford. The background to this snap may give you a clue as to how this ovesight came about.
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
Clas 442. 2412. 'Wessex Electric'. Electric Multiple Unit. In Express livery. Seen stored at the rear of Eastleigh Works.
Beneath its coupe bodyshell, twin headlamps and alloy wheels, the Singer Chamois is still really a Hillman Imp, complete with that overheat-after-30-miles dysfunctional all-alloy engine, one of which drove my dad to distraction – and the car to an early scrapyard grave – when he had an estate version (the Husky) back in the 1970s…
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 76-034
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
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Wolseley 16/60 (1961-71) Engine 1622cc S4 OHV Production 63,082
Registration Number CAN 984 H
WOLSELEY SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623738922097...
The 15/60 was replaced by the Wolseley 16/60 in September 1961 powered by a 1622cc S4 version of the BMC B Series engine with an output of 61bhp, driving through a four speed manual gearbox, with the option of a f Borg Warner 35 automatic transmission. The Wolseley shared the mechanics and bodyshell of the less luxurious BMC stablemates the Austin A60 and Morris Oxford, though without the performance of the more lively MG Magnette Mk.IV and Riley 4-72. Viewed from the outside, the Wolseley 16/60 was differentiated from the 15/60 by the overriders on the bumpers which protruded more than on the earlier car, lower more rounded rear fins and rear lights.
Where as the majority of the BMC Farina models were replaced in 1968 the Wolseley continued remained on sale until early 1971.
The Wolseley 16-60 had an Australian built sibling the Wolseley 24-80 produced by British Motor Corporation (Australia) from May 1962 through to October 1965. It was externally identical to the Wolseley 15/60 but powered by a six cylinder 2433cc version of the BMC B Series engine known as the Blue Streak with an output of 80bhp. The MarkII version of July 1964 was identical to the 16-60 The 24/80 Mark II became the last Wolseley model to be assembled in Australia.
Shot at The Enfield Pagaent 30.05.2011 Ref 69-460
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My boss never lets me photograph him. I guess since I was up high on a fork lift, he was at a safe distance. I think he photographs well, but what do I know? The shot of him by our show truck was originally used for an ARMO campaign letter. I thought it would work well as an ad. They will be on the September 2009 back cover of Muscle Car Enthusiast and inside of Hemming's Muscle Machines September 2009 magazines.
GWR service 1C22 16.30 London Paddington to Taunton running on time at Yatton at 18.38.
The rear 5-car unit , in this case 800015 runs empty after Bristol Temple Meads due to the short platforms at Backwell , Yatton and Worle. The leading unit is 800029.
GWR have 36 5-car Class 800/0 units , which are generally made up into 18 10-car units. These Hitachi Intercity Express Trains were assembled at the Hitachi Newton Aycliffe facility, from bodyshells shipped from the Kasado plant in Japan.
The 16.30 , 17.30 and 18.30 departures from Paddington to Taunton / Weston are regularly operated with IETs.
In 1970 a new Taunus, the Taunus Cortina (TC), was introduced. Ford offered a two- or four-door sedan or a five-door station wagon/estate (identified like previous Taunus estates as the Turnier). Between 1970 and 1975, for the first Taunus TC, a fashionable fast-back coupé was also included in the Taunus range.
This model also formed the basis of the Cortina Mk.III, but with different door skins and rear wing pressings from the "coke-bottle" styling of the Cortina. In addition, there was never a Cortina III equivalent to the fast-back bodied Taunus TC coupé. The Taunus TC and Cortina Mk.III were both developed under the auspices of Ford of Europe, and most major components including key parts of the bodyshell were identical.
Austin Allegro 1300SDL Mk2 (1976-80) Engines 1275cc. S4 Tr.
Registration Number UTC 884 T (Bristol)
AUSTIN SET
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759808208...
The Allegro was designed as a replacement for the 1100 - 1300 models, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis the new car was launched in 1973. The Allegro used front-wheel drive, using the familiar A-Series engine with a sump-mounted transmission. The higher-specification models used the SOHC E-Series engine (from the Maxi), in 1500 cc and 1750 cc displacements. The two-box saloon bodyshell was suspended using the new Hydragas system (derived from the previous Hydrolastic system used on the 1100/1300). Stylistically the car bucked the trend of the 1970's sharp edge look in favour of a rounded bodyshell Early Allegro models featured a quartic steering wheel, which was rectangular with rounded sides. This was touted as allowing extra room between the base of the steering wheel and the driver's legs. The quartic wheel did not take off, and was dropped in 1974
The updated Allegro 2 was launched at the 1975 London Motorshow the Allegro 2 had the same bodyshells but featured a new grille, reversing lights on most models and some interior changes to increase rear seat room, Changes were also made to the suspension, braking, engine mounts and drive shafts.
The Allegro received its second major update, launched as the Allegro 3 at the end of 1979. The refreshed car used an A-Plus version of the 1.0 litre A-Series engine (developed for the forthcoming new Metro), and featured some cosmetic alterations in an attempt to keep the momentum going, but by then the Allegro was outdated and the Metro was due on stream in 1980. By 1980 the Allegro failed to dent the he top 10 best selling new cars in Britain, a table it had topped a decade earlier, though BL were represented by the fast selling Metro and the Triumph Acclaim. The Vanden Plas models were rebranded as the 1.5 and the 1.7, the 1.5 having a twin carburettor 1500 cc engine and a manual gearbox, while the 1.7 had a single carburettor 1750cc engine and an automatic gearbox. Some models of Allegro 3 (the early HL and later HLS models) were equipped with four round headlights, rather than the more usual two rectangular ones. The final Allegro was built in March 1982 with its successor the Austin Maestro going into production December 1982
Diolch am 87,365,2928o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn 90cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr.
Thanks for 87,365,928 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated.
Shot 12.09.2021 at Cars in the Park, Lichfield Ref. 121-235
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.
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.