2017

October 2016

After the disappointment of the summer it was back to try and work out what was going on with the car. It's fair to say that it has fought against ever being put back on the road. The fibreglass is over 50 years old and, as was recently pointed out, you seldom see a fity year fibregalss boat being used!

Age coupled with water ingression, between the fibreglass and freezing and heating due to frost and sun, has seen major degradation. This damage has been further compounded by some horrific manufacturing defects not least that resin had not penetrated down into some major areas leaving just raw matting and no strength. When these particular areas are specific to the strength and integrity of the shell, namely the windscreen pillars, rear shock mountings and rear subframe mountings, the need to strenghten and remake areas has been paramount. A paper thin floor and roof, where air pocket, bubbles, were also discovered and meant more micromatting and strengthening have been required.


It was without question tht the beam in the front bulkhead was going to also need replacing. That sadly was not the end of the issues as at soem pint the car seems to have been hit hard rear offside, possibly had serious weight applied to the roof, we don't think she's rolled, and a major crack on a mould seam have also not helped.

We've added some more pictures of the damage and problems, although soemtimes difficut to make out exactly what is going on.

In hindsight it would have probably been quicker to build a new shell!



June 2016

It is with sadness and regret that I bring the news that the 1966 'replica' car will not be able to attend this years Classic Le Mans 50th celebration.


Time has been against us and has been compounded by the cars apparent 'fight' to put every obstacle it can to prolong the rebuild. It seems it's won the first round, but it hasn't been for the want of trying I can assure you.


During preparation for painting it was found that parts of the car did not have any resin in the matting. Something, it would appear, that it actually has never had and could have only happened during the manufacturing process. Additionally, degradation of fibreglass due to water ingression over the years it has been stood has also been a major issue. Whilst the car is nearing the end of the repairs to the intergrity of the shell, it has put the project back a further six or eight weeks. This now does not give us enough time to actually build the car.

(See Pictures in the Project menu).


I am deeply disappointed as it has been a ‘dream’ for the past 18 months, to drive the car around the circuit in this special anniversary year.


The car will appear, it will run at Le Mans, just not this year I am afraid.

I do however, look forward to seeing and meeting those of you who have been supportive of the project so far, at the forthcoming event.


Roger Young