1950's Special - Microplas Mistral
Throwing this tread out for some feedback and opinions from anyone with an interest in this sort of car/bodyshell.
This is a Microplas Mistral which was a GRP "special" body produced from 1955 until the mid 60's and originally designed to fit on the Ford 8/10 (Popular) chassis and running gear. http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...lMk1sketch.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/.../mistral_7.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...stralMk2BW.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...alsideview.jpg The shell was also adapted and used with other chassis/running gear setups by various other manufacturers such as TVR and in the hands of racers ended up as cars such as this V8 equipped beauty.... http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...GTDchassis.jpg More photo's at: http://melton.ca/Scott/photos/imagesMistral/index.htm ...and this one off with Coventry Climax power http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...aneMistral.jpg So, after that very brief history, the reason for the request for feedback, I have just purchased this and will be picking it up on Saturday: http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ralonebay2.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ralonebay1.jpg It will need a little work to get it back into shape, but having done that who knows what's next? Produce a cheap and cheerful shell that allows the buyer to choose the base car? Hang it on a Lotus 7 type chassis? MX5 body conversion? Your opinions and ideas please. |
I'm loving the cream with red stripe car
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http://www.classicandperformancecar....x_special.html http://www.flickr.com/photos/pontfire/6159141377/ |
Well its cool, classy and really retro, with real history.
If I did one it would have to be with period running gear, ie Ford Popular. With a bit more info it, like track width and possible wheel base options it would be great Classic Re-body for the less attractive kit cars of the eighties, or for some of the not-another-lotus-7 lookalikes.....great modern running gear needing a classic makeover! Of course a roof will always add appeal! |
What a great buy, I had seen this for sale. Have a look on Forgotten Fibreglass forum for lots of classics like this.
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Like the lower ride, especially at the rear. n ot sure about the lack of headlights though...
would it fit over a Z3/Z4? http://www.classicandperformancecar...._386203_25.jpg |
Is the driver wearing Virtual reality Goggles or insisting on anonymity :biggrin:
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Wheelbase is 90" and I will check the track/width once the shell is home. Here's a cheap car to re-body: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DUTTON-MEL...item43b770a857 A roof? Right, let me open photoshop....:smash: |
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http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/?page_id=245 Some great cars, some not so great! |
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I will have to check the measurements, but I'm sure we can make it fit the Z3/4 |
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MGB Roadster's have a 91" wheelbase and a removable windscreen frame... |
It is intesting and not unpleasant but i think I prefer your d type.
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Money does not interest me...
;-) Agree about the provenance thing for production cars but given it was only ever a kit I doubt it will be as affected. Happy to be proved wrong though |
Interesting thread and project. Once upon a time I'd have probably have bought a bodyshell from you. As it is, that car was one of the inspirations for my Autotune Gemini project:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONnsHLnGOp...0/DraftSml.JPG I'm new here by the way - all the details of my build can be found on www.farcester.com |
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Found this link on TimC s site http://www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/...0by%20jennings 60k IDS. |
Hello TimC:welcome:
Thats a fascinating project you are doing. :first: I have nit gone back to the beginning, but when did you begin? Congratulations on getting married too!! |
I made the trip up to Bracknell on Saturday to pick up the Mistral shell. Mark, who I bought it from, has several other "Special" cars and shells, including this Mk1 Mistral that had been narrowed at some point in it's life.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2082.jpg Once back home I roughly mocked up the various sections of the shell to see how complete it was. Not too bad, only the front lower corners of both wheel arches/valance and one lower wheel arch section in front a rear wheel are missing. These sections can be easily duplicated/replaced and repairs done before the new moulds are taken. http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2100.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2099.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2102.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2089.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2108.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2097.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2092.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2091.jpg I know that some "kit cars" have a reputation for taking a long time to build or never getting finished, but I find the fact that this shell has not even been trimmed to shape after 50+ years quite incredible! http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2110.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2109.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2103.jpg |
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