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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.
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....
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:
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?
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!
[QUOTE]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.[/QUOTE]
Most of the locost 7 derivative chassis could be made to fit but outriggers will be required to support the wider body. A much better chassis would be the Autotune Gemini chassis which is just as cheap as the locost designs but has the necessary width and support for the body. The Gemini body has been derived from a Falcon mk 2 competition shell. The Falcon, like the Mistral started its life as a body kit for a Ford 10 thus the wheelbase is the usual 90in. The Gemini has been updated to include Ford escort mk1 or 2 parts which might mean a slight change to the wheel arches is required but perhaps a different donor with a narrower live axle could be used. Another reason to do this is the rapidly rising cost of Escort parts due to the fact that many are being restored. A MG Midget or MGB might be a better donor if cost is an issue. It should be possible to fit the four trailing link and Panard rod arrangement to the Midget or the MGB rear axle casing.
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!
Nick, I have a complete Ford Pop chassis and running gear to set the body up on. I will be selling it once the body is moulded, I will post some pictures for you to get infatuated about
Wheelbase is 90" and I will check the track/width once the shell is home.
Most of the locost 7 derivative chassis could be made to fit but outriggers will be required to support the wider body. A much better chassis would be the Autotune Gemini chassis which is just as cheap as the locost designs but has the necessary width and support for the body. The Gemini body has been derived from a Falcon mk 2 competition shell. The Falcon, like the Mistral started its life as a body kit for a Ford 10 thus the wheelbase is the usual 90in. The Gemini has been updated to include Ford escort mk1 or 2 parts which might mean a slight change to the wheel arches is required but perhaps a different donor with a narrower live axle could be used. Another reason to do this is the rapidly rising cost of Escort parts due to the fact that many are being restored. A MG Midget or MGB might be a better donor if cost is an issue. It should be possible to fit the four trailing link and Panard rod arrangement to the Midget or the MGB rear axle casing.
Adding a universal internal frame and outriggers to the body would open up a massive choice of base cars, everyone has their own favorite.
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.
I agree, but it is actually a real piece of history, as opposed to other 50's inspired options that are just recreations. Anything will be worth more if it has real provenance. One of these on a period chassis must be worth far more completed than a Sammio, G46, or even a A352. Seeing as it takes quite a lot of time and effort to put one together, maybe a meter use of time? It may even be eligible for classic racing of some sort.
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:
I'm new here by the way - all the details of my build can be found on [URL="www.farcester.com"]www.farcester.com[/URL]
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.
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.
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!
Ou do love the 'seriously slammed' look don't you ;-)
ound: Sorry about the "Bling" rims, they are left over from my B*ntl*y replica and were the only wheels I had at home to mock up with. The Ford Pop chassis will be here later this week so I can do a more "period" mock up.
Dimensions for the shell, as is, are 59" wide at wheel arches (both ends), 12' 4" long, and about 24" high at the ride height shown!
Having now had time to study the lines of the shell I am thinking that, with some clever mould making, it will be possible to offer the shell in various length/wheelbase options, from 83-84" up to 99-100". This will allow fitment to multiple base cars without the need for modifications after the shell comes out of the mould.
Thats a fascinating project you are doing. I have nit gone back to the beginning, but when did you begin?
Congratulations on getting married too!!
Thanks Nick. Oh and thanks again regarding matrimony. I had to look back myself to remind me when I started - October 2010 apparently. That is essentially why the website exists - to remind myself.
Funnily enough, I read every page on your build thread last night and reached the same conclusion - fascinating.
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:
I'm new here by the way - all the details of my build can be found on [URL="www.farcester.com"]www.farcester.com[/URL]
Hi Tim
Great Blog, you must be almost ready for some Spring driving.
I have nit gone back to the beginning, but when did you begin? 
ound: Sorry about the "Bling" rims, they are left over from my B*ntl*y replica and were the only wheels I had at home to mock up with. The Ford Pop chassis will be here later this week so I can do a more "period" mock up.