Almost a Sammio…

[Tercel]

I’m from Germany and bought a bare kit car body/shell about 6 years ago.
It’s not a Sammio, but a Ashley 750. It’s from 1955 (or so) and I have papers with it that say "Ashley Special". It does look somewhat similar to the Sammio, though.

Here’s some info, my shell looks just like the one in the tiny pic on the top of the site:

http://www.1950sspecials.com/ashley1.htm

I bought it thinking I could come up with a chassis on my own, but very soon realised that I’m in way over my head because my mechanical skills are almost zero.

So I did nothing with the shell and just let it sit in my barn. The body itself is in ok shape considering it is over 55 years old, bit it definitely needs repairs. Now I found this wonderful Sammio movement and forum. It makes me wish I bought a Sammio in the first place, because it is much more beautiful than the Ashley, but what can I do. Maybe you can help me anyway!

My long search over the last few years led me into the direction of an Austin Healey Sprite chassis as a donor, because the wheelbase of it seems to match my Ashley body perfectly. But now I found that the triumph herald seems to be the most popular choice here, so I will do more research in that direction.

I would also be very thankful for some tips regarding what people/companies may be able to finish the build project for me, if I indeed cannot find a way to do it on my own.

[GazDavies]

Originally Posted by Tercel

I would also be very thankful for some tips regarding what people/companies may be able to finish the build project for me, if I indeed cannot find a way to do it on my own.

Welcome to the forum. It may be worth contacting Mikmiglia that posts on here. He along with Gary (Lancelotlink) is finishing my car for me at the moment and is doing a fantastic job, I couldnt recommend him enough. In the next week or two I should be able to show you and the rest of the forum just how good the work is!

[AndyP57]

I'd second that motion. If anyone can work magic between grp and Triumph it would be Mike!

[Tercel]

Thank you for the input, I sent a pm to Mike just now!

As far as I can tell Mike works together with Gary, and they seem to be very busy with other Sammio-related projects at the moment.

I wouldn’t want to put an additional burden on them and would also prefer not to get unexpected delays, especially since I’ll be far away and unable to check on the progress. (see Nike55’s build thread). Mind you, my concerns are most likely completely unwarranted, but I had to deal with unannounced restoration delays in the past, so I am bit paranoid.

[MoriniMan]

Originally Posted by Tercel

I’m from Germany and bought a bare kit car body/shell about 6 years ago.
It’s not a Sammio, but a Ashley 750. It’s from 1955 (or so) and I have papers with it that say "Ashley Special". It does look somewhat similar to the Sammio, though.

I bought it thinking I could come up with a chassis on my own, but very soon realised that I’m in way over my head because my mechanical skills are almost zero.

It's not impossible to get hold of an Austin 7 chassis (there are three on UK ebay today) for your Ashley and you never know you might be able to find a BMW Dixi chassis. The Dixi was the first car made by BMW under licence version from Austin.