D Type

[Hippo]

Originally Posted by Mister Towed

in case you didn't know, it's an example of a Sammio Spyder developed by Lancelot Link (Gary Janes).

Truth is, the original cars are so rare that pretty much nobody notices the difference. So get building yourself a D Type inspired special and don't worry too much about getting the dimensions 100% accurate. Just enjoy the journey.

I didn't know but I am gradually beginning to realise just 'oo sed an' did wot' round here!

I think you and I are on the same wavelength. I don't want to go to all the trouble of building a car only to elicit, "Ooh, Daddy, look, a Cobra Replica!' (or D Type, or Ferrari, or whatever). Instead, I want people to say, 'Gosh! What kind of car is that?'

Now I know I can provoke that kind of reaction with the 'School for Scoundrels' car suggested as a possible donor car earlier in this thread, but I think you know what I mean.

[Mick O'Malley]

Originally Posted by Hippo

I don't want to go to all the trouble of building a car only to elicit, "Ooh, Daddy, look, a Cobra Replica!' (or D Type, or Ferrari, or whatever). Instead, I want people to say, 'Gosh! What kind of car is that?'

Interesting.

A very good friend of thirty years built one of the first Westfield Elevens in the early 80s, and we've been to umpteen events together in it ever since. Most frequently asked? "Is it a D Type?". OK, it's BRG and has a hump, but really! Same goes for my dark red Alfa badged Mk1 Marlin Roadster. "Is it a Morgan?" Aaaaaaagh!

The highest compliment, IMHO, that can be paid is to be asked "Is it a real one?" If I'm asked that in my A352 I'll be well pleased!

Regards, Mick

[WorldClassAccident]

My Z300S has been identified as:

TVR
Jaguar
Lister
Alfa
Maserati
Cobra
MG
Gilbern
...
...
...

[Hippo]

"Truth is, the original cars are so rare that pretty much nobody notices the difference"

That's a very good point. And the rarer and less well known the car the easier it is to pull off the illusion.

DNA have created a very attractive Ferrari California look-alike, the 2fifty. The original is very rare but quite well known. And, when you open the bonnet of the converted car, it says BMW. So perhaps Chris, with his eye for proportion, might do something similar along the lines of a BMW 507? Very rare, very pretty, and when you open the bonnet of the converted car, the badge on the engine will match the ones on the outside; as well as the ones all over the interior.

So the proportions will not be exactly the same but as you say, who cares? When you pull up at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, the valet will most likely assume it is a very expensive retro chic cabriolet from BMW and park it next to the entrance, rather than round the back with the run-of-the-mill DB's and XK's.

[Roadster]

I agree Hippo and the 507's shape will cope will the steeper windscreen rake too.

[Hippo]

And for those who aren't fussed about the engine, the proportions of the 507 lend themselves even better to the Spitfire...

[WorldClassAccident]

I think that all you would need to fool most people about the 507 would be a different grille inserted into the 250 nose.

It wouldn't fool those who know but the lack of depth on the original 507 would be difficult to replicate on most donors

507 by WCA!, on Flickr

[tajaro]

Originally Posted by Hippo

So perhaps Chris, with his eye for proportion, might do something similar along the lines of a BMW 507?

YES! That would be a winner I'd bet...

[Mick O'Malley]

D-Type Jaguar re-creation.

Not bad at all, apart from the price

Regards, Mick

[MJSS]

Hippo,

I'd be interested to know what chassis you went for in the end?

I'm going through pretty much the exact same thought process that you went through two years ago!

I'm looking to build a D-type replica/evocation, and at the moment the best example I've seen by a long way is Mick O Malley's A352 with a fin.

I'm torn between going for that, or potentially getting the Tribute D-Type shell and finding something (such as a Herald) that has a matching wheelbase.

Just wondering what you did in the end?