Vintage Vandalism

[Tony Griffiths]

"Ulster" replicas: why are there so many half-hearted attemps at these? For me, the only ones to have any appeal whatsoever are those on a short chassis with a correctly proportioned aluminum body taken by formers from an original; touring wings; the correct windscreen and instruments; a hood - and, most important, the associated discomforts and privations that this sporting car had originally. I suppose, as so few short chassis are now available - one no longer finds three or four propping up an outbuilding's roof and available for a pound each - that destroying a Box or Ruby is the only way to go.

Whilst I generally agree with your thesis Tony why the touring wings and hood? Many (most?) cars in period had them removed/ replaced if used in competition much.My personal dislike is the fashion for entering them in competitions as an "EA". I don't know of a prewar competition entry using that reference.
Charles

Ah! The very reason for my preference - "Factory original, old boy!" Joking aside, I know that they go rather better with those very heavy, domed steel wings removed - but without them, and fitted with crude cycle wings, the can sometimes look just like any old cobbled-together-in-the-back-yard special...

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Charles,
You are obviously correct about removing touring wings for competition use but I like the touring wings because it makes the car prettier! I am biased because I spent years making touring wings in aluminium in my spare time in the 70’s.
Cheers,
Dave.

And the wings on David's car - if you've not seen them - are a perfect job. A testiment to skill and perseverence of the highest order. If only I could manage a fraction of such high-end, metal-forming ability.

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OK folks, here's another one ripe for ripping apart and converting into a special:

https://www.prewarcar.com/313220-1926-au...hat-saloon



... but you just wouldn't, would you?

If it sells for near the asking price it will be preserved by the forces of economics, if nothing else.

Charles

Wow! That is beautiful, and Sheffield registered, too. The seller should put it an H & H auction, it'd make £25,000. Besides all the lovely originality, what a plethora of interesting details: the AA badge in bronze with the Austin wings; a proper "dial-wind" Stadium clock; the horn; cast-aluminium number plate and the ashtray. What's the lever attached to the steering wheel - and the "hoop" of material in line with the back and side edge of the driver’s seat?