Body Snatchers - the ongoing story

[Mike Costigan]

We think we have problems with half-decent saloons being ripped apart to make another Ulsteroid, but it's not an exclusive problem to the Austin Seven world. At least most of the cars - usually Rubys, require(d) extensive body restoration - it beggars belief that someone would dismantle this obviously well-cared-for Alvis to make a special:

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1273262

   

   

[Ivor Hawkins]

That is a crime, obviously not owned by a motoring enthusiast, just another poseur.

[Tony Griffiths]

That's a real shame. One can't help noticing the background and details in these pictures. Check the fit of the caster on the wooden body-support frame .....and generally well-organised nature of the "workshop"....

[Monsdonnet]

Juri Castricum is a Dutch old car dealer..... he recently broke up a 1928 Amilcar saloon in totally original condition with only 7,500km on the clock, engine and gearbox sold on, rolling chassis advertised as 'suitable for special' or words to that effect..... the fate of the actual body is unknown....... all for money....

[Chris KC]

What a beautiful car that must have been, what a pity they hadn't the eyes to see it.

[JonE]

hmm... would make a good wordpress site idea, Mike.... histories, evidence, photos. If that Amilcar story is correct, such a dealer would soon stop that when it came up in searches regularly.

Ironically, its not 'bodysnatchers' though - those are the things that they would prefer disappeared to the bottom of a lake with a large concrete block after all the sprauncey bits have gone.

[Chris Garner]

The body is a Holbrook of Woverhampton one. The company was formed in 1930 by Sam Holbrook who had resigned as sales manager of the Austin Motor Company. They continued in various guises 'til 1938 then going into receivership.

[Austin in the Shed]

  I don't think the Firebird was a particularly good car but it's sad to see this happen to an obviously loved car.

[Henry Harris]

It's still happening. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/austin-7-seve...true&rt=nc

   

[Steve kay]

Henry, I hope that was you successfully shaming the "vendor" as the ad has swiftly disappeared.