Recently rebuilt to keep up with modern traffic, the original plan was to enter historic motorsport events, rallies and other fun stuff. Poor health has unfortunately prevented this.
Stripped and modified at a cost of over £25, 000 in 2012, she has completed less than 500 road miles since then (and never used on a track, or for competition). Although similar in spec to an Academy A35, the car is far better on public roads thanks to higher gearing, soundproofing, 2 seats and an original size fuel tank.
Specification includes:
Bodywork - Stripped and sprayed in Buttercream yellow Strengthened suspension mounts Bonnet professionally louvered, and with leather buckles added Academy spec front cool air intake Quick release fuel cap (original size fuel tank) Original spec Lucas rally reversing lamp Towing straps front and back
Chassis / suspension - New Armstrong lever arm shocks New Poly bushes on reconditioned wishbones Anti roll bar fitted on front Rear anti roll bar removed New front and rear springs
Brakes - New MG Midget front discs Metro master cylinder Metro servo and pedal box
Engine - Reconditioned 1275 Midget engine (Peter Burgess) Ported and polished head SU carburettor (ISN type, from Marina A Plus) with K & N filter 4 - 2 - 1 - Sports exhaust Skimmed flywheel (for 7 inch Ford clutch) Converted to alternator New coil and distributor Bespoke aluminium Oil catch tank Alloy radiator with Kenlowe electric fan (with override switch on dash) Spin-on oil filter conversion Aluminium oil cooler
Transmission - Converted to Ford Type 9 (5 speed) gearbox - ideal on the road New Bellhousing to accommodate gearbox Hydraulic clutch Reconditioned differential Hardened competition half shafts
Interior - much of this work was done by Darryl Davis Full HRDC Academy roll cage (by Caged Laser Engineering) - drivers side cross brace unbolted since photos, for ease of access New carpets and headlining Sparco Sprint FIA seats TRS FIA harnesses (2019) Rewired throughout Mota Lita aluminium steering wheel and boss Additional console for tachometer, and oil pressure / temperature New door cards Glass windows with new rubber seals
Documentation for the car we call "Butterball" includes the original brown card log book, purchase receipt from 1957, user manual, lubrication poster, plus many receipts and historic MOT's etc.. Mileage is a genuine 80, 560 and there have been 6 previous owners. The car drives beautifully, starts first time and is kept on a trickle charger in a garage. Note - There are some small rust bubbles around the rear left wheel arch and sill.
Road tests are welcome, although a deposit and proof of insurance will be needed if you wish to take a drive yourself. I may consider a part exchange for a classic car or bike of a similar value. Adrian Flux have issued an agreed value of £18, 000 for insurance purposes.