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Outstanding paint/body to an original shell!

I had an I think 1965 S purchased in New York City in the 1970's. It was in pretty rough shape. I drove it back to Pennsylvania where I unfortunately stuffed into a maple tree (maple tree still standing). Creased the front RH floorboard from the impact. I do not have the documentation on that car as it went with the car and new owner who I am told turned it into a race car with fiberglass front end.

Please do not tar and feather me as not long after this incident I found a 1962 997 Cooper and took all the mechanicals off of the S and put it on the Cooper. Also added a right hand tank with home built support for the tank at the time and recently purchased the correct mountings from Minispares so these photos are of interest. I realize the Cooper did not have a right hand tank, neither did the 1965. BTW the 1965 had the dry suspension, I do not know the history/lineage of these cars enough for when the factory went to the wet suspension.

I have been lurking on this forum for some time, the knowledge here about the MK1 series has been invaluable. After having this car for 40+ years it's still a blast to drive. The sad part at least here in the US is that a lot of bystanders do not know what it is, I have to refer to the BMW car and say "see the similarity?" but it stops there. Very few here know the history of the giant killer.

Aginley wrote:

Nevsmini wrote:Looks like a nice and original 65 S to me. Now the nice bit starts bolting it together. Is she a USA car or a Mainland Europe car.

Yes came from California and was virtually rust free

I thought as much as its a LHD shell. So many of the S’s that went there are 65, it seams to be the peak sales year for them over there.

Nevsmini wrote:

Aginley wrote:

Nevsmini wrote:Looks like a nice and original 65 S to me. Now the nice bit starts bolting it together. Is she a USA car or a Mainland Europe car.

Yes came from California and was virtually rust free

I thought as much as its a LHD shell. So many of the S’s that went there are 65, it seams to be the peak sales year for them over there.

I seem to see a lot more '66 build dates over here, many of which are registered and sold as '67 models. Plus many are '67 with the double-skin Mk2 boot lid.

Or maybe you guys just bought-up all the '65s that were over here...


The car looks amazing, Aginley. Your painter did a fabulous job on the paint/body, it should be a joy to put together.

Nevsmini wrote:

Aginley wrote:

Nevsmini wrote:Looks like a nice and original 65 S to me. Now the nice bit starts bolting it together. Is she a USA car or a Mainland Europe car.

Yes came from California and was virtually rust free

I thought as much as its a LHD shell. So many of the S’s that went there are 65, it seams to be the peak sales year for them over there.

Yes it is/was. The only difference I can tell from a RHD is the washer bottle mounting holes. Are there any other differences I should be aware of?
Thanks

Looking good Alistair

Paintwork looks exquisite! What’s the paint code for the OEW you’re using? WT3?

Front and rear subframes in

Watching with interest, will be following in your footsteps once the 970 is back on the road.

Also will be watching (from the USA) with interest.

I have a LHD 66S (July 1966) but it is “wet” so I have a little more work to do under the car.

It was painted over 20 years ago and has been sitting until this year.
I am so jealous of your “glossy” paint job. Mine has dulled over the years.

Just finishing up the rear subframe then it is onto the hydro, fuel and brake lines before I can install the rear subframe.

The only difference I see between your “S” and mine is the stiffener in the grill area. Yours appears to be vertical while mine is angled. This may a difference between 65 and 66.

I read something somewhere indicating it is easier to install the steering rack before installing the front subframe. I’ll be interested to see how you do.

Good luck.

His steering rack is in Roger?

WhT you’ve read is right - it is FAR easier to install it first. I don’t know why (if) anyone would attempt it differently.

But of progress this week.
Just rebuilt rear radius arms when there back on it will be rolling .
Fitted brake booster, got the wiring loom partially in. (Anyone got pick of an auto sparks loom to show how it connects to the control box and the back of the speedo area?).
New wheels n tyres. Seams like I’ve got lots of little jobs to do like brackets and mounts etc

Hi Aginley. That is a beautiful car. May I ask what made you go for dry suspension over wet? Cheers, Richard.

BLT wrote:Hi Aginley. That is a beautiful car. May I ask what made you go for dry suspension over wet? Cheers, Richard.

Easier for me to do and I want a lower racier look.. I have the displacers and pipe work hear but prefer the dry ride hight etc

Can I be so bold as to make a VERY small suggestion Aginley? See the joint between the front and rear bowl of the brake servo? Can I suggest that before you get into brake bleeding, you loosen it a bit and rotate it so that the nut and bolt clamp joint is underneath. Just a small thing but it can be a real PITA, or in this case a PITK (pain in the knuckles) when it's where it is as I know from my recent and painful experience working on the clutch and engine steady bracket

Good call

Bit more progress this week..
bonnet, boot, doors fitted.
Trial fitting the carpet, think it’s going to need trimming in places.
Rear screen in. Side windows in.
Can confirm Minispares boot rubber fits perfectly.
Sorting the seatbelts next.

Bonnet fits nice

Looking fantastic!

Really nice panel fit, super clean too!

Aginley wrote:Bit more progress this week..
bonnet, boot, doors fitted.
Trial fitting the carpet, think it’s going to need trimming in places.
Rear screen in. Side windows in.
Can confirm Minispares boot rubber fits perfectly.
Sorting the seatbelts next.

...what a lovely looking Mk 1 resto....love the wheels and tyres... can just about make out a UK reg on the number plate board.. ?....foxy52