Transformer/Hawk

Good Afternoon,

I joined the forum this afternoon after I'd seen the Transformer/Hawk for sale on e-bay. I'm interested in going to see the car, however, prior to arranging this I'm keen to know if there is a company/specialist who are Stratos/ Replica specialists who would be able to "re-commission" the car i.e completely service/maybe rebuild the engine, lower the suspension etc and any other work required - a sort of "one stop specialist" ??

Also are all parts still available if required ? i.e body work etc - from the (limited) reading I've done so far it seems that the most prominent manufacturer is "Lister Bell" - would bodywork parts be interchangeable if required.

I have a number of other cars, mainly Porsches, but also Abarth and an Alfa Zagato SZ - complete with Busso V6 and should I move forward with the car my ultimate preferred route would be to have an Alfa V6 fitted - again, are there recognised specialists who carry out this type of work ?

Any opinions on the car ( or any others available) and any other information/help would be most welcome.

Thanks very much

Steve

Hi Steve and welcome to the forum! The kit was made by Gerry Hawkridge of Hawk Cars, initially as a Transformer but later under the name Hawk. The Transformer name started in 1985 and changed a few years later. The kit has been made by the same people in the same place for the last 35 years, not something many kit manufacturers can claim. Gerry is still making them so any parts you may find you need will be available, no problem. Lister Bell bodywork won't fit the Hawk or vice versa as far as I know and I don't think anyone would try tbh. Gerry does have a build agent down South who would probably be happy to give it an overhaul but I think you'd need to get it to him. I also think that Richard, the seller, may be capable of overhauling it for you, he has lots of classic car experience and is mid way through an LB build himself.

I haven't seen this car in years but knew the builder as well as his first car. I'd expect that the second attempt would be an improvement on the first, more experience!

Definitely go and see the car if you're interested, they don't come up for sale very often and those that do tend to get snapped up pretty quickly, I don't expect this one to last long. If you need someone to go with you who knows the Transformer/Hawk well and don't know anybody I'm happy to pop across to Manchester to meet you and Richard and go over the car one evening.

Cheers
Guy

Conversion to V6 is pretty straight forward as the engine is an option Gerry offers. Assuming the chassis isn't set up for it he offers a conversion kit that consists of the V6 mounting brackets for the chassis (3 off), the brackets that bolt to the engine (2 off) plus mounting bobbins and brackets for the engine steady bar. The gear linkage upper mount needs repositioning too. In addition there are two spacers to mate the Alfa driveshaft flanges to the Beta driveshafts. You'll need a new exhaust system and engine management system too. If you need a recommendation for these changes there's a fabricator in Widnes who has done a few now.

Guy

Hiya Steve,

Welcome to the club - hope you stick around!
I actually saw the car last week - Richard's become a good pal so I always pop over if he's got anything interesting in, and I thought this just about qualified...
I have to say, I was quite impressed when I saw the car. Paint is good, panel gaps are too, and it seemed a really nice base to get yourself a Stratos replica without having to go through all the faff of building one!
If I was looking to buy it I'd firstly get the cam belt changed along with oil, plugs etc. and then see how it runs (if at all). I'd keep it as is while I got it "shaken down" and had enough confidence it was all good (although I can't see why not), and then look at engine swaps etc.

As Guy says, you're still OK for parts, so no worries there, and Richard is a genuine fella - in fact he's just been over here to my place helping with brake bleeding and aircon hose crimping. And it only cos me a few cuppas and a custard tart! Why don't you go over and see it before you do anything else? It's only the other end of the M62 from you and the Manchester residents aren't half as bad as they used to be, haha!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Normb666

It's only the other end of the M62 from you and the Manchester residents aren't half as bad as they used to be, haha!

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Trying to sort out two lynch mobs from either end of the East Lancs road converging on your place Norm? ;);)

I'm on permanent alert. Some days you get 'em in stereo ;)

Steve
Welcome, If you want to see a Stratos kit I have one, however it is not a Hawk or LB it is an Allora which I built over 30yrs ago. I live near Malton which is only 30 - 40 miles away, you are very welcome to come over and have a look at my car if you want to have a good look around a replica.

David

Thanks very much for the replies and offers of help, all very much appreciated. I've received a message from Richard and have asked for more information, perhaps I can make arrangements if I take things further with the car. David, I come up to Helmsley fairly often to meet a business colleague for breakfast at the Black Swan and of course pass through Malton - I also have a couple of my cars on SOR at Specialist Cars of Malton and often have a drive up there - it'd be great to have a look at your car when convenient to you.
Best
Steve

I can recommend your going to see David's car to get an idea of the club and what we're about but you're better off doing that after you've been to see Richard and the car that's for sale. The Allora and Hawk are different manufacturers and you won't learn anything about the Hawk by looking at David'c car.
Cheers
Guy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Merckx

I'm keen to know if there is a company/specialist who are Stratos/ Replica specialists who would be able to "re-commission" the car i.e completely service/maybe rebuild the engine, lower the suspension etc and any other work required - a sort of "one stop specialist" ??
Steve

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Steve,
Motoscope at Northallerton, Nth. Yorks. have built a Hawk Stratos replica from new. Scroll down on this page:
http://www.motoscope.co.uk/2015-projects/