Matt's Stradale

[Stratie.fr]

Thanks - engine and gearbox are from a 246GT so 2,418cc but with a Stratos inlet manifold and matching carbs (40IDFs) in place of the usual 40DCNF Webers. And, air conditioning (I'm old...) which remains a controversial challenge (you can see the compressor sticking out the bottom held in place by a weird tripod bracket).

That's really an incredible challenge to build a car like yours... With a lot of original parts from real car and a Ferrari Dino engine ... And air conditionning! Almost a real Stradale with modern improvements!!
Congrats

[StruanR]

A Stratos replica should have a Dino engine, otherwise it's just a kit car....
Next best Ferrari 308, shares loads of components.
Alfa V6 may be a better engine, but nothing like a Stratos.....
Struan

[maxlouis]

We’ve still got a way to go but the plan remains to try to build a car that looks and feels as close to the original as practicable but functions as a useable and attractive everyday road car – so it has to be reliable, serviceable, better insulated so as not to be oppressive - and the ventilation has to work (and that’s obviously about getting air ‘out’ as well as ‘in’ so we’ve tried to prioritise that) as well as thinking about where the weight and rigidity should be to make it a bit friendlier – which is why we went steel for the floor etc. Not sure yet whether we’ll achieve that, but that’s the plan!

[maxlouis]

I bought these louvers from Italy (and I know they're on upside down!) and they were supposed be correct but the gaps between the end of the slots are too wide and the the shape of the vent is too curved, rather than being more pointed like the originals. That will always annoy me! Anyone got any ideas as to where/how I can get a better set made - or possibly modify these ones as they are well made and the correct dimensions - but aesthetically don't cut it. Many thanks,

[Griff]

'I can get a better set made - or possibly modify these ones as they are well made and the correct dimensions '

Matt, give Marfab Welding a call 07903 460691, bloke is called Mark Milne, big Lancia fan, belongs to the Lancia owners club, and has done quite a bit of alloy fabrication on both mine and Rene's Hawks, including the under tray pictured, hope this helps Griff

[maxlouis]

Much appreciated; thank you Griiff and we are now in contact.
Best,
Matt

[Griff]

This is probably the picture that would have helped, regards Griff

[maxlouis]

'I can get a better set made - or possibly modify these ones as they are well made and the correct dimensions '

Matt, give Marfab Welding a call 07903 460691, bloke is called Mark Milne, big Lancia fan, belongs to the Lancia owners club, and has done quite a bit of alloy fabrication on both mine and Rene's Hawks, including the under tray pictured, hope this helps Griff

Thanks Griff for putting me in touch with Mark - obviously a highly skilled guy. He said the solution would be to get a new tool made up to cut and fold the correct louver dimensions and then start again with fresh sheet aluminium. Whilst that will be a fairly expensive solution to make one set (anyone else interested in some?) it's likely to be my only option as I gather that the 'off the shelf' louver cutters currently available will not cut a slot wide enough - or with the original tapered profile. I s'pose doing that will mean that the panels end up less rigid (lots of original cars seem to have slightly 'wavy' front panels) but presumably wider gaps would aid cooling - which wouldn't be a bad thing.

[Stratie.fr]

A great lot and a nice job with Horn Button!
I like that
Congrats Guys!