Stratos Bodyshell

**john** · 10-11-2017, 16:01

Amen to that.

**Normb666** · 10-11-2017, 16:32

I can't actually believe that people care about stuff like this - the "originality" question, I mean. What does it matter where the bodyshell came from? So what if you swapped the Ferrari motor for an Alfa one, or whatever? So long as they're running round and people get to see and enjoy them, that's the only thing that counts. And if it's your car, you can do what the L you want with it, and give two fingers to the "purists".
I saw a documentary a while ago about the continuation run of lightweight E-Types that Jaguar were making, and they interviewed Lord March and some guy who'd got an original '60's one., and when asked if the new ones would be welcome at Goodwood the answer was a very snotty "certainly not" with a look like they'd smelled something bad. What's that about? The new cars are made by the original company, using original drawings, to be as exact as humanly possible, even using the same series of chassis numbers. Shame the interviewer didn't ask why, cos I'd love to know. Wonder how many bits the guy with the original one has replaced over the years...

Anyway, if originality is so important, I assert there's not a single original car on the planet over 6 months old. Cos what happens when a car goes for its first service? Yep, they change the oil and filter...so it's not original then, is it. (yes I know it's pedantic, but so are the people who put such great store in "originality".)
So I say to these people, get an effing life - it's just a bloody car!!!!

Rant over... for now

**StruanR** · 10-11-2017, 16:39

... and the works rally cars, race cars, get through several bodyshells/chassis in the season, a bit like Trigger's broom still original....

**ProtoTipo** · 10-11-2017, 17:02

Originally Posted by StruanR

... and the works rally cars, race cars, get through several bodyshells/chassis in the season, a bit like Trigger's broom still original....

Yes, this is very true, but there are an odd one or two works cars that have never been re shelled since the period they were rallied, and that matters a lot.

**StruanR** · 10-11-2017, 17:15

I think Vatanen used to get through 5 shells a year at one point! Of course it is not hard to switch chassis numbers, if the need arises.....

**john** · 10-11-2017, 18:44

Originally Posted by StruanR

Of course it is not hard to switch chassis numbers, if the need arises.....

That wasn't unknown in the Motoring News Championship back in the day!

**ProtoTipo** · 10-11-2017, 19:15

Originally Posted by StruanR

I think Vatanen used to get through 5 shells a year at one point! Of course it is not hard to switch chassis numbers, if the need arises.....

Vatanen's surviving 1981 RAC Escort is about as original as they come.
I know of one 'ex works' car that he drove, that's as opposite to that as you can get.

**Griff** · 10-11-2017, 19:33

Yes, Know where you are coming from, competing at Silverstone some years ago (Historic Rally Sprint) in my restored Mk 1 Cooper S
I was told by an 'expert', my car was dreadful, as it had 9 dimple sills, and to be 'correct' it should have 7 dimple sills!!!
smiled, and thanked him for his input, at which point he made his excuses and left!!!!!!!

**ProtoTipo** · 10-11-2017, 19:53

Originally Posted by Griff

I was told by an 'expert', my car was dreadful, as it had 9 dimple sills, and to be 'correct' it should have 7 dimple sills!!!
smiled, and thanked him for his input, at which point he made his excuses and left!!!!!!!

Awesome!

Yes, there's some serious "I think you'll find ......." types in the Mini Cooper Register.