Transformer/Hawk Stratos replica

[hollytree]

Hi
Is this still for sale.
Someone at the Keighley Show yesterday spent a long time talking with me and expressed a huge desire to buy a Stratos
Regards
Steve

[goldtop]

Hi Steve. Yes - still available, with teh engine rebuild delayed due to parts availability.

I've been away until today and not had a chance to get it back from Keith's to here (Cambridge) yet. I should be able to do that in a week or so, and will update this thread and outstanding PMs.

[hollytree]

When I was looking at the Stratos journey in 2011 my wife secretly arranged a meet and have a spin in a Stratos to see if I was sure.
The drive was with Elliot, and i was convinced.
The rest is history
Steve

[Normb666]

That was really good of her! Bet she didn't have a go herself tho, and she's regretted that ever since.... (this based on Leah's feelings towards my car, but that's tough cos it's going nowhere. Unless I'm driving it!)

[hollytree]

Norm
Great women think alike

[Normb666]

Is that "grate" as in "get on yer nerves?"

[goldtop]

Revising the details, as I am now selling the car as a project at ?35,000:

Current status:Transformer (Hawk predecessor) built in 1998. RHD. Registered in 1998 as a Transformer with Lancia VIN. 2 former owners. I?ve owned the car since Sept 2013.


Full roll-cage for motorsport, including removable diagonal bars for door cavity. Originally ran with a Lancia Beta 2.0 twin-cam and then later upgraded to a 24V Alfa 3.0 V6; new engine correctly recorded on the V5C registration document.


Dynoed at 234bhp / 236 lbft in 2009.




Bodywork
OK from a few yards away, but needs cosmetic attention in several areas:

• some surface cracks in the bonnet clam - because it?s very thin (chosen for light weight when racing, I think). There?s a spare (full thickness) unpainted (grey) bonnet clam with the car.
• headlamp pods are not the best fit in the cut-outs
• some paintwork flaws

Mechanical
Full engine recommission in 2022:

• cambelt
• clutch
• fuel pump
• fuel lines
• water pump
• oil cooler
• spark plugs
• temp gauge and sender
• engine mounts
• bottom-end engine rebuild (big ends, mains, etc)
• brakes also overhauled

Selling as a project
Although the car has a new MOT (until Jan 2027) and is taxed, there are a few drivability issues that IMHO need to be resolved:

• It is running an older DTA engine management system, which is quite basic. Upgrading to (e.g.) Omex has been suggested and would allow to go distributor-less.
• Cold starts are ? a challenge. It?s necessary to prime the fuel pumps a couple of times before pressing the Start button. Then it runs lumpy with quite a few pops and bangs (bug or feature, you decide).
• It uses the ?Grumpy Bates? throttle cable arrangement which I don?t like. It places the cable too close to the clutch pedal and fat feet cause a throttle blip when pressing the clutch.
• The cooling system needs larger diameter pipework to the front radiator to avoid traffic jam overheating

I'll add a new album of photos ASAP. Here's one as she stands now:

[Guy Mayers]

Hi, your message inbox appears to be full so you're not going to get any offers.... Can you clear the inbox out to make space?

For potential LHD conversion queries I think that this car might be a candidate as it shouldn't have the extra chassis crossmember behind the seats. If the V5 also gives a date of first registration as 1980's then it should be exportable as is to the USA.

Conversion to LHD is complex and compromised, you'll end up with less foot space on the left side than the right as the chassis is built asymmetrically. It can be done but it's a lot of work to move the seats as far across the floorpan as possible and fit new upper seat belt mounts. You'll also need to source a new dash moulding and binnacle from Hawk Cars.

[goldtop]

Hi Guy - yup. I saw that my subscription had lapsed, so I've resubbed now and can get the extra message allowance. Thanks for the nudge.

I think there's a 25-year-rule for importing into the USA? Same one that lets them get '90s Nissan Skyline GT-R R34s, etc. As for LHD conversion, that's useful info for potential buyers.

[goldtop]

SOLD!

No doubt it will resurface at some point in the future.

Thanks, all, for your help and advice.