Fulfilling a Lifelong Ambition.......

[what-time-is-it]

Saw this parked up near me a while back. Looked tasty!

6972DB2D-5367-4D41-A043-5507A7B48F77.jpeg

21E99569-2E17-4E7B-BDBB-EAAC303A04F3.jpeg

According to MOT check, it's a Triumph Spitfire!

[Thermexman]

^^^Interesting.

[jtc]

Saw this parked up near me a while back. Looked tasty!

6972DB2D-5367-4D41-A043-5507A7B48F77.jpeg

21E99569-2E17-4E7B-BDBB-EAAC303A04F3.jpeg

Looks great, but maybe I'm too much a critic; I did wonder if that was gaffer tape holding the front bumper on

[PaulJS]

Thanks for all the input - I am wavering between the two on almost a daily basis!
In terms of driving dynamics the Exocet and the DBR1 homage should be near identical as they both take the same approach to the build: remove the old rusty MX5 body and replace with a stronger / lighter tubular chassis, then add some fibreglass. For the Excocet this is the bare minumum to cover the oily bits and with the DBR1 it is obviously a complete body.

I don't mind the lack of creature comforts ( neither have heater etc..) as what I am aiming for is something akin to a 4 wheel motorbike!

The DBR1 looks prettier ( obviously! ) but then I really want to be able to use it without worrying too much about cosmetic damage.

I do plan to get a drive in at least one of them, and visit the DBR1 company here in Devon.

On the up side, the donor preparations form both are the same: strip an MX5 back to the 'skate' so I can still get on with stuff while pondering......

With regard to the 'Triumph' pictured, this is a bit of a grey area as something classed as a re-body can keep its original identity and does not require a rigorous vehicle check. Because the Spitfire was based on a modified Herald chassis it can get away with having a new set of clothes plonked on the chassis and not require inspecting or re-registering.

The MX5 does not have a chassis as such and all that's left after a strip down are the front and rear suspensions in their subframes linked by the engine and transmission as shown below. Therefore whatever you build gets re-registered as whatever it is designated by the kit manufacturer.

Cheers,

Paul

[Thermexman]

Looks great, but maybe I'm too much a critic; I did wonder if that was gaffer tape holding the front bumper on

Well if it is gaffer tape, they “bossed” it!

[tikkathree]

My thoughts in my head on reading your post Paul have ended up being exactly the same as Soporsche's - without the experience of building and driving my own kit car... I was thinking, get yourself a drive (or passenger seat) in a built up owners car and see which you prefer from inside as well as outside. The Exocet is quite a different proposition as a drivers car, though the homage DBR1 would definitely look nicer in the garage!

What's a "soporsche"?

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[monkeymax]

What's a "soporsche"?

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That was the user name of the person who posted just before me.

[Soporsche]

What's a "soporsche"?

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[/quote]

Its me , I posted earlier in the thread!