Posted 8 years ago
Calvin83
(50 items)
Tri-ang Duke with period extras . So many infact it almost looks like a rat rod ! Purchased by Jim Clarke Snr for his son Jim Clarke Jnr back in the early 60's from an Auction for £3 (!) he set about making it into what it is today . Completed with bumper overriders front and rear, Aeroplane tiller controls that replace the steering wheel , Custom padded vinyl seat, A revving siren with attached chisel lever ,Checkerboard dashboard , Working odometer ,Aux dash light and a "Go Faster" lever . When his son outgrew it the car was stored for over 40 years in a family garage .The car was recently uncovered and cleaned up for sale .I am the third and very proud owner .Brimming with patina and character it reminds me of something the little rascals would have driven. Definatley a one off for sure . Brilliant little peice from the UK .
Your really getting it bad now !!
You do realize there is no cure.
it's when people start saying ( or are they saying it already )
"don't you think you have enough"
And you say " It's Ok I can handle It ??"
Hi Graumm . Haha then it's already too late for me ! . It only started out as a late night bid that turned into a "I wonder if I could I restore this one?" project. When the first one arrived (The Tri-ang Miami) i didnt have the heart to give it a full restoration as the car really does tell its own story close up and I kept hearing over and over in my head "They are only original once mate". All original apart from the windscreen that I had made for it but I did straighten out the chassis frame so the front wheels wouldn't hit the arches anymore (it had had a frontal fender bender and the body had sunk over time in one corner) .a general sympathetic clean up and that's really it.There are a few more on my list but they are rarer than most so I have to wait for them to come up for sale(actually there about 30....eeeeek!) . But I keep finding parts for my existing ones in the mean time . It's more than rewarding for me to see slightly tired looking cars getting their life back but still retain their originality .
Hi and yes Originality is a major part when looking at the more collectible ones ie:- Tri-ang, Leeway and the American cars but the common Chinese made ones although nice to collect are a good basis for the possible conversions to make some thing more interesting.
The only versions of these I will keep original are the limited edition ones unless they have been ruined by letting children play with them 'What ever next'
Did you have a look at the Boat Tail Roadster that I made using the Ford Model 'A' Roadster again a very enjoyable project along with the Coca-Cola Truck.
I am still thinking of more ways to use these chassis and the Jalopy chassis for a conversion creating a 'One off'
Hi Graumm . I totally agree . I am a big believer in "preservation class" .To some it's just laziness but believe that certain cars and marques need to keep their originality and preserve their history . The limited edition ones you have are already special and quite expensive. Your Boattail Roaster is great ! My dad asked me where I could buy one and I had to tell him that wasn't possible . I think he was a little bummed out by it . The Chinese ones are great bases for customs . I have seen quite a few people turning them into fat boy hot rods etc . The cheap ones need to be waxed to maintain the paint as they really hate sun or moisture as I've found out . My little Yellow Austin can't be more than 14 yrs old and was kept indoors most of its life but it didn't stop the grille , steering wheel and window surround from pitting quite badly from moisture . Add to that one side of the car was noticibly faded from sitting in a sunny window day in day out but was all brought back with some meguiars and Silvro .The previous owner sanded the grille back and sprayed it Matt black (to prevent the rust from spreading I suspect.) They are made from very robust steel .they just need more preventative maintenance than others I've come across. Still , I have a soft spot for them . Keep up the good work with the custom models A's - they're great !
Hi Down there, That wouldn't be a hint for me to get building again would it.
But then it would be very expensive and the shipping costs would be horrendous.
I was thinking about building a two seater but the time the last one took and over 400 yes 400 small brass screws so that would be nearly double and all put in by hand one at a time and all to boat building practices as my Father built boats full size and models when I was little and I suppose what he said stayed with me all these years and I know he would have been impressed with it but possibly critical as well as Farther's are.
It's nice to swap words with a like minded person who thinks the same as me on these things.
Being half a world away is a problem but if you ever venture this far you are welcome to be even more jealous.
Hi Graumm . Oh you never know I'm always on the look out for unique peices so I'll let you know when my funds replenish. I have just bought a couple more and in negnotiations a couple more :). I agree ,it's great to be able to share your passion with others that have the same interests. It would be great to see the collection in person one of these days .
Hi there again,
The best part of having a one-off is saying that you made it your self.
And the more you put in the better you feel with the result.
It's an expression of your skill's and emaggernation.
As I said, I have lots of idea's but still looking for the right base vehicle.
You can build to order but you never have the feeling for it, It's just a job.