Something a Bit Different

[Keep it stiff]

I have just done a deal on this:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C631970

I always enjoy something a bit different, I have had some spare cash burning a hole for a bit and having bounced around with various thoughts on what to buy next I came across this by chance.

As a modified car I know it won't be to everyone's taste, and to be honest those front seats may need to go, however as a classic Q car I thought it might be fun.

What do you think?

Edited by Keep it stiff on Wednesday 8th July 07:18

[Keep it stiff]

sunbeam alpine said:

Congratulations! Did you get my e-mail?

Let me know when you're coming over!

Hi David, I just this moment found your email in my spam, sorry about that! I will be picking the Dauphine up on July 27th, I will be dashing there and back same day. Jonquilles car for next year and also LMC next year.

[Keep it stiff]

I'm really pleased to read such positive reaction, I thought there might be a few voices bemoaning the lack of originality! It hit a chord with me the moment I came across the ad. I had been hunting for a V6 Clio, there may be 50 odd years between them but out of the same bonkers school of thought.

It will need a few changes for me, I love the Q car thing, I'm not a fan of "Halfords" add-ons, I'm sure there will be a few things to think about.

Brakes and suspension are upgraded, four speed box is original, how that will cope with the extra HP I guess I will have to wait to see. Three stud wheels I noticed, steering is original. From the close up pictures the paint looks pretty good with just a few small dings, chrome looks good.

I have taken a chance buying it blind however the dealer provided a big file of pictures and co-ordinating with them has been very straightforward so fingers crossed that it is as good as it looks.

[Keep it stiff]

Having managed to run the gauntlet of Channel crossing chaos I managed to get to and from Antwerp on Monday to collect the Dauphine. It was a drive of nearly 700 miles within 24 hours and included six hours waiting time at Dover and three hours waiting time at Dunkirk. (My sympathies go out to the many families holiday makers caught up in this.)

The weather was pretty shxt for my drive back, this is my third classic and the collection of each one has coincided with having to trailer them home in pouring rain.

I'm very pleased with my first impressions, it looks to be a very solid car and whilst I'm not yet 100% sure I think the paint, or at least most of it, could be original. I had forgotten quite how small the Dauphine is and combined with the modern bucket seats it really is a pretty tight fit for me. The original interior is in good nick and everything looks OK with the engine conversion. Other than 100 yards on to my trailer I have not driven the car as yet. The MOT is booked for Saturday which will be my first proper chance to take a good look at things.

I think there are two options for this car, either continue down the route of making it more like a rally rep, for example by adding a cage and other accessories, alternatively tone it down a bit. Toning down was my original plan and I'm pretty sure that is the route, this will require getting rid of the modern buckets to replace with a more period pair, removing the competition harnesses, changing the big bore exhaust to finish with a more subtle twin and finding a neater solution for the Halfords looking three gauge screwed to the dash.

I just love some of the original 60's finishing, the steering wheel is so tactile, the sliding rear windows and its general stance etc. Here are a few quick pictures, I can update with some more as soon as I get a bit of time to progress things.

[Keep it stiff]

MOT pass this morning. Other than a pretty pathetic screen jet all OK. Very solid underneath, far far better than I was expecting.

I can now start hunting for a nice pair of seats, while Swansea process the V55.