JBA Falcon project for sale

[singlecoil]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...
I must admit to be more than mildly tempted. It will need a new chassis of course (for different running gear, probably BMW) but that won't be a problem. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on that.

[dave de roxby]

Do you think it will need much adaptation for IVA?

When was it last marketed - Sam, you'll know?

[Steve_D]

I ran one as my daily driver for 12 years. Very practical because the soft top can be put up in 1.5 minutes and is water proof. Full size doors, so easy to get in and out even with the hood up. Plenty of boot space.

Steve

[singlecoil]

I know someone was trying to resurrect it only about 4 years ago, though I don't know how far they got with it, or how many if any they sold. IVA I can't see any particular problems, windscreen and side glass frames might be tricky unless one simply leaves those off until after the test.

[Frankthered]

Could be a goer, this one. Falcon always had a really good reputation, didn't it. When I resurrected my interest in kit cars, it was a real surprise to me that the Falcon wasn't around any more.

It seems that the NG & Marlin kits still manage to sell a few - there would probably be a niche for a BMW based Falcon.

[dave de roxby]

Frankthered said:

Could be a goer, this one. Falcon always had a really good reputation, didn't it. When I resurrected my interest in kit cars, it was a real surprise to me that the Falcon wasn't around any more.

It seems that the NG & Marlin kits still manage to sell a few - there would probably be a niche for a BMW based Falcon.

I too think there could be life left in this project. But as others have said, it could do with a pretty radical 'make-over' if it were to re-establish itself as a commercial success.

However, a little caution may be needed here concerning legal rights to produce. There may be a clear way ahead - I don't know. I simply raise the question as a matter of good business practice.

I think what's on offer here constitutes the physical production facilities to build just the SR Roadster version (Sierra based as it stands) plus a few moulds for earlier Falcon model spares? There was a similar but taller 4 seater Tourer version - what has happened to this? I am aware that a version of the JBA was being produced in New Zealand at some point - maybe still going?

It all gets a bit messy when companies go into liquidation and assets get sold off. Who owns the rights?

Not being pessimistic - just cautious. Even the seller may not have the full picture. I'd be doing a lot of checking before committing to this!

[roger_spitfire]

singlecoil said:

I know someone was trying to resurrect it only about 4 years ago, though I don't know how far they got with it, or how many if any they sold. IVA I can't see any particular problems, windscreen and side glass frames might be tricky unless one simply leaves those off until after the test.

When I had my Pilgrim 3000 IVAd last May, I was told that the suggestion of leaving things off if they are intended to be fitted to complete the car, like the windscreen, etc is not allowable. However, I realise who is to say that a windscreen will be fitted but ... just a warning - again.

[Ferg]

Have to be a 'Chancer' to take that on...

[Frankthered]

Ferg said:

Have to be a 'Chancer' to take that on...

Oooh, someone (else) has a long memory!

[Ferg]

Ah, the Douglas Leopard!

[Frankthered]

roger_spitfire said:

singlecoil said:

I know someone was trying to resurrect it only about 4 years ago, though I don't know how far they got with it, or how many if any they sold. IVA I can't see any particular problems, windscreen and side glass frames might be tricky unless one simply leaves those off until after the test.

When I had my Pilgrim 3000 IVAd last May, I was told that the suggestion of leaving things off if they are intended to be fitted to complete the car, like the windscreen, etc is not allowable. However, I realise who is to say that a windscreen will be fitted but ... just a warning - again.

This is one of the differences between SVA and IVA. For both versions of the test, the car is tested as presented. But whereas with SVA, you could add bits of foam to the interior, leave items off and fit them after test, with IVA any items that need to be modified to pass the test, need to be done in a way that looks professional. (Needs to look like something a mainstream manufacturer would do.)

So, if you were going to leave the screen off, for example, it would need to look finished, so you might need to fit a trim piece, aero screens or a wind deflector.

In other words, you can still fudge things a bit to pass IVA, but you have to fudge things a bit more convincingly!

[dave de roxby]

Frankthered said:

So, if you were going to leave the screen off, for example, it would need to look finished, so you might need to fit a trim piece, aero screens or a wind deflector.

The screen surround on the JBA is one thing I have always found an eye-sore. Also, shame the grille is so amateur looking.

[dmulally]

I think with the wet weather gear that it ticks plenty of boxes for the average punter. I am not an expert on vertern cars so when I see something similar, the first thing I look at is the wheel proportions.

If I see one and it is tall and skinny, then I really like it! If small and fat, then no thanks.

Same goes for the wheel proportions ;-)