The Cal-look Lounge

Hey. new boy here. I thought you guys might be interested in a car I bought in late 2009. It’s an English “special” built in the 1950's, comprising Porsche/VW mechanicals in a spaceframe chassis to Porsche 550 Spyder dimensions, with a mid-engined Okrasa engine. I bought it because quite apart from being rare as an English-built car using German parts in post-war Britain, when the opportunity presented itself to create rather than restore something it proved irresistible. The car was built by a chap called David Small, who owned the Farnham Porsche and VW dealership in Surrey up until the late ‘70’s. It was driven up Oulton road in Farnham in this state for shakedown testing, easily seeing 100mph before being pushed into the back of the dealership workshop where it then sat for the next 46 years! Keith Seume bought it about five years ago and then sold it onto me.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/asboughtsideview.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/asboughtrearthreequarterview.jpg)(http://)
I managed to track David down this time last year and was privileged to be able to speak with the designer and builder of the car. Despite being in his eighties he instantly remembered the car and reeled off specifications and various parts he had used. He was amazed that the car still existed and touched that someone had tracked him down to research the car in order to finish it. David built eight previous specials prior to this one and raced against Colin Chapman in the 1950’s - he was also a qualified mechanical engineer and a gifted guy who patently knew what he was doing as he built this car from scratch. As you can see from the photos the heart of the car is a square tube space-frame chassis with aircraft-style aluminium panelling, housing all the major components (engine, gearbox, petrol tank, etc) within the wheelbase of the car. David was clear that it was built as a road-going sportscar, but it has many obvious race car influences such as the right hand gear-change, adjustable engine cooling flap on the underside of the car, etc.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/RHDwithrighthandgearchange.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/adjustableairintakeundercar.jpg)(http://)
The engine, a brand new Okrasa TSV-1300 unit was imported from Germany in 1958: the engine comprises a new 69.5mm forged crank, Okrasa’s own twin port heads of similar specification to Porsche, twin Solex carbs on tall manifolds, higher compression, remote oil cooling, and a new cam to assist in making the most of the package, almost doubling the VW output to 55hp, which should prove useful in a car weighing about 500 kg’s as it currently stands.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/OkrasaTSV1300engineinsitu.jpg)(http://)
David used all new parts in building the car as he had access to an inventory of stock in the dealership and the shakedown tests put a total of 46 miles on the car, effectively meaning the car is brand new, even down to the Okrasa engine and original Michelin X tyres which are now unfortunately rock hard and unusable. The car has been built to the dimensions and wheelbase of the Porsche 550 Spyder and I intend to finish a job started 48 years ago by clothing the car in aluminium bodywork.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/speedo-48milesfromnew.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Michelintyre.jpg)(http://)
I'll post a bunch more photos over the next few days. Cheers, Steve

Next installment: When we (Ian Clark of WPS is helping with the mechanicals as well as advice) serviced the Special for the first time it was more like an archaeological investigation! First up was a check of all the wiring, plugs and fuel lines. Most turned out to be okay, with very little corrosion, although for obvious reasons we changed all the fuel and brake lines. The original spark plugs had a lot of corrosion on the tops so they were changed, while we did a visual inspection of the carbs to ensure nothing had dropped down them. Engine and gearbox oil were next - both were wonderfully clean and honey coloured. While the oil was viscous when we unscrewed the sump plug, when we took the cover off the remaining oil wobbled on the strainer like jelly. We pumped plenty of new fluid through the brake system to flush out the old fluid, and tried both pedals expecting neither to work. To our surprise the seals in the Ford 100E slave and master cylinders held up well. We checked the tappets which were all fine, did a visual inspection with a torch into the crankcase to check for corrosion as best we could and found this...
[/img](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Cylinderhead-firstservice.jpg)[/img]

Looks like it's just been screwed together rather than done almost five decades ago.

I had an old six volt battery with plenty of life still in it so we hooked that up in the front of the car, and the petrol tank hasn't yet been connected properly so we rigged up a fuel container in the engine compartment. We unhooked the distributor lead from the coil and turned the key the first step... and I must admit I was a little surprised when the two main warning lights blinked into operation on the dash. Then with a twist of the key we cranked the engine over to build oil pressure and pump petrol through the carbs. The oil pressure light went out quickly so we primed the carbs with engine starter, crossed our fingers and turned the key again. After a few coughs and splutters the engine roared into life - I held the throttle at a high idle for a minute or so then gently eased off the pedal. Unbelievably the engine sat happily idling as though it had run yesterday!
[/img](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Beingstartedfor1sttimein40years.jpg)(http://)
The exhaust was a lot quieter than I expected, with the twin silencers off a Tatra apparently: we've subsequently chopped one off to clear the bodywork which has made it a lot more aggressive sounding... They do a great job of damping the exhaust, probably too good a job if I'm honest. There's significant rust on them as neither look like they have ever been painted, so I think I'll use that as an excuse to have a Porsche Sebring style set up made to fit the custom headers. Then it was a case of getting in and driving it! Getting in requires the race car style of entry: bum first, then swing the legs in. I pushed the clutch pedal in and gingerly eased it into first, not knowing if the clutch worked or not, then slowly lifted it and all of a sudden we were driving! A few passes up and down the workshop yard saw no problems so we took a few tools and a mobile phone and set off up the road. The engine noise in the cabin is tremendous as it's two inches from your ear, so as Graham highlighted earlier a engine cover or firewall will definitely be required. Everything worked fine so with confidence building I gave the car a decent amount of right pedal up a series of hilly corners. Of course the sense of speed is exaggerated by the noise of the engine and being exposed at the moment with no doors, but being featerweight and with 95% of the mass contained between the wheels the car is tremendously agile and should be a proper period giant killer on tight, twisty circuits and hill climbs. I really must thank Ian for helping on the day. I know he enjoyed himself but nonetheless it would have been a heck of a job without his help and knowledge.[/img](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Firstdrivesince1961.jpg)(http://)

When we serviced the Special it provided a good opportunity to become familiar with the car and chassis in particular. The original builder knew his beans, for example the rear suspension is completely hand crafted and one-off: the VW torsion bars have been done away with and the spaceframe mounts Porsche RSK inspired adjustable coilover springs with long, custom-made trailing arms mounted to the chassis well down to lower the centre of gravity. At the front the VW centre tunnel has been cut and re-welded at an angle to drop the front suspension height, effectively lowering the car without effecting camber, toe, ride height, etc.

The front end doesn’t have an anti-roll bar but as they were fitted to VW’s and Porsche in period we can have a play with different ones to improve the handling if required. At the rear I’ll leave things as they are until we test drive the car properly with some shakedown tests on the road and track to judge whether the rear swing axle suspension needs to be tied down better with a period camber compensator bar from Speedwell or a period Formula Vee set up that goes over the top of the gearbox. The front has also had a few torsion leaves removed to soften the front which was the right thing to do given the car weighs significantly less than the original. This means we can get away with pretty stiff roll bars and soft dampers to give us good road holding. Obviously the rear is adjustable so we should be able to play around a bit there. Irrespective, it’s great to have something with a bit of adjustability in it and to have the challenge of chassis set up ahead of us. I might regret that last statement when it handles like a pig and we can’t get it to go round a bend! The only thing we will replace is the coilovers because we've got to replace the springs because of the rust and we need more adjustability than the Armstrongs afford.

Anyway moving on, the chassis was built utilising the conventional Formula 1 wisdom of day (late 50’s) as used on the Cooper, with their (relatively) heavy tube chassis and it was obviously designed to be strong and rigid without a roof. Adding the roof has increased weight a but as it’s a stressed panel in its own right and has been tied securely into the chassis it should make for a really rigid structure. I must admit I also like the thought of something over my head – I’ve never personally been a fan of open top cars, in the sense of racing one myself. The car doesn’t have a rollbar, but it would be the one concession I would make today, tying something into the equivalent of the b-pillar that is used for the petrol tank/seat support. The side bar is the least pleasing aspect of the chassis design, as it’s not conducive to getting in and out, but it makes the chassis tremendously strong and affords some degree of side impact protection. The underside of the car is almost completely flat, which should clean up airflow under the car. I know I’m not going to be travelling fast enough nor would it be period correct to think about ground effects but it’s lovely to see so much thought put into making the car as clean and slippery through the air on the underside as I hope it will be on top. On the downside the flat floor is typical of Specials of the era in that there are no indentations or curves in the floor, meaning you can’t stand on it, but there are enough supports off the main spine to get in and out effectively.

The one real fly in the ointment is that after servicing the engine we suddenly realised – how do you remove the engine? Two hooks on the crankcase attest to the only design flaw I have so far come across. The roof was put on afterwards and the rear chassis tubes mean it can’t come out beneath or horizontally. So the only way will be to remove the rear screen and lift it out on a hoist or via a pulley in the roof. I spent ages searching for a solution (removable section of spaceframe, etc) but none of the ideas really grabbed me. Besides once you reconcile yourself with the idiosyncrasy then it just means putting in a pulley!
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/closeupofcoilsuspensiontrailingarm.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/topmountedpedalsframeheadcutlifted.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/seatpetroltank-aworkofart.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/rearhookforremovingengine.jpg)(http://)

Final set of pics for the day: The car came with a Martin & Walker Porsche 550 Spyder kit and it sat for a long time with this on it while I figured out what to do with the bodywork. The original builder always intended to clothe it in aluminium so that will be the way we go with it, but obviously the NOS KG roof is steel. David added the roof back in May '61 when he took the car up Oulton road in Surrey England at 100mph without a roof, and decided that was not the way to go! I intend to finish the car as if it had been completed in period. Irrespective of the influences it will be forward-looking rather than backwards to the 50's, because David's ideas were pretty radical and forward-thinking for the era. There are plenty of mix 'n match bits on the car too, such as the Lucas rear view mirror, Smith's speedo, Crypton tachometer, and period Ford clutch and brake master cylinder so it feels right to have a blend of inspiration on the bodywork. In the first photo you can see the 356B drum brakes being fitted as I've always been a big believer in putting decent brakes on the car (again period as the B came out in '59)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Fitting356Bbrakeswheelsoff.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/WIldCryptontachometer.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/baffledtankreservoirtap.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/hydralicclutchbrakemastercylinders.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/closeupof356Breardrumcoilsandreartr.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/356Bbrakesreadyforinstall.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Speedwellsteeringwheelbalsagearknob.jpg)(http://)

Pure class dude great to see so much love being put into such a cool car

This is gong to be fun to watch --- great project

The KG roof seems to lend well with the 550 lines, cool project  :o

I've been keeping up with this thread on the samba, it's coming along brilliantly! Keep at it!

That thing is FREAKING AWESOME! Really dig it with the 550 panels as well ...  :o ;D
Then again, I'm a 550 whore.
TxT

Hi Steve,
Nice to see some bigger pictures off the car, looks really cool and interesting.
Great to see you on the lounge.

I was parked next to you guys at EBI with my gold "Knuckle Buster" racecar.

here's some inspiration

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmentd1/2935527722/

nice project, look forward to seeing it built and on a track somewhere  8)

Couldn't agree more! The Ghia roof with the 550 panels looks fantastic!
Rear suspension reminds a bit of the Formula V of that ~ period.

Thanks for the warm reception guys (hello Lowfastbus!). Attached below are a few ideas from a couple of other forums, principally TheSamba and DDK-online, that I particularly like. There are some awesomely talented people out there. While I like the 550 kit I was never going to run with it, for two reasons: firstly it's fibreglass and no-one in period was building one-off fibreglass specials. There were fibreglass cars but they were being turned out by manufacturers in low volume runs. secondly, the design is based on an early '50s car and I wanted something more modern - the car was last driven in May 1961 so ideas and inspiration for the car would've been early sixties. Principal inspiration for me comes from the Porsche 904, Ferrari 250 LM or the Abarth cars. I’ve never been a big fan of the Beetle derived lights on a sports car, the 356 included. It also tends to make the front end too “heavy jowled” as well: the leading lip of the front wing needs to be trimmed and pulled tighter towards the centreline of the car. The front also needed to be extended slightly as the rake of the bonnet will be too steep as the scuttle panel in front of the windscreen is too high at the moment - extending it will allow for a more gentle angle. It would also benefit from being slightly more pointed as the 550 nose is fairly blunt. I’ll probably try and put slightly more “hump” into the top of the front wings as well to give more curvature to the wing. I’ll certainly be putting doors on it, just simple single skin affairs that will have a slightly higher waistline than at present that lead into the rear quarter windows at a higher waistline than the original Karmann Ghia’s would’ve done into the roofline. I also need to get air into the engine bay but detest the Porsche 550 Le Mans solution that was achieved by filling in the side windows and then cutting slates in them. Given such beautiful lines of the Ghia roof it seems a shame to lose them. I’m more inclined to cut a 907 or 910 inspired vent into the top leading edge of the rear arch and then blend this with a slightly higher waistline but retain a window in the quarter light space there along with a very slim B-pillar. A Kamm tail looks fantastic as styled in the photos below but I don’t know whether we will go with this. Photos on next post as I can't seem to post more than 10 lines of text without the text jumping up and down  :-\

here's the original idea...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/631600.jpg)(http://)
and then a few ideas, talented people out there...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/alternativemockupideahillclimber.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/alternativemockupidea250LM.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/alternativemockupidea356outlaw.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/alternativemockupidea550sypder.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/alternativemockupidea904inspired.jpg)(http://)

and here's the final one I decided on...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Ferrari-250-LM_61.jpg)(http://)

AWESOME!!!!Cool project.  ;)

Welcome to The Lounge, and that's an awesome project! Keep us updated!  ;) 8)

one vote each for the red one and last rendered image

Another vote for the red one... even if it looks Italian  ;)

Can you draw the red one with lowered wind shield, So roof is even with top of doors. and no scoops on the side and maybe soffen up body lines on the side where lead into scoop?Hi steve, Are you going to maken wooden buck and shape a new body?

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392490

x 3 for the red image ,
awesome project  8) will deffo be following this  :)0
Thanks for thesamba link Zach , the alloy works looks the business  8)

Thanks zack ! Nice progress, Hi steve, are you gas welding your seams?  I take it you wheeling most of your shapes?

I hate projects like this, just makes me look rubbish.  ;D

I love the lines but the boot area is always the hardest to get right.

okay, update for the day. It's worth highlighting that I'm fast-forwarding through 18 months of project here to bring this thread up to date, so you'll have to forgive if I ignore the votes on the concept drawings as we're now finished with the design and well into rolling ally!

Okay, next step was to convert the photoshop image to drawings to ensure we didn't do anything stupid (read expensive). Macauley (who drew the final rendition I chose) spent a lot of time getting drawings done, making detail changes and doggedly refining, refining and refining. Then we realised the photoshop mock ups weren't to scale when we tried to put measurements to everything so we had to start again with ghosting the drawing over the chassis to get the proportions right - looks like the wheels were over-sized in one of the original photoshop designs which threw everything. So we're getting there now with a correctly scaled set of drawings which Macauley is refining.

Barry next started on building a wireform buck to bring the design to life in real-size, and the licence plates arrived too "LOW 617". Enjoy, and as you flick over these bear in mind there's probably 30 hours of drawings and 25 emails between us to get us to this stage....

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/drawings-specialoverlayonchassis1.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/drawings-drawing16.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/drawings-drawing13.jpg)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/DSCN2390.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/DSCN2384.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/DSCN2398.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/buildupofotherside.jpg)(http://)

Wow, amazing

Steve, great to see the project come along very nice ... it seems like ages since we spoke at the VoWo show

good luck and keep us updated


Gunter.(CSP)

Having just read the thread on The Samba all I can say is WOW. What an incredible opportunity to finish this car and what a great (and unusual) way to go about designing the bodywork. Your coachbuilder is one very clever guy, I can't wait to see the finished result 8)

hello.

it's a superb project  :o

Where does the roof of the base?

thank's

Aurélien.

      To Steve Wright,  If there comes a time when the car is finished and Mr. David Small is still around , ( I hope he is ) he has to be offered a chance to drive, or at least a ride in the car.   I promise you this, if this were to happen, and you documented it all , you would never experience a more rewarding feeling of accomplishment , I would be a" great day" for everyone to enjoy and remember, to say the least!!!!   Thank You for taking on a project of this kind and sharing it with all of us.   :)               KG ;)

Sadly, Keith, David Small is no longer with us. I knew him since the 1960s when my brother and I first went to the local VW dealership, Barnet & Small. It had been founded in the 1940s by his father, selling British Jowett cars. When the VW came along, the company became one of the very first Volkswagen dealers in the UK (about 1953). Later, they also sold Porsches, as was common until the 1960s. I still have a 1965 brochure for the Porsche 911 that David gave me.

I first saw this car back in the 1970s, tucked away under a sheet in the back of the workshop. All I knew was that it was a 'Karmann Ghia special', and everyone at the dealership referred to it as such. The dual-carburettor set-up intrigued me – it was the first Okrasa engine I'd seen in real life. When the business was eventually sold in the early 2000s, I got a call from Noel Armstrong, their long-serving sales manager (back to the 1960s – their parts guy had also started back in the 1960s, and still owns a 1959 Beetle) saying. 'David asked me to give you a call to see if you'd like his car?'. It didn't take much thought.

I had a long chat with David about the car, and his plans for it. Glassfibre bodies were popular back then (as they had started to be in the 1950s, especially among people making bodies for Ford-based 'specials') and it was seen as the wonder material, allowing many small manufacturers to make exotic bodies without recourse to aluminium etc. He was inspired by the Porsche racing cars of the era, the 550 and RSKs in particular, and told me his plan was to clothe the body in a 550-style body, homemade in glassfibre. Even the wheelbase was the same. It was based on this conversation that led me to buy a set of panels off Barry Martin (Martin & Walker) so that I could complete the car as David had described. When I showed him the visuals, he was tickled pink.

Sadly a house move, loss of storage etc meant that I wouldn't be able to see the project through so, after a long period of thinking, I made the hard decision to sell the car. And that's where Steve stepped in. Good luck with it and I look forward to a drive when it's done! 8)

Okay, next installment. When I moved workshops a couple of years ago I was faced with the task of moving my cars. Do I trailer them or drive them? I decided on the latter, so I gaffa taped the body down, put a few bungee cords on, taped plates on it, and drive it! So there's no point spending a small fortune on building an ally body, especially if gaffa tape is good enough for race cars at Classic Le Mans.  It must have been a crazy sight, not least of all this tall kiwi dude doing a small dance in the middle of the road when he got to the new workshop. In all seriousness though, it was wonderful to drive the car properly on the road: handling is lovely and benign, lots of suspension travel, really chuck-able through the twisty stuff, and quick as. This is going to be one hot little car when it's done.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/bodyworkfitted-frontthreequarter-1.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/parkedupfirstdrivewith550bodywork.jpg)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/rearthreequarterunderdevelopment.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/rearthreequartersideview.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Frontview5.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Frontview4.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/finishedwireformbuck9completecar.jpg)(http://)

this is awesome. Great looking (paper) car!

now start building it up with more paper and wallpaper glue. Trabant style, could be strong and light ;D

That looks the bollox , just love how the KG roof works with that body  8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Great work!! What a great way to design a car!

     Keith , sorry to hear David is no longer with us , and thanks for filling in additional background and history about the car, its going to be something very special and one bitchen little hot rod , the icing on the cake is all of that history. I can hardly wait to see it finished , I love it.  :) :) :)        KG

I have to say we wouldn't have started out designing it this way! Barry Carter (my mate who is a coachbuilder and all round good guy) says it would've been a LOT easier to start without the roof but there you go. It's part of the history of the car so it has to stay. The FT newspaper was all we had lying around. I did toy with the idea of covering it in 1960's Playboy magazines, but my kids come up to the workshop at the weekends so I didn't want to have to explain to my daughter why I had pictures of naked women plastered all over the place! The paper has been remarkably good in giving us an accurate rendition of what the bodywork will look like but we've been caught out a couple of times as the cramped confines of the workshop are very different from the harsh realities of it parked outside on the street.

just love it!, and a great story to go with it...

I like this project!  8)

Great back story Keith

     Steve, you dont really need any help from Heff, the car stands alone as sexy as its going to be!!!      ;D ;D ;D        KG

Okay, here comes the daily installment! Things get a bit technical at this stage (well, beyond me anyway). In order to get from the wireform buck to the ally bodywork, we needed to create wooden bucks for many of the panels. This meant taking a female "mould" in plywood of the existing wireform, then creating a wooden male buck that followed the curves and contours of the female mould. The front and rear areas also needed hammerforms, these are sturdy male moulds which can be used to shape the ally over. I should've pointed out that when I started on this project I promised myself (and Barry and Ian) that we would only use techniques, tools and technology available in period, hence the use of an English wheel, no power tools, etc. While this has made things a bit more tricky at times it's felt like the right thing to do, as the car when finished will (hopefully) look like it's been found in a barn, wiped off with an oily rag and taken racing. So no shiny new paint or fancy new bits. Enjoy. Cheers, Steve

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/makingwoodenbuckforfrontwing6.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/woodenfrontmaster.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/makingwoodenbuckforfrontwing.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/makingwoodenbuckforfrontwing4.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/makingwoodenhammerformforfrontnose.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/makingwoodenhammerformforkammtail2.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/woodenbuck2.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/woodenbuck5.jpg)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/woodenbuck9.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/woodenbuck12.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/woodenbuck13.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/re-doingtherear2.jpg)(http://)

That's pretty freakin sweet :D

Make me one? :D

hey. i did think about "productionising" things so we could do a small batch, but the effort involved would never justify the price!

Quick, delete the shot with the mig welder and bust out the oxy-accetylene otherwise you will have broken your golden rule - of only using tools that were available back in the 50s and 60s!

Only joking, the project looks amazing - reminds me of my apprentice days making Jaguar bodies out of aluminium...

 aaargh! not knowing one end of a welder from another I didn't realise that transgression.  Barry will be summarily whipped!  ;D

Awesome (longterm) project!!!!  ;D

gr
Wout

At this point i wish i wasn't a maths teacher and spent my time doing this.  Makes me wanna do a course of some kind.

Hey Steve, WOW..it's looking good and really coming on..don't let Clarky near your Playboy collection though  :D..I'll be keeping an eye on this thread thats for sure and thanks for sharing mate Si

Amazing work!

Next installment. We figured it was probably wise to get the car out in the light of day to make sure it all worked and that out on the reality of the road it all hung together as it's too easy to lose perspective in the confines of the workshop.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/viewfrommezzflooralmostfinishedwireform.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Almostfinishedwireformnowmockingupinally2-1.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/wheeledoutsidefindoutrearisnotright.jpg)(http://)
So we walked around the car, slapped each other on the back congratulating ourselves on the work, and then...

Realised she had no arse! Lots of head-shaking and discussion, before we decided the only option was to chop off all the wireform buck and re-do it. sigh.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/wheeledoutsidefindoutrearisnotright5.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/re-doingtherear1.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/re-doingtherear6.jpg)(http://)

This option was considered, but the tail was way too long for the rest of the bodywork:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Almostfinishedwireformnowmockingupinally2-1.jpg)(http://)
Way more curve being given to the bootlid:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/re-doingtherear4.jpg)(http://)
before we ended up with this:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/re-doingtherear15.jpg)(http://)

The rear subframe that you can see in the last photo will be removed, so we're left with just the rear of gearbox and linkage showing, plus the exhaust stubs. This is another area where we've got to get the underlying components sorted before we can finalise on the bodywork. I'm figuring on either a four into one Sebring 356 style exhaust that comes together in a collector over the gearbox, or a chopped down standard muffler with all the baffling removed, that has two into two (i.e. two into the silencer) before exiting out the silencer in two stub exhausts, again like the 356 sports exhausts. This little lot brings us up to about May of this year.

(http://jamiedubs.com/fuckflickr/data/love-this-thread.jpg)

This is over the top,AWESOME work!!!!
 ;)

Matt you silly boy, the first practical  mig welder was patented in 1949

Andy

It went from perfect to outstanding!! :o

Superb!!!!

Can I order one of these  ;D?

gr
Wout

Everytime I check this thread the car is taken to another level. Love it!

WoW, what an amazing car!

I love the look, like an italian Porsche..... :o

"I love the look, like an italian Porsche....." Cool. that was exactly what we were trying to achieve, with a hint of English special obviously.

 :) yes, with the steering wheel on the wrong side.

The most British feature by far is the Issigonisian angle of the steering wheel  ;)

 :o

May...!?! So what's gone on in the last 5 months!

One of the only things we WILL be changing is the angle of the steering wheel as it feels like you're driving a truck with it as it is today!

So what's happened since May? I've cleaned up the gearbox and rear subframe as it had 40 years of workshop grime and oil on it. More importantly, we fitted adjusters to the front end as the ride height at the front in particular was going to be skyward. This proved to be a real headache as the front beam is welded to the spaceframe like the Porsche 356 is. It significantly increases stiffness in the front end but meant we had to cut and weld the beam in-situ. Interestingly we found that David Small had already softened the spring rate in anticipation of a car that was significantly lighter than a stock Beetle by cutting the leaves in the beam, but he had cut each side rather than remove leaves wholesale. This will effectively allow us to corner weight the car as we can adjust the top adjuster for the left side and the lower for the right. We also decided to replace the rear Armstrong shocks as the springs were covered in surface rust and only have one type of adjustability. We'll go with some period Koni's that allow for adjusting spring rate, height, and bump/rebound.

As a bit of a footnote on other mechanicals, it's worth highlighting they are a bit of an eclectic mixture. The gearbox is a split case T1 version with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, while the brakes and clutch are hydraulic and actuated by Ford105E master cylinders. The car originally had VW drum brakes but I’ve always believed in over-braking a car that is going to be driven hard, so newly rebuilt 1961 356B drums have been fitted all round, along with Feb 1961 date stamped Porsche rims which fit precisely with the May 1961 build of the chassis.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/db5a8686.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/installingfrontadjusters3.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/installingfrontadjusters1.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/installingfrontadjusters2.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/hydralicclutchbrakemastercylinders.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/topmountedpedalsframeheadcutlifted.jpg)(http://)

okay, put the kettle on and your feet up on the desk, here comes the next installation. So we mucked about with paper for a VEEEERY long time trying to get the perfect shape, and Barry finally gave up and mocked it up in ally. He hates me putting these shots online as they were only rough to give us the overall body shape, but I can't resist showing where the car is going. Enjoy.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/re-doingtherear13.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/re-doingtherear12.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/finaldesigncompleted6.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/finaldesigncompleted2.jpg)(http://)

You can see how much lower the Okrasa Special is than the 911 in the background, and how much shorter. It's worth pointing out that the rear subframe hanging out the bottom of the Kamm tail will be chopped off to leave just the gearbox and it's mounts.

Great shape to it over the rear wheel....

First I have to say, what a fantastic project, I admire the amazing craftmanship you guys are showing us. One of my favorite treads at the moment.

I love the front end and the curves on the rear fender, but on the picture where you can see the car in profile next to the porsche my first impression was that the rear end looked shorter compared to the mock up pictures witch is probably isen't. I'm not sure if its the angle from where the picture was taken, but from a design point of view(IMHO) it feels like the "balance" between the front an rear end is a little bit "off". My eyes wants the rear end to be longer so the beautiful curves over the rear wheels can "stretch out" and not be cut off to early. Just a thought and as I said, just my humble opinion.

Regards
Folke Vogn

This is my point of view too flokevogn  ;)

But what a fantastic project !!  8)

Folke Vogn, we thought the same thing, but the moment you lengthen the rear it looks way too heavy. I think it's just the angle the shot is taken at, which is actually not at right-angles to the car. Cheers, Steve

I get your point, maybe a mild roofchop can counterweight the visual effect? 8)

I suggested to Barry that we remake the roof in ally with a Zagato double-bubble but he said no-way! plus the roof was put on by the original owner so it doesn't feel right to be changing it... :)

That is a BRILLIANT idea!! I think the original builder would approve!! ;D

 Zagato double-bubble  8) 8)
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a203/pete_schumacher/drooling_homer.png)

Amazing build, this is my new favorite thread!   ;D

Any updates  :)

Sorry, been distracted by the purchase of my new race car: '58 A with lots of genuine Carrera GT bits.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/356%20race%20car/16f84040.jpg)(http://)

So, on with the story! Here's the build up and eventual binning of the one side because Barry wasn't happy with the quality of the work.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/frontwing2.jpg)(http://)
Shows the extent of the work that goes into forming a curved panel from a flat piece of ally!
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/frontwing4.jpg)(http://)
patterning up the wing
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/frontwing1.jpg)(http://)
coming along nicely...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/1bc1edc8.jpg)(http://)
trying to get the front wing/fender to line up...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/frontwing8.jpg)(http://)
And failing, all in the bin while we try to adjust the wireform buck so things flow along the car better!
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/bd89b032.jpg)(http://)

Now thats just not fair!  ::) ;) :)

Hey Steve

Your new toy looks amasing, You'll have to let me know when your running it, would love to come crew / watch.

The special is trully special!!! Hope your well fella.

Cheers

Alex

Beautiful work  :o 8)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/1bc1edc8.jpg)

hey alex, hope you're well and the bus is running strong. any help with the race car would genuinely be appreciated. I'll let you know when we're racing. cheers steve

okay, it's been a while....

Firstly, decided to sort the Westy as the tow bus for the 356 race car and Okrasa Special, so Neil at Prosign worked his magic. Just a set of 42 DCNF's and CSP exhaust to fit to make it a better tow vehicle.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/Westy/e40fd163-1.jpg)(http://)

On the Okrasa Special Barry has been busy finishing the right hand side so we can finalise on the finished product before he swaps to the other side and replicates it.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/ee521860.jpg)(http://)

Front wing looking good, with 250LM type fog light treatment.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/6b275ece.jpg)(http://)

Finalising the treatment of the air inlet, which has proven to be the trickiest part of the design of the side.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/ddd391a8.jpg)(http://)

And then there's the crappy old magnesium rims I managed to pick up at the local swap meet which I'm planning to add to the car as part of it's development, once the car is finished...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/753425f1.jpg)(http://)

Cheers, Steve

Simply stunning, this just gets better & better!

Matt

Looking forward for updates  ;)?

gr
Wout

Hmm, so a long and frustrating winter regarding the Special. Barry hadn't been happy with the finish of the door and ended up re-making it five times! There were a lot of tweaks that needed to happen to make the bodywork flow from one area to another. Barry has now started welding each of the panels together so it's all starting to look like a car finally! We've also decided to paint the car because I wasn't happy with any of the combinations given the roof is steel and the body is ally. And finally we've agreed we're not going to do clamshell front (just rear) as it's an awfully big panel to have tilted in the air! enjoy....
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/e9f8d168.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/d09bd322.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/b46f12fd.jpg)(http://)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/a2953a83.jpg)(http://)

Awesome  ;D

awesome work

Very nice work .

I thought I recognised you , you have the Razor with the 46IDAs on it right ? We talked at bug in last year , I was the guy with Ned Bug , remember ?

Rob

Nice work Steve,

Oliver Fulljames 8)

Wow..it's coming on great Steve,,keep up the good work..

hi rob, hope you're well. hoping to have the special at the next Bug-In?!

Great!

Looks perfect Steve!

As I said to you on sunday in Esher!
"We need an update at least once a week!"
 ;)
Cheers
Matthias

Not sure we have enough to justify an update every week, but I did buy these babies at the Volksworld Show, which we'll bolt on once the bodywork is complete. Large enough to lose small children down the velocity stacks...!  ;D

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/35694143.jpg)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/0391b8a3.jpg)(http://)

are those manifold were reworked to work on an okrasa heads ??? or sell like this ??? rare?

Fabs
They look like the manifolds Ray shubert has had made,he was selling them at the volksworld show,heres his add on the samba

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1226387

cheers richie

thx richie

yes, they are the ones Ray is producing. Really good quality piece of kit, comprehensive (all the studs, gaskets, etc) and very reasonably priced I thought. He also had repro Denzel pulleys (bought one of those!), 1.5 ratio rockers for the 30hp case (ditto..), pulleys for the Pepco blower, etc etc. completely blew the "won't buy anything at the show" promise I made to myself!

1,5 ratio rockers. are you sure? i only know he has about 1,25:1

Well, bringing this one back. Any updates??????????????

Great looking car, SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Steve,

are there any updates?
I'm really curious `bout what`s happening with this historical car  ::)

Sorry it's been a while since I last reported on progress but at least it's meant I have something to say! A lot of mucking about trying to get the rear end design of the car right proved to be frustrating and unproductive in equal measure.

Looking really, really ugly:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/9631325c.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/9631325c.jpg.html)(http://)

Gaffer tape is a beautiful thing, but it still looked all wrong:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/5D1296C3-6AB5-457A-A571-D0AE7D79A291-270-0000002015CF2765.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/5D1296C3-6AB5-457A-A571-D0AE7D79A291-270-0000002015CF2765.jpg.html)(http://)

Still looks baaaaad:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/15FB2038-F6DD-46BA-A480-9E7B677127DE-411-0000004F80F0E194.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/15FB2038-F6DD-46BA-A480-9E7B677127DE-411-0000004F80F0E194.jpg.html)(http://)

And this is where Al stepped in. Retired automotive designer pointed out we were breaking a few fundamental design principles, which is okay if you know you've broken them and are innovating, but in our case we were just stumbling blindly about. So we took a deep breath and hacked off 18 months of wireframe buck and started again:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/1B8E9CF2-7FBC-4485-8143-54A815AE0A2B-199-0000001469FADC67.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/1B8E9CF2-7FBC-4485-8143-54A815AE0A2B-199-0000001469FADC67.jpg.html)(http://)

We then spent a day building a wooden buck that would allow us to play with different designs...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/B7B760D2-2816-496A-8F9F-6C33AE244ACA-199-000000147AE45872.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/B7B760D2-2816-496A-8F9F-6C33AE244ACA-199-000000147AE45872.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/937ADAA1-188B-4B28-992F-FEB3A9482AE3-435-0000003C898FC085_zps8a8552fe.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/937ADAA1-188B-4B28-992F-FEB3A9482AE3-435-0000003C898FC085_zps8a8552fe.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/8B796A80-137B-47A7-A9B4-892169E73452-361-000000300E6C4B7E_zpsfdcef101.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/8B796A80-137B-47A7-A9B4-892169E73452-361-000000300E6C4B7E_zpsfdcef101.jpg.html)(http://)

But it's still a long-winded way of designing the car...

Cheered myself up by buying a set of genuine BRM's for the car. Oh my God these wheels look good in the flesh, especially with Dunlop Racing tyres  ;)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/F3B51A7F-AB36-431F-99AC-FD8295D58363-207-0000000BA4BC440F_zps4ccf8393.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/F3B51A7F-AB36-431F-99AC-FD8295D58363-207-0000000BA4BC440F_zps4ccf8393.jpg.html)(http://)

So Barry comes up with a stroke of genius, a one fifth scale model of the chassis, roof and front of the car, basically the parts that are fixed and that we're happy with. From here we'll make various rear end treatments in modelling foam. It's easy enough to write an explanation but the work involved in build this accurately is immense. Barry basically took 400 measurements across three dimensions, divided them by 1/5th and the replicated them in ply, making each segment of the model with 17mm ply, making up the three dimensions as you would a loaf of bread, slice by slice. Al's advice was to build just one half of it and then put it up against a mirror, so we didn't have to worry about the accuracy side to side. A stroke of genius all this frankly.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/908ABED6-FC92-42D1-8B55-AFD39B80D7C5-321-0000004B43BC4560_zpsdc835613.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/908ABED6-FC92-42D1-8B55-AFD39B80D7C5-321-0000004B43BC4560_zpsdc835613.jpg.html)(http://)

before we then start literally carving shapes out of the foam...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2CA5DB7C-9CEC-498C-8F34-C6F6B4E6FF5E-321-0000004BCD8F440C_zps603f1cd1.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2CA5DB7C-9CEC-498C-8F34-C6F6B4E6FF5E-321-0000004BCD8F440C_zps603f1cd1.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/D599D0E0-5B68-48CB-A121-3ACD953F1392-321-0000004B720AA978_zps89f07f64.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/D599D0E0-5B68-48CB-A121-3ACD953F1392-321-0000004B720AA978_zps89f07f64.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2494B2CA-F752-4FC7-BB73-3B30A72C2800-321-0000004B7B8B7FAB_zps6743f29f.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2494B2CA-F752-4FC7-BB73-3B30A72C2800-321-0000004B7B8B7FAB_zps6743f29f.jpg.html)(http://)

Okay this is more like it. A rear end designed in two hours:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/1769310A-9C8A-4604-AB46-222319C54393-321-0000004BAA01459C_zps36995f6d.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/1769310A-9C8A-4604-AB46-222319C54393-321-0000004BAA01459C_zps36995f6d.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/BBBDE115-EB0C-4447-971F-F47A4A5BFDCF-321-0000004B874D3A05_zps91723ea3.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/BBBDE115-EB0C-4447-971F-F47A4A5BFDCF-321-0000004B874D3A05_zps91723ea3.jpg.html)(http://)

And the beauty is you can just swap out bits you don't like. So I tried a variety of rear ends:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/F12B1D44-833F-4EBF-BDA4-A6F8F9E908A9-321-0000004BD74F5E77_zps2e0732b4.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/F12B1D44-833F-4EBF-BDA4-A6F8F9E908A9-321-0000004BD74F5E77_zps2e0732b4.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/D7AB4F36-696A-493E-A8AA-B421EEF2FDC8-321-0000004BE3550B02_zps62664b90.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/D7AB4F36-696A-493E-A8AA-B421EEF2FDC8-321-0000004BE3550B02_zps62664b90.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/56EA84ED-B087-45B5-8D6C-41C2780C8B1F-321-0000004BECCD5EF1_zps8738965e.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/56EA84ED-B087-45B5-8D6C-41C2780C8B1F-321-0000004BECCD5EF1_zps8738965e.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/E4A1E8A1-B86A-46EF-A90F-F82344715FCD-321-0000004BC0325C3B_zpsf2b04ea7.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/E4A1E8A1-B86A-46EF-A90F-F82344715FCD-321-0000004BC0325C3B_zpsf2b04ea7.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/9F17FD8C-4ACC-43B9-8725-E553272B2E9A-321-0000004B662EA64C_zpsf675242d.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/9F17FD8C-4ACC-43B9-8725-E553272B2E9A-321-0000004B662EA64C_zpsf675242d.jpg.html)(http://)

More progress shortly.

And then it's into paint to give it a more cohesive look...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/79258A4E-CE11-483F-9F43-063D34BF1F6F-321-0000004C190D4CAD_zpsb04c410a.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/79258A4E-CE11-483F-9F43-063D34BF1F6F-321-0000004C190D4CAD_zpsb04c410a.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/843B4370-4F9C-46DA-BE30-577CBA86916B-321-0000004C23260816_zpsbe730570.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/843B4370-4F9C-46DA-BE30-577CBA86916B-321-0000004C23260816_zpsbe730570.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/78F18472-3DE0-41CF-B681-EA105C5141BD-321-0000004C3078FDC2_zps68b1417c.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/78F18472-3DE0-41CF-B681-EA105C5141BD-321-0000004C3078FDC2_zps68b1417c.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/3FFCBDD4-0A54-4A5C-BB61-F6BFF7FEE1C5-321-0000004C3BAC0A7F_zpsd7f08888.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/3FFCBDD4-0A54-4A5C-BB61-F6BFF7FEE1C5-321-0000004C3BAC0A7F_zpsd7f08888.jpg.html)(http://)

Amazing work.   :o   8)

Please keep us updated as often as possible.

Cool to see where your upto Steve :D Hope to catch up next year, Le mans if no where else. Cheers Alex  ;D

hey Alex. drop by sometime, would be good to see you.

Okay, more progress.... tail looks too short, even as a hillclimb special, but it looks better without the flattened off rear arch. So I made up a section to lengthen the tail

this one is too long...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/0C445433-AB07-4F79-8EAF-52A7E5B18C9F-321-0000004C452C1007_zpsa178a30f.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/0C445433-AB07-4F79-8EAF-52A7E5B18C9F-321-0000004C452C1007_zpsa178a30f.jpg.html)(http://)

But cutting it down a bit and the proportions are really starting to work:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/30B9820C-F691-4362-A341-63281A09BE7D-321-0000004C74C3CBA6_zps7d01d097.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/30B9820C-F691-4362-A341-63281A09BE7D-321-0000004C74C3CBA6_zps7d01d097.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/734D0D4E-3A59-4590-84A9-7C488214E1CF-321-0000004C823FCB44_zps39c2e60e.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/734D0D4E-3A59-4590-84A9-7C488214E1CF-321-0000004C823FCB44_zps39c2e60e.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/665DC5D3-2DDD-435B-9930-FAFEC79E6D41-321-0000004C92C9B0A0_zps77a9e951.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/665DC5D3-2DDD-435B-9930-FAFEC79E6D41-321-0000004C92C9B0A0_zps77a9e951.jpg.html)(http://)

Then it's out with the bondi to blend in the rear valance and scuttle, as well as get a better curvature to some of the panels....
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/06ECD260-3704-411E-9E31-4EAC77DA6295-88-0000000119C4B509_zps5b28aec3.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/06ECD260-3704-411E-9E31-4EAC77DA6295-88-0000000119C4B509_zps5b28aec3.jpg.html)(http://)

And hey presto she's got an arse that works and all the rest of the proportions really work. Result.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/B5CB2634-0A3A-4CC8-A276-84A99CE6F37A-88-00000001221911E6_zps1f68d186.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/B5CB2634-0A3A-4CC8-A276-84A99CE6F37A-88-00000001221911E6_zps1f68d186.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/D3D3C2B5-A06D-433F-B0B5-3D6CE390F79C-88-000000012A1610E8_zps78d1b709.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/D3D3C2B5-A06D-433F-B0B5-3D6CE390F79C-88-000000012A1610E8_zps78d1b709.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/412126E4-4E85-402B-B100-3186FB61B3F5-88-000000013497937B_zpsf3de60ed.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/412126E4-4E85-402B-B100-3186FB61B3F5-88-000000013497937B_zpsf3de60ed.jpg.html)(http://)

And then its into paint, and I can't resist putting door gaps, shut lines, lights and grills in:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/17335967-310A-4224-8829-CE4DD31B36F2-519-000000AB3F0B163A_zps65d019c9.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/17335967-310A-4224-8829-CE4DD31B36F2-519-000000AB3F0B163A_zps65d019c9.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2F8268F0-4166-48B4-95CB-9CAD1CCC3804-519-000000AC13714014_zps14a0a357.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2F8268F0-4166-48B4-95CB-9CAD1CCC3804-519-000000AC13714014_zps14a0a357.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/3F22ABC2-5DEF-45AF-8EEB-1EFDD7422851-519-000000AC1D2E3E92_zps22547509.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/3F22ABC2-5DEF-45AF-8EEB-1EFDD7422851-519-000000AC1D2E3E92_zps22547509.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/C86C3678-13D3-4404-94FD-48B92B189836-519-000000AC263FADCD_zps0f597ddc.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/C86C3678-13D3-4404-94FD-48B92B189836-519-000000AC263FADCD_zps0f597ddc.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/5A5712BF-3311-41B0-B1A9-873B0D16B1B7-519-000000AC57F9BB32_zpsa5c89345.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/5A5712BF-3311-41B0-B1A9-873B0D16B1B7-519-000000AC57F9BB32_zpsa5c89345.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2777E605-EB00-4F7D-A0ED-8E52A373A9B9-519-000000AC6106B22F_zpsb0978d5f.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2777E605-EB00-4F7D-A0ED-8E52A373A9B9-519-000000AC6106B22F_zpsb0978d5f.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/7068A62B-92AC-44DF-B844-555CA20FE20C-519-000000AC7320FDA3_zpsbfb3d404.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/7068A62B-92AC-44DF-B844-555CA20FE20C-519-000000AC7320FDA3_zpsbfb3d404.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/9E0C4999-5C44-4D24-961E-F445A8997F03-519-000000AC7D92ECAA_zps0b3c3d7b.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/9E0C4999-5C44-4D24-961E-F445A8997F03-519-000000AC7D92ECAA_zps0b3c3d7b.jpg.html)(http://)

And then it's time to box it up and send it to Al:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/0D7FF93E-C64F-4B22-80CF-D0FF9DAA64B8-464-0000003A12C66389_zps79d0cd61.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/0D7FF93E-C64F-4B22-80CF-D0FF9DAA64B8-464-0000003A12C66389_zps79d0cd61.jpg.html)(http://)

I've no doubt Al will make my attempts look like a three year-olds, but at least I can say I've had a hand in designing a period race car  ;D

Just wow  ;D

F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C ........    :o   ;)

It's going to look SO good...keep it up Steve...

Awesome!!!
Great work for this race car!I like the progress your`re making.
Thanks a lot for all the pics  ;)

This is the coolest thread ever!
The car is looking more and more like a Porsche 904 - one of my favourite cars! Excellent ;)

I love the fact that you needed cheering up so you bought some real BRMs - for most people a pint will suffice, and its quite a bit cheaper...

car looks amazing as well by the way!

Yes but once you drink the pint it's gone, a BRM you can stare at all day :)

Superb!!!!
Amazing design!

Can't wait to see it finished.

gr
Wout

Okay, it's been such a long time in updating the thread on this, sorry 'bout that! too much going on…. well after much head scratching we've ended up with a final design. thanks to Al Brown, who has brought a real professionalism to the final design. Now we've just got to build it  ;)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/A5B80CD8-352A-47F3-B173-566BE55DFC81-171-000000119ABC52E1_zps2b485e1f.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/A5B80CD8-352A-47F3-B173-566BE55DFC81-171-000000119ABC52E1_zps2b485e1f.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/B1D17694-6E1C-47E8-A1FF-224714E252CB-171-00000011BA40C86F_zps1695b443.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/B1D17694-6E1C-47E8-A1FF-224714E252CB-171-00000011BA40C86F_zps1695b443.jpg.html)(http://)

finally she has an arse worth looking at...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/77377B8A-27B9-4351-8118-5C05312807EA-171-00000010F0EF2EB4_zpsfbbf3ce2.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/77377B8A-27B9-4351-8118-5C05312807EA-171-00000010F0EF2EB4_zpsfbbf3ce2.jpg.html)(http://)

could probably tolerate a bit more curvature to the sides of the car:
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/7F02AD58-570F-4300-AFF7-5CA8050BB3B8-171-00000010B5056E9D_zpsf99d2c72.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/7F02AD58-570F-4300-AFF7-5CA8050BB3B8-171-00000010B5056E9D_zpsf99d2c72.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/EBF19F9F-AC11-47EE-BE3A-F93A3A0819BE-171-000000105F89372D_zps6c64d340.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/EBF19F9F-AC11-47EE-BE3A-F93A3A0819BE-171-000000105F89372D_zps6c64d340.jpg.html)(http://)

Barry starts on the ally build next month. Here's the final colour scheme for the car too, obviously the silver strip will run over the roof. This is an early McLaren colour scheme, before Bruce changed it for the orange. A nice nod to a fellow kiwi I thought  ;)
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/EarlyMcLarenpaintschemeforOkrasaSpecial_zps0e1df5c3.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/EarlyMcLarenpaintschemeforOkrasaSpecial_zps0e1df5c3.jpg.html)(http://)

Good to see it`s going on!  ;)
I`d love to see the finished car live!!

Cool shots of the model,

looking forward to seeing this in the flesh!

All my best dude!

very cool.....

ohohoh look what i've found yesterday on the net

it was in the mid/late 60's  sporty vw based kit car , this one look familar to ours or very close  no ?? ;)

So latest instalment. Lots of twists and turns like any good adventure. Second coach builder let me down (what an odd and ultimately unpleasant guy, happy to tell you via PM who NOT to use in England!). Anyway, I spent a considerable amount of time talking with Andy and Luke Robinson, owner and son of a fantastic race fabrication shop about the Okrasa Special when the 356 race car was in having a new roll cage fitted. Andy regularly creates roll cages for many front-running historic race cars, builds complete ground-up 3,000hp top-fuel drag cars, and does many one-off custom jobs. He did a host of jobs:

The first one was to install a period looking but FIA compliant six-point roll cage with the main hoop acting as a divider between the engine bay and cabin. It mounts to the top of chassis tube that divides the cabin from the engine bay and is flush with the roof to maximise headroom and space in the cabin. It will features two harness mounts for driver and passenger as well and the headrests on either side which simply attached to the aluminium bulkhead. The side bars were necessary to tie the front and rear hoops together and beautifully follow the contours of the chassis, but they do restrict entry to the car a little, so it's now a 'bum first, legs second' method of entry. Not the most elegant but then this is a race car, not something that requires knees together in a mini skirt.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Andy%20Robinson%20fuel%20tank%202_zpshg7qrhdj.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Andy%20Robinson%20fuel%20tank%202_zpshg7qrhdj.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Andy%20Robinson%20bulkhead%20completed_zpsn5piupz2.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Andy%20Robinson%20bulkhead%20completed_zpsn5piupz2.jpg.html)(http://)

Next the team installed a knee-bar and new steering column as the original steering wheel was too close to my chest and too upright. The original knee bar was part of the chassis but has now been swapped for a much more substantial version that is now integral to the roll cage to improve strength and rigidity. So it made sense to move it forwards at the same time to improve leg and knee room. While fitting a new bracket for the column Andy and the team altered the steering wheel angle to give better ergonomics, although they re-used the original ally panel to keep a period look and feel to the cockpit of the car. We realised as well that the front beam needed more caster as it only had two degrees worth. It's not a simple fix though as the torsion bars are welded to the chassis tubes like the 356 and 550 Spyder. The beam was removed, caster shims installed to give 6 degrees and then welded back on. While the steering worked fine it made for an odd feeling and a constant shuffle to bring the car out of the apex of a corner. The team also modified the drivers seat to lower it's position so I could get in with a helmet on, something I couldn't do with the way it was originally configured. They've also created side bolsters on the bulkhead to support your body from lateral movement. We'll finish the seat off by making up a foam insert and then cover in it period material.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Andy%20Robinson%20steering%20column_zpsiwsv8xtv.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Andy%20Robinson%20steering%20column_zpsiwsv8xtv.jpg.html)(http://[/imgUnfortunately we found a small amount of corrosion in one of the rear trailing arms so we elected to replace both. It would probably have been fine in a road car, but in a race car you're putting so much more stress through the suspension it made sense to renew these.[img])](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Andy%20Robinson%20trailing%20arm_zpswkxn0wgl.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Andy%20Robinson%20trailing%20arm_zpswkxn0wgl.jpg.html)(http://)

The coil overs also had corrosion so we will replace them too. Finally they completed the petrol tank installation. The original tank was made by a tank specialist back in '59 but because the bodywork wasn't finished the tank spout was simply left as a open pipe without a cap or way of closing a cap on it. Andy finished the installation by adapting the spout to work with the '50's and '60's style filler car fuel tank neck and fuel tank cap. They also replaced the fuel outlet for a larger diameter version, replicating it on the other side so we can get the remaining fuel from the other side of the tank. Because the tank sits over the central tunnel of the car it acts as a natural baffle but means a proportion would always be left in the tank unused. While the car has been at Andy's I'm trying to get a host of other jobs completed. First up was to detail the original magnesium BRM's with flat black paint and the drown them in Gibbs, a rust proofing treatment used by the US Navy. It works wonders on keeping moisture out.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/BRMs%20painted_zpsb2uxv8lo.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/BRMs%20painted_zpsb2uxv8lo.jpg.html)(http://)

Second shorrock bought so we can one day run a twin supercharged motor…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/second%20shorrock_zpsiwua0w7x.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/second%20shorrock_zpsiwua0w7x.jpg.html)(http://)

lots of time spent drilling holes to lighten the car…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3831_zpshz5tp5hy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3831_zpshz5tp5hy.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3829_zps2ymufl3b.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3829_zps2ymufl3b.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3774_zpszj3s0mrm.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3774_zpszj3s0mrm.jpg.html)(http://)

Lots of time and effort poured into making the brakes work: competition linings, lightened components, and as much ventilation as the drums and backing plates will take…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3830_zpsvmkqm3mm.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3830_zpsvmkqm3mm.jpg.html)(http://)

Notice holes drilled between cooling fins to exit hot gases from between shoe, drum and backing plate. It took 8 hours to drill two drums…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3803_zpsu5onii9h.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3803_zpsu5onii9h.jpg.html)(http://)

A helping hand from Paul at PRS with GT scoops, the pattern taken from a genuine car. We will probably make scoops in ally from these so they can be bolted on (and off), more on why later. Also Carrera GT ally brake shoe splitter bars which are amazingly light compared with the steel standard versions…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3847_zpsyfdqrf8z.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3847_zpsyfdqrf8z.jpg.html)(http://)

And another helping hand from Paul who kindly supplied a secondhand set of 356A seat covers that suit the car perfectly…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3848_zpsyaqi7hhv.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3848_zpsyaqi7hhv.jpg.html)(http://)

There is real momentum to the car now thank goodness. Specification of the motor confirmed with Ian Clark - tiny but mighty.

Gearbox goes to Cogbox next month for lots of work and some special bits.

And the new coach builders (Mouland & Yates) love the car - visited last Saturday - a long story but ultimately the best choice. They did the Auto Union and Mercedes Silver Arrows so know what they're doing, are enthusiastic about the car, 'get' what we're trying to build, and have a slot late in the year….

More drilling, this time to gearbox to allow for cooling of clutch…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3686_zpsmzuvyms2.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3686_zpsmzuvyms2.jpg.html)(http://)

And PRS also helped out supplying a second set of genuine 356 wheels. The BRM's will be used for the road, the 356 rims for racing. what was a bit of a surprise was to find a significant difference in the weight of one standard wheel to another. There was no rhyme or reason to it, it didn't depend on date, KPZ or Lemmerz, but there was 300 grams difference between lightest and heaviest. Paul kindly allowed me to choose a set within 5 grams of each other which were then all lightened exactly the same….
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3866_zpsuzhdl7px.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3866_zpsuzhdl7px.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3867_zpsd91ablga.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3867_zpsd91ablga.jpg.html)(http://)

Good to see the build back on track Steve . That cage is a piece of art .

Looking forward to more updates .

Rob

Looking really great as always! Can't wait to see more (:

want to see more , excelent project , can you post more on the brakes  scoop you've maded for more air to refresh them , are you cutting in the back plate??

Good progress this month. a few giggles mocking the mounting of the twin superchargers for motor number 2…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3873_zps2d6adu3w.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3873_zps2d6adu3w.jpg.html)(http://)

Then more serious mocking up to ensure the Solex P11's don't foul the roll cage support for motor number 1…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3881_zps1jvb24pe.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3881_zps1jvb24pe.jpg.html)(http://)

Then motor out (thanks to Ian and Alex for the heavy lifting…) to see what an NOS Okrasa engine looks like…
 (http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3882_zpszk76hq4n.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3882_zpszk76hq4n.jpg.html)(http://)

And yes, it needs to come out the back window as the flat floor and chassis rails mean it can't come out underneath!
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3886_zpsezrnh7ef.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3886_zpsezrnh7ef.jpg.html)(http://)

Pretty uninspiring as it turns out but look at the flywheel lightening, beautifully done and again evidence of the racer/engineering intent of the original builder…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3887_zpsknppatkn.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3887_zpsknppatkn.jpg.html)(http://)

Here's the motor we're chasing. Darrell Vittone's 170hp fixed pedestal Okrasa motor - more technology than we're allowed for historic racing but an inspirational motor nonetheless…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3857_zpsvir8nxzy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3857_zpsvir8nxzy.jpg.html)(http://)

Speaking of inspiration, a recent visit to Prototyp museum provided an idea for cooling vents from the Auto Union cars, fortunately the replica's were built by the same guys doing the bodywork on the Special, so they still have the tooling from the first job!
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4033_zpsly4swh8i.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4033_zpsly4swh8i.jpg.html)(http://)

Because of the Karmann Ghia roof we're able to use the original KG glass as templates for the Plexiglas except for the front windscreen which is a new one, which makes it a whole lot easier to draw up the shape of the windows. It's about the only time the roof has provided an advantage in the build - in every other element of the design it's been a complete pain in the arse. Here's original glass being used to mock up the vent holes…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/8d9b1919-7094-4a9c-afb9-651f83ecfd13_zpsyf2g8jyy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/8d9b1919-7094-4a9c-afb9-651f83ecfd13_zpsyf2g8jyy.jpg.html)(http://)

I noticed the wheels on the RS61 when we visited the Porsche museum last month had an additional set of ventilation holes drilled in the hub (apologies for the rubbish photo, snapped in haste as it was being loaded on a transporter …
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3972_zpstb1uiorf.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_3972_zpstb1uiorf.jpg.html)(http://)

So… following the factory I did the same thing to the drums…
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4230_zpssrrddhxt.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4230_zpssrrddhxt.jpg.html)(http://)

We've now taken almost a kilo from each brake drum assembly, which is a massive amount for rotating unsprung weight.

This weekend we have an 'Okrasa Special workshop day' with a host of mates and partners coming over, more soon…

Cheers for sharing, great thread.

 Oct 26 2016 , And Im on the edge of my seat . I truly love this project   

This thread is seriously awesome!

So good progress on the Okrasa Special despite a few things having got in the way recently: fettling other cars, hill climbing the 356 at Chateau Impney in England…

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4359_zpseevhkxzl.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4359_zpseevhkxzl.jpg.html)(http://)

And in a moment of sheer madness almost buying another special, this time the completely knackered Nathan-Costin…

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4383_zpsrfmae4wr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4383_zpsrfmae4wr.jpg.html)(http://)

Thankfully the cabin was too small for me and the bidding went beyond my budget to three times its estimate at £90k  :shock:

There have been two big milestones recently. The first was the chassis going to Ian Clark's to wait patiently second in the queue while he finished the mechanical restoration of a RHD preA.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4752_zpsvrld8xep.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4752_zpsvrld8xep.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4753_zps7tn80rkc.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4753_zps7tn80rkc.jpg.html)(http://)

So the car is now up on axle stands with Ian going through each and every component to ensure it's up to the rigours of racing. First job was to strip the brakes. Ian managed to find a NOS master and slave cylinder rebuild kit even though everything looked fine. He also found a period catch tank…

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4765_zpsefdnvnf6.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4765_zpsefdnvnf6.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4929_zps9ftnxrvu.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4929_zps9ftnxrvu.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4766_zpsdzetmtgx.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4766_zpsdzetmtgx.jpg.html)(http://)

He also located a few other bits and bobs:

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4927_zpsxlaqstuy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4927_zpsxlaqstuy.jpg.html)(http://)

And I've not been idle either. Firstly I got the 'seats' trimmed

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4744_zpsxpmue0hm.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4744_zpsxpmue0hm.jpg.html)(http://)

Painted and assembled the lights

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4763_zpsjbxsd43b.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4763_zpsjbxsd43b.jpg.html)(http://)

Sand blasted and put primer on the rims

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4934_zpsuul4jrtb.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4934_zpsuul4jrtb.jpg.html)(http://)

Sorted the fuel filler cap as it was the only thing I wasn't happy with from Andy Robinson's, his looking too modern with a new cap, neck and lock. I've used a modified 356C filler neck…

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4987_zps9lacrcrm.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4987_zps9lacrcrm.jpg.html)(http://)

I've also been experimenting with titanium to replace bolts and small components. I've found a supplier of grade 5 aircraft standard Ti and Nick Wright engineering has been machining everything. This guy is seriously good - does a lot of motorcycle racing and historic motor racing fabrication for the big boys but keeps a low profile as he doesn't need to advertise. Here's the wheel spacers and castle nuts now in Ti….

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4930_zpsnjyo6jlp.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4930_zpsnjyo6jlp.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4931_zpspzgyhvph.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4931_zpspzgyhvph.jpg.html)(http://)

I also made templates of all the KG glass and sent them off to Plastics4Performance to replicate in Plexiglas. They even had the original logos which they etched into the windows. Here's me bending the Plexiglas to fit, the old school way with clamps and heat gun:

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4716_zpscuzu5xid.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4716_zpscuzu5xid.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4730_zpsuiq8yw3g.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4730_zpsuiq8yw3g.jpg.html)(http://)

Out of sequence but I also finished the brakes, drilling, deburring, and painting the back plates once the GT scoops had been installed by Nick W.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4706_zpss2fmvlak.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4706_zpss2fmvlak.jpg.html)(http://)

And then finally last month we moved a step closer by taking the buck down to Gary and Vic at Mouland and Yates. It's such a pleasure working with these guys. They love the car, are enthusiastic about the project, are easy to work with and never short of a smile, and have decades of experience which will no doubt prove useful when it comes to solving the inevitable myriad of problems.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4926_zps9vpxyhv6.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_4926_zps9vpxyhv6.jpg.html)(http://)

We will take the chassis to them 27 Jan and then Vic will be full-time on the car, so I expect we'll see some major progress on the bodywork which will be very exciting, plus Ian is getting stuck into the first of the two engines (the naturally aspirated one).

My new years resolution is to update this thread more regularly than I have AND to finish the car this year! Merry Christmas and a happy new year everyone

Excellent update! It's going to be a serious racer when done. Love all the details!

Every time this thread is updated I can't help but reading it from the begining all over again! It's great to see progress :)

Cool to see the progress

We're now tickling along nicely with the mechanical refurbishment of the car. If this was driving we'ed be at 3,500rpm in top on a sunny day out  :wink:

So first up, the front suspension and brake assembly:

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5085_zpsknnglos9.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5085_zpsknnglos9.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5056_zpsdiktdb1s.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5056_zpsdiktdb1s.jpg.html)(http://)

What's fabulous is to see all the thought, effort, time and money now coming together in a completed car. Here Ian has finished assembling the front end with new Koni adjustable shocks, and spanner checked everything before installing new flexible lines. All the original rigid lines were perfect. Ian coated everything with a liberal dash of WD40 to clean everything and also lubricate and protect it. Next was the rear suspension and brakes...

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5066_zps3afgzqlc.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5066_zps3afgzqlc.jpg.html)(http://)

Note Ian has also removed the side panel to check removal of the gearbox so you get a sense of how the chassis is constructed. It's pretty rigid! Next is a detail shot of the rear brakes, again notice how much material we've removed from the various components to reduce weight and promote airflow through the brakes... Notice also the lovely titanium castle nuts :)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5067_zpsrwr4uwc0.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5067_zpsrwr4uwc0.jpg.html)(http://)

The only concession to modern components that we've made is to fit a modern lightweight starter motor in the interests of reliability and weight reduction. Painting it black at least hides it a bit but I'm not sure it will remain. We might have to revert to the original and find the 6kg weight saving elsewhere!

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5086_zpsd6gnmlmb.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5086_zpsd6gnmlmb.jpg.html)(http://)

Ian has reassembled the rear suspension to make sure it's all screwed together properly - this is the last build before we start shakedown testing and driving the car on the road for assessment.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5070_zpsg2roklm6.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5070_zpsg2roklm6.jpg.html)(http://)

Last up is a couple of moody shots of the car in Ian's workshop. Next update in a week when the motor is installed and the car ready to fire up. Ian is also planning to complete a mock up of the twin Shorrock superchargers to confirm the installation/ set up, then we're trailering it to Mouland & Yates Friday....

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5074_zpswxyit8vy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5074_zpswxyit8vy.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5052_zpsnw7ymkmi.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5052_zpsnw7ymkmi.jpg.html)(http://)

I don't know what else to say other than it is stunning!

Is that a modified early karmann ghia front sway bar?

Hi Zac, good spot...

awesome work!  :o
but i think your front brake cylinders are mounted wrong  ???

Thanks Stevo L

You are correct.....I fitted these back in 2009 as a mock up and only noticed when I was about to put the drum on!!......shouldn't have sent Steve that pic ::)

Ah, I posted that to see if anyone would notice  ;D ;D

Well a momentous week: a running car and finally delivered for coachwork. Approximately six decades after first being built it's finally getting dressed!

But first a few photos of Mr Clarks handiwork. The first is a simply beautiful shot of the early Okrasa TSV1300 motor in all its glory. I just love the simplicity and symmetry of these motors. A huge thanks to Ian who has done three straight weeks without a break to get the car ready for M&Y. Thanks Ian.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5106_zpshr982j5i.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5106_zpshr982j5i.jpg.html)(http://)

For the observant who wonder, the metal loop between the magneto and generator pedestal is for lifting the motor out the back window....

Ian has gone to great lengths to ensure everything on the car is period correct for the 1950's: all the hoses, fittings, and components, right down to using correct nuts, bolts and washers are as they would've been in period.

Next is just a couple of fun shots of the blower mocked up to run one either side of the engine. There is a serious purpose to this though: we needed to know the set up was going to work in the car. Here Ian has laid up the blower to ensure there is physically enough space, that it lines up with the crank pulley, that we can get the blowers nice and low, and to check how mounting of them will work. We've landed on a steel cradle which will have to be bolted to the chassis as the two blowers weigh quite a bit. The motor is solid mounted so this set up should provide the rigidity we need to avoid constantly throwing belts.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5108_zpsputlaiay.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5108_zpsputlaiay.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5109_zpsweg1vns6.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5109_zpsweg1vns6.jpg.html)(http://)

The twin SU's will be mounted at an angle as per the photos to give a better angle to the port as well as putting the inlet directly in the airflow to ensure the air is as cold as possible.

Right, onto the main event of the week, delivering the car to Mouland and Yates. Vic is going to be building the car: a lovely chap (that's him on the far left of the photo chatting to Ian) who like his partner Gary has only ever worked on metal.... With a lifetime of experience I feel extremely comfortable the car is in good hands. There outfit is unbelievable - just look at the machinery in the photo of the car as unloaded. In the photo you'll also see the box with 'lights' written on it - we took every single component with us so Vic could begin to visualise some of the details:

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5118_zpshu5di1vj.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5118_zpshu5di1vj.jpg.html)(http://)

We bolted up the buck made by 3D Engineers four years ago and stepped back to look at the little car. It looked good! There's a purpose and purity to the design which should really make it stand out.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5120_zpsaqvtftgv.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5120_zpsaqvtftgv.jpg.html)(http://)

Vic's first observation was that the very detailed and painstakingly researched 2,000 word specification I'd written up last year was going to result in a very fussy and horribly expensive car! In that polite but firm way good people gently guide a novice Vic and Gary explained how the car was simply beautiful proportioned as it was (thanks Barry and Al!) so didn't need a host of grills, vents, creases, and details I had specified. They also highlighted that this was where vast amounts of time gets sunk.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5124_zpsexe65ftp.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5124_zpsexe65ftp.jpg.html)(http://)

What we agreed was the they would build the car without any of the details and Ian and I would then start driving and racing it. If it needs something then we'll bring the car back for the modification. That way the car only gets what it needs and nothing superfluous, but it also evolves as all race cars do. I love old unrestored cars that show the passage of time and evolution that inevitably occurred: thinking evolved, original ideas didn't work, things broke, parts overheated or things proved ineffective. Because we're not painting the car this approach works really well and also shortens the build time (and cost!).

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5121_zpssdorn9so.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5121_zpssdorn9so.jpg.html)(http://)

The final shot is a lovely photo of one of the original boxes parts came in: I'd forgotten I had this, but we will have to put the Okrasa logo somewhere on the car - it reminds me (and may very well be inspired by) the Pegasus logo:

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5088_zpsujo9w6bs.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5088_zpsujo9w6bs.jpg.html)(http://)

Although sign-writing is some way off (!) it's always good to be thinking and planning these things. The next instalment will be in couple of months - Vic warned me that the car will very quickly look like it's almost complete but that's false. As Barry highlighted, it will be all the things you can't see that will take the time...

Amazing, as always  :o

awesome ,  ready to read the futre post

amazing !

A number of us took a trip down to Mouland & Yates to see the fruits of Vic's work over the past 6 weeks. It's fair to say he's been busy. I must admit to a sleepless night the night before, partly due to excitement and partly due to a worry that we had got the design horribly wrong and that in the metal it looks like the ugly child no-one other than a mother can love. Fortunately I think we can safely say we've avoided that pitfall.

Vic was at pains to explain that the panels are only roughly finished and at the moment they're only laid over to give a sense of the overall shape and design, and that it will start to look better once some of the detailing and trimming of the panels begins in earnest.

The first thing to notice is how big the panels are. Rather than make up lots of small pieces and then weld them together, which would make life easier with the English wheel, Vic elected to wrestle the curves and shapes into much bigger panels to minimise the weld lines as he's aware we're not painting the car. The front of the car is just four panels...

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5645_zpsodbywyfe.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5645_zpsodbywyfe.jpg.html)(http://)

The next shot highlights the lovely curve Barry carved into the top wing of the front wheel arch and the gentle upturned sweep along the top of the door to marry the taller, more aggressive haunch we created over the rear wheel arch to give it more aggression.... I joked that we should leave the rear panels like this so we could run a Le Mans Langheck version! What we definitely will be doing is running bolt-on wheel spats front and rear for speed events.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5649_zps0htbtahc.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5649_zps0htbtahc.jpg.html)(http://)

Again the rear of the car will be a very small number of panels to minimise the welding lines. A few things to notice here: firstly the treatment of the leading edge of the bootlid. Because the roof is steel and the bootlid aluminium they can't be welded together obviously. Although we could have one rest on the other as we're having a clamshell rear, the little upturn in the leading edge does two things: it gives depth to the rear end (something it always suffered from - the 'no hips' syndrome) and secondly the exhaust runs through the rear bodywork so we have to provide some cooling air in which will be exited out the rear panel. Also notice the sharpness of the inside edge of the rear wing. Typical cars of the period mostly had a gently curved radius, but a few have a sharper edge providing more aggression which really works.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5641_zpsjz4rcdho.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5641_zpsjz4rcdho.jpg.html)(http://)

Here's a better picture of the rear wheel arch and the sharply tapered inside edge...
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5646_zpsu77krpuq.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5646_zpsu77krpuq.jpg.html)(http://)

We had intended to put Porsche RSK inspired oil cooler opening and brake duct apertures in the front, but they now patently don't work with the front of the car 'in the metal', so we've agreed an alternative. More on this next time. Ignore the headlamp and boot lid in paper - Vic (standing next to Ian Clark) had drawn these up to give more reality to the panels and bodywork.

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5647_zpscqxfkyml.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5647_zpscqxfkyml.jpg.html)(http://)

A parting shot showing how small the car is in the flesh (it makes the 356 look positively huge) and the overall proportions.
(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5640_zpsovp1eupp.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_5640_zpsovp1eupp.jpg.html)(http://)

We'll be going down in six to eight weeks time when Vic has finished the major panels and trimmed the existing ones to fit better. Barry if you want to pop down next time to visit let me know as I'll be going past your door.

Oh, and we'll be taking a scotch brite pad to the panels to get rid of a bit of the shine! Until next time...

I was going to hold off posting the next instalment for a few weeks until I went down myself but work commitments got in the way unfortunately, so Vic kindly sent me through a few photos to update me on recent progress.

First up are two nice shots of the front of the car in the M&Y workshop, without the paper boot and headlamp shapes, showing how Vic has tidied up the panels. This gives a really good sense of how lovely the panel work is. You can also see the passenger door beginning to take shape.
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%206_zpsqpvjng6y.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%206_zpsqpvjng6y.jpg.html)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%205_zpsn9h7cn0j.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%205_zpsn9h7cn0j.jpg.html)

Next up is shot of the side of the car, with work focused on finishing the quarter panel areas and sill. Notice the Coke bottle rise from the middle of the door, rising up over the rear arch, before disappearing in the light line down the rear quarter panel. Just stunning expertise on Vic's part to make all the work and testimony to Al's design influence tweaking Barry's original wireworm renderings. What you can't see in the photo is the sill dropping below the floorpan line. We intentionally created the bodywork to sit lower on the chassis to provide a more aggressive look but also so the airflow is channelled under the flat floor of the car.
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%204_zpskcnju3k4.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%204_zpskcnju3k4.jpg.html)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%202_zpsg05ehew3.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%202_zpsg05ehew3.jpg.html)

This final shot shows the subtle forward rake on the bootlid as it drops towards the rear window, designed by Al to marry the right height for the tail of the car with the rear window, without it looking flat and boring. It also allowed for the lip on the front edge of the panel to make it stiffer. I love this shot as it highlights the way the rear bodywork ties in so well with the side panels. It's not often that you find a car looks good from every angles but so far I've struggled to find anything bad!
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%203_zpspthst9jt.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/Mampamp%20Bodywork%203_zpspthst9jt.jpg.html)

More in a few weeks. Now into top gear and flat out, howling along!
Cheers,
Steve

Simply wow! It's nice to see people still have old world talent, and good on you Steve for not allowing new world thought and processes to finish the car quick.

Outstanding work, as always!

Superb!!! Really looking forward to the end result  :o :o.

gr
Wout

impressive!

Thanks everyone. More progress this month. Firstly an insight into the planning and design that goes into constructing something from nothing. Far easier than restoring!

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sketches%20C_zpsjdpy5wzy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sketches%20C_zpsjdpy5wzy.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sketches%20B_zpsogr75esf.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sketches%20B_zpsogr75esf.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sketches%20A_zpslsicslfr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sketches%20A_zpslsicslfr.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20door%20planning%20D_zpsfz4g1hsd.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20door%20planning%20D_zpsfz4g1hsd.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20door%20planning%20C_zpsh88jilk3.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20door%20planning%20C_zpsh88jilk3.jpg.html)(http://)

Next up internal construction that no-one ever sees but which is integral to the structure and design of the car working...

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sill%20construction%20detail%20C_zps9ncff1ra.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sill%20construction%20detail%20C_zps9ncff1ra.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sill%20construction%20detail%20D_zpseiqjfhoz.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sill%20construction%20detail%20D_zpseiqjfhoz.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sill%20construction%20detail%20B_zpsy3kuakd0.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sill%20construction%20detail%20B_zpsy3kuakd0.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%20construction%20detail_zpskxu65pgh.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%20construction%20detail_zpskxu65pgh.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sill%20construction%20detail%20A_zpsqfsars8i.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20sill%20construction%20detail%20A_zpsqfsars8i.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20door%20detail%20A_zps6s8lbim8.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20door%20detail%20A_zps6s8lbim8.jpg.html)(http://)

And finally some shots of things starting to come together....

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20A%20post%20construction%20detail%20A_zpsfyrykcex.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20A%20post%20construction%20detail%20A_zpsfyrykcex.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20A%20post%20construction%20detail%20C_zpsgzbuoql9.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20A%20post%20construction%20detail%20C_zpsgzbuoql9.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20door%20construction%20detail%20A_zpsgimgytqf.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20door%20construction%20detail%20A_zpsgimgytqf.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20A%20post%20construction%20detail%20B_zpsk9asf2qj.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20A%20post%20construction%20detail%20B_zpsk9asf2qj.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20door%20sill_zpsmc7bswfx.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20door%20sill_zpsmc7bswfx.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20window%20templates%20amp%20sill_zpsh25vnak0.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20window%20templates%20amp%20sill_zpsh25vnak0.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%20B_zpsqzjtzydl.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%20B_zpsqzjtzydl.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%2034%20C_zpsfgpos6wj.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%2034%20C_zpsfgpos6wj.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%20A_zpstpca2lyy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%20A_zpstpca2lyy.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%2034%20B_zpsguhjoczb.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20side%2034%20B_zpsguhjoczb.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20rear%2034%20A_zpsgdlrqme1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Aug%20-%20rear%2034%20A_zpsgdlrqme1.jpg)[/URL](http://)[/img]

Next month the special (very special...) gearbox build starts and we convert the 10k Smiths tachometer to run with the magneto. No August shutdown on this project!

That's really coming together Steve. Caught Ian on TV from Chateaux Impney the other day in the '52 - guess this is destined to do sprints and hillclimbs too? If so, Shelsley Walsh and Loton Park are both great venues to go to. Let us know when and where you're out and about in this and we'll try to get over to see it.

Thanks Neil. yes hillclimbs, circuits and speed events. hell we'll race it in anything we can! Ian's '52 went down a treat at Impney - great seeing it light the tyres and entertain the crowds!

That's one of the most exciting project I'm following online. Can't wait to see it finished!

Well the boys at Mouland & Yates have made real progress this last six weeks: they are really motoring now (no pun intended) with panel work and internal structures. Sills, wheel arches, doors, A and B pillars are all done, and the lads are now on the front of the car. Once they have fitted the panels more precisely and smoothed them up they can go for the big weld up! Enjoy....

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%208_zpsdxdnaanr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%208_zpsdxdnaanr.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%207_zpsjobfustd.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%207_zpsjobfustd.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%204_zpsojspl3lv.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%204_zpsojspl3lv.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%201_zpsm6hkxbgx.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%201_zpsm6hkxbgx.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%205_zpsatxstdgw.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%205_zpsatxstdgw.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%202_zpswbb8pjwn.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%202_zpswbb8pjwn.jpg.html)(http://)

(http://)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%206_zpssqmzhtf8.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Bodywork%20Nov%20front%20end%206_zpssqmzhtf8.jpg.html)(http://)

More in a month's time....
Cheers,
Steve

Steve,
That thing is just beautiful!!

Cant wait to see it at the Revival and/or Festival of Speed.
A perfect example of 'what if theyd finished it....'!!!

Beautiful metalwork, it’s going to be stunning

Thanks guys. Yes pretty pleased with how it's coming into shape. you never quite know how it's going to turn out when you're doing it in cardboard, wire or wood! hopefully it will look as good in the flesh. First outing will be hopefully be a rerun up Farnham bypass where it took it's first test run, having been built at the local VW & Porsche garage just round the corner: Barnett & Small (David Small was the proprietor and originally constructed the car). Cheers, Steve

The big weld up started earlier than planned this month which is great news. What it does mean though is that I need to land on final details such as oil cooler and brake aperture shape and size. The plan is to go with something similar to the Ferrari 250LM rather than Porsche 550 or RSK as it seems to suit the shape of the nose better. Thought the B&W shot was quite period looking and could've been taken in the Williams and Pritchard workshop in Edmonton, England in the late 1950's where it would've been bodied...
[/img](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%201_zpsermgrynr.jpg)][URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%201_zpsermgrynr.jpg.html](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%201_zpsermgrynr.jpg) (http://[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%201_zpsermgrynr.jpg.html)[/url]

Here's a great shot of Jeffery welding the aluminium panels - this is such a skill as just one degree too hot and the ally boils to nothing!
[/img][/url](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%205_zps8qbgudyk.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%205_zps8qbgudyk.jpg.html)] (http://[/url)[/url]

Here's the panel almost finished...
[/img][/url](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%206_zps7lbrjusr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%206_zps7lbrjusr.jpg.html)

And the rear starting to come together as a complete unit. The clamshell will open/close just about where the white tape is on the rear quarter panel...
[/img]] (http://[/url)

And the rear starting to come together as a complete unit. The clamshell will open/close just about where the white tape is on the rear quarter panel...
[/img][/url](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%204_zpsgewrzjdv.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%204_zpsgewrzjdv.jpg.html)

And finally the front. Some big decisions to be made about how to vent the hot air from the oil cooler. The 550 and RSK simply exited it over the front axle, but that's pushing air under the car and creating lift which isn't good. Given the original designer (David Small) had gone to the lengths he did in creating a completely flat floor, it seems right we do something better than this. Other manufacturers were also more sophisticated, venting it through openings in the side of the wings (Aston Project cars and racing Ferrari's in particular). The other idea being bounced around is to vent it between the front valance and bonnet onto the windscreen but both require ducting so we need to figure this one out soon. Thoughts welcome on this one if anyone has experience...
[/img][url][URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%203_zpsq7cgqhxs.jpg.html](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%203_zpsq7cgqhxs.jpg)] (http://[/url)

And finally the front. Some big decisions to be made about how to vent the hot air from the oil cooler. The 550 and RSK simply exited it over the front axle, but that's pushing air under the car and creating lift which isn't good. Given the original designer (David Small) had gone to the lengths he did in creating a completely flat floor, it seems right we do something better than this. Other manufacturers were also more sophisticated, venting it through openings in the side of the wings (Aston Project cars and racing Ferrari's in particular). The other idea being bounced around is to vent it between the front valance and bonnet onto the windscreen but both require ducting so we need to figure this one out soon. Thoughts welcome on this one if anyone has experience...
[/img]http://[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%203_zpsq7cgqhxs.jpg.html][img width=800 height=529]http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Nov%20weld%20up%203_zpsq7cgqhxs.jpg[/img][/url]

still excited reading this thread
awesome works steve

thanks! Great to know people are still interested after all this time in the build. Planning to get out and race it hard next year  ;D

You can't really rush something like this, so even if it takes another 6 years, it's the fact that it's being done and not just being talked about.
It's great craftsmanship which goes into this build. And money to pay for the work. I love seeing things being created that way and looking forward to seeing it finished.
Frank

Since the last few years, this thread is probably the thing I am the most excited about on the whole internet when I see it's been updated!!

I love this thread and the car that is getting created. Thanks for sharing the progress with us!

Tobi

More progress, this time with the Big Weld. The rear of the car is now one piece, sills are attached, doors hung, and the front is ready for welding. A few of us visited last Friday to discuss a bunch of details and make decisions. Talk about one happy owner....

[/img](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%204_zpsfkuknqi7.jpg)][URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%204_zpsfkuknqi7.jpg.html](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%204_zpsfkuknqi7.jpg) (http://[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%204_zpsfkuknqi7.jpg.html)[/url]

It's surprisingly roomy inside, with a great view down the bonnet and between the wheel arches. You sit a lot further forward relative to the wheels than in a 356 or 911, so it's going to feel strange driving the car to begin with I expect. Door handles are simple push buttons from a VW bus, with notches in the rear quarter panel for two fingers to slide behind the now slightly ajar door....
[/img][/url](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%203_zpsadvxddd8.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%203_zpsadvxddd8.jpg.html)]

In this picture you can see the final bonnet shape in line tape and the combined oil cooler and brake cooling aperture. The headlights aren't the final shape and will require quite a bit of fettling before we land on the final location. Hot air from the oil cooler will vent up hoses wither side of the bonnet and then exit between the scuttle and a flare in the front clamshell like many period Abarth and Italian cars of the era...
[/img] (http://In this picture you can see the final bonnet shape in line tape and the combined oil cooler and brake cooling aperture. The headlights aren't the final shape and will require quite a bit of fettling before we land on the final location. Hot air from the oil cooler will vent up hoses wither side of the bonnet and then exit between the scuttle and a flare in the front clamshell like many period Abarth and Italian cars of the era...
[/img)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%202_zpsaeggjkuv.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%202_zpsaeggjkuv.jpg.html)]

The overall shape is really beginning to show now, but the photos really don't do it justice. There isn't a flat panel on the car, with real texture to the panels and flow to the curves.
[/img] (http://The overall shape is really beginning to show now, but the photos really don't do it justice. There isn't a flat panel on the car, with real texture to the panels and flow to the curves.
[/img)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%201_zpsibpfdnru.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%201_zpsibpfdnru.jpg.html)http://

More late January when we there will be more significant details to report on....

Outstanding!
 ;D

One of the best building threats!  :o
I am really impressed. And the proportions fit the car so well.
Many thanks for sharing and keep on!

Just wow.....amazing build

So this time a smile on Ian's face (owner of WPS Engines and the guy restoring the mechanicals of the Okrasa Special).
[/img][/url](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%205_zpsfjdnvyno.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%205_zpsfjdnvyno.jpg.html)]

Progress since my last update has been focused on the rear panel: converting the large expanse of rear bodywork into a clamshell. It's so great to see the car coming alive with each and every panel that becomes a working part of the car...
[/img] (http://Progress since my last update has been focused on the rear panel: converting the large expanse of rear bodywork into a clamshell. It's so great to see the car coming alive with each and every panel that becomes a working part of the car...
[/img)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%207_zpsrkhsbdli.png) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%207_zpsrkhsbdli.png.html)]

Here's a great shot of the rear clamshell fully open with the finished hinge: a simple affair, very much as done in period (that's Gary Yates one of the two owners, smiling next to the English wheel)...
[/img] (http://Here's a great shot of the rear clamshell fully open with the finished hinge: a simple affair, very much as done in period (that's Gary Yates one of the two owners, smiling next to the English wheel)...
[/img)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%2012_zpsx4jdiiu9.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%2012_zpsx4jdiiu9.jpg.html)]

Here's a close up of the hinge during construction - you can also see them method of wire-rolling the edge of the panel, again a period treatment for finishing a panel...
[/img] (http://Here's a close up of the hinge during construction - you can also see them method of wire-rolling the edge of the panel, again a period treatment for finishing a panel...
[/img)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%208_zpsiqjvnzft.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%208_zpsiqjvnzft.jpg.html)]

This shot gives a lovely view of the construction inside: we're trying to keep the weight down to a minimum while keeping the construction to what would've been done in period. Here you can see the stiffening bulkheads that also separate the wheel arch from the gearbox and exhaust area, reducing the amount of dirt (and air) that would be forced into this central area...
[/img] (http://This shot gives a lovely view of the construction inside: we're trying to keep the weight down to a minimum while keeping the construction to what would've been done in period. Here you can see the stiffening bulkheads that also separate the wheel arch from the gearbox and exhaust area, reducing the amount of dirt (and air) that would be forced into this central area...
[/img)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%2010_zpswwivj0sm.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%2010_zpswwivj0sm.jpg.html)]

Last up for the year is a photo showing where we finally finished up with the location for the petrol cap. Because the tank is in the middle of the car (and is effectively the back of the seat) the outlet had to be somewhere here, but FIA scrutineers these days are very fussy about exposed fuel filler caps because in an accident that turns the car over they can get ripped off and hence bleed large amounts of fuel onto hot engines and exhausts...). So if you have an exposed filler it requires a second, modern filler cap inside, making for a large, modern and in my opinion horrible arrangement on an old period-correct car. So we've gone with an alternative, which is to mount an old 356 bayonet cap into the quarter panel so it's flush with the bodywork. Here you can see the location of where it finally ended up. A minor detail but there have been a million things like this that we've had to work through. It's also a great photo as it captures a moment with Ian - we've had lots of great moments with this car; I'm sure there are lots more to come...
[/img] (http://Last up for the year is a photo showing where we finally finished up with the location for the petrol cap. Because the tank is in the middle of the car (and is effectively the back of the seat) the outlet had to be somewhere here, but FIA scrutineers these days are very fussy about exposed fuel filler caps because in an accident that turns the car over they can get ripped off and hence bleed large amounts of fuel onto hot engines and exhausts...). So if you have an exposed filler it requires a second, modern filler cap inside, making for a large, modern and in my opinion horrible arrangement on an old period-correct car. So we've gone with an alternative, which is to mount an old 356 bayonet cap into the quarter panel so it's flush with the bodywork. Here you can see the location of where it finally ended up. A minor detail but there have been a million things like this that we've had to work through. It's also a great photo as it captures a moment with Ian - we've had lots of great moments with this car; I'm sure there are lots more to come...
[/img)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%206_zpsovebv5t7.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%20Dec%206_zpsovebv5t7.jpg.html)[url]

Here's to 2018, finishing the build, and racing the car...

Happy Holidays! I can't wait to see the car on the road :)

Another solid couple of weeks effort from the fantastic and highly talented lads and Mouland and Yates. One of the things that's never apparent from photos of part-completed or finished bodywork and fabrication is the amount of planning and thinking time that goes into design before any metal is shaped. When Ian, Alex, Andy and I made the visit in mid-December we spent almost 6 hours discussing various things. Here's the email sent afterwards summarising what we all agreed:

- Oil cooler to vent between trailing edge of front clamshell and scuttle. Maximum height of upswept lip (full width of clamshell) to aid aerodynamics over wipers to be 20mm, and to be slightly forward of wipers rather than hard up against windscreen

- Period Dzus fasteners to be used front bonnet and rear clamshell (Ian to supply from his mate who restores old aeroplanes), six in front bonnet as per Porsche RSK, four in rear clamshell (2 either side). I think we should also use the same Dzus fasteners for the fixing in the rear window….

- Front bonnet size and shape as per line tape. Slight indent in front bodywork to accommodate flush sitting, single skin bonnet

- Oil cooler opening as per final brown template taped to car. A second to be constructed with smaller ‘land speed record’ inlet

- FIA towing eyes to be fitted front and rear: front to be fitted in centre of oil cooler aperture to avoid fouling bodywork when towed on an angle, well inside aperture via front structure (steve to supply towing eye and threaded mounts)

- Doors to be opened via supplied press-button latches, with finger indentations as per Jefferey’s mock up to avoid needing to use a handle, to keep frag to minimum but also comply with FIA requirement to be able to open door from outside

- Petrol cap to exit as per drawing/markings on rear quarter panel, not from inside door jam as originally planned due to concerns with fuel ingress into cabin of car and risk of fire. Petrol cap neck to have 16mm outlet with right angle joint pointing to rear of car for breather hose. Petrol cap itself to lie horizontally (i.e. with flange parallel to ground) to reduce drag

- Door windows to be supported with already fabricated angle riveted to upper door, and with n-shaped frame around upper edges of Plexiglas to stop pressure build up in cabin blowing unframed window out as many race cars seem to do

- Rear quarter windows to be supported by bung or clamp installed by Ian to optimise airflow into engine bay: sufficient for engine but as little as possible to reduce drag

- Rear opening in tail size and shape as per drawing/marking on rear bodywork. Mesh not to be fitted but six aluminium threaded studs to be welded to inside lip of opening for later possible fitment of mesh so we have freedom of space for constructing the exhaust. Licence plate to be painted on somewhere

- Internal liners to be fitted in front and rear wheel arches in thin gauge aluminium to reduce pressure build up and reduce lift at high speed

- Insides of doors to be cut-out as per drawing/markings to give elbow room when you need to flail arms wildly to keep control!

- Cut lightening holes into top of sill in door opening area to further reduce weight and provide access fro oil lines, electrics, etc.

- Headlight position to be determined by creating ‘tube’ for headlamp and installing tube via rear of wing

- No flare to be added to wheel arch lip front or rear as wheel liner will create rigidity and wheels on full lock clear bodywork....

Anyway, onto the photos....

So, first up is the headlamp construction. This is one of the tricky jobs as the lads only get one shot at cutting a hole in the lovely front wing. First up they made a headlight bucket to take the headlamp, but not trim it....
[url=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20construction%202_zpsgpydapzy.jpg.html](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20construction%202_zpsgpydapzy.jpg)] (http://[/url)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20construction%202_zpsgpydapzy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20construction%202_zpsgpydapzy.jpg.html)

We've used Karmann Ghia headlamp mounts and adjustment units as this would've been easily obtainable in period...
[url]] (http://[/url)

We've used Karmann Ghia headlamp mounts and adjustment units as this would've been easily obtainable in period...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20construction%201_zpsjacn1osv.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20construction%201_zpsjacn1osv.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20construction%203_zpsizk0isex.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20construction%203_zpsizk0isex.jpg.html)

Then the smart bit. Vic and Gary turned off the workshop lights, and shone a high intensity lamp with a small beam at the front wing, creating the exact shape on the wing, to enable the headlamp bucket to be trimmed perfectly...

[url]] (http://[/url)

Then the smart bit. Vic and Gary turned off the workshop lights, and shone a high intensity lamp with a small beam at the front wing, creating the exact shape on the wing, to enable the headlamp bucket to be trimmed perfectly...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20positioning%203_zpsxbvl2sbr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20positioning%203_zpsxbvl2sbr.jpg.html)

This then allowed them to draw the headlight opening on the wing...

[url]] (http://[/url)

This then allowed them to draw the headlight opening on the wing...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20positioning_zpsel63aaol.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlamp%20positioning_zpsel63aaol.jpg.html)

Before making up headlight covers.... Now before you freak out like Ian and I did, the covers are oversize so perspex covers can be made...

[url]] (http://[/url)

Before making up headlight covers.... Now before you freak out like Ian and I did, the covers are oversize so perspex covers can be made...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlight%20covers%203_zpspvyvnaiz.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20headlight%20covers%203_zpspvyvnaiz.jpg.html)

Next up is the construction of the scuttle. If you recall the car was left with the NOS Karmann Ghia roof welded in place including the front scuttle which is trimmed up when welded to the rest of the steel bodywork. In our case this has to be trimmed to suit the front aluminium bodywork, and allow for the front of the car to be attached. Vic and Gary very wisely suggested the front bodywork be bolted in place not welded to the sills, so if we need to, the front can be removed...

[url]] (http://[/url)

Next up is the construction of the scuttle. If you recall the car was left with the NOS Karmann Ghia roof welded in place including the front scuttle which is trimmed up when welded to the rest of the steel bodywork. In our case this has to be trimmed to suit the front aluminium bodywork, and allow for the front of the car to be attached. Vic and Gary very wisely suggested the front bodywork be bolted in place not welded to the sills, so if we need to, the front can be removed...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20scuttle%201_zpsvpbvoidc.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20scuttle%201_zpsvpbvoidc.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20scuttle%203_zpsoyo2g6ez.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20scuttle%203_zpsoyo2g6ez.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20scuttle%204_zpsbjzhrjii.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20scuttle%204_zpsbjzhrjii.jpg.html)

Here you can see the huge amount of fabrication required to make everything (A-post, scuttle, inner wheel arch, door mechanism, etc.) work...
[url]] (http://[/url)

Here you can see the huge amount of fabrication required to make everything (A-post, scuttle, inner wheel arch, door mechanism, etc.) work...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20scuttle%202_zpshl7ezq40.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20scuttle%202_zpshl7ezq40.jpg.html)

Next up is the construction of the front subframe. This looks like it was the last thing David Small constructed given it's unfinished state. Given we're putting the oil cooler in the nose of the car we've combined Chapman-style the oil cooler mounts, the supports for the bodywork, and the mounting required for the towing eye all into one lightweight sub-frame...

[url]] (http://[/url)

Next up is the construction of the front subframe. This looks like it was the last thing David Small constructed given it's unfinished state. Given we're putting the oil cooler in the nose of the car we've combined Chapman-style the oil cooler mounts, the supports for the bodywork, and the mounting required for the towing eye all into one lightweight sub-frame...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20subframe%20construction_zpsr7huvpji.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20subframe%20construction_zpsr7huvpji.jpg.html)

In this one you can see the new ally panel being fitted to keep water out the front hood area...

[url]] (http://[/url)

In this one you can see the new ally panel being fitted to keep water out the front hood area...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20wheel%20liner%20construction%205_zpskqt3xejc.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20wheel%20liner%20construction%205_zpskqt3xejc.jpg.html)

And here's the oil cooler fitted in-situ on the sub-frame. It's probably bigger than we need but Ian would rather be conservative on this given the compression we're running and the heat that will inevitably be generated when we super-charge the engine...

[url]] (http://[/url)

And here's the oil cooler fitted in-situ on the sub-frame. It's probably bigger than we need but Ian would rather be conservative on this given the compression we're running and the heat that will inevitably be generated when we super-charge the engine...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20oil%20cooler%20installation_zpsejdhu8ko.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20oil%20cooler%20installation_zpsejdhu8ko.jpg.html)

Next up are the wheel arch liners. Ian insisted these were installed to reduce air pressure in the wheel arch, a common source of aerodynamic lift which we obviously want to avoid. We'll be adding wheel spats for speed events and we have a few other tricks we will employ to keep air from getting under the car, but one good way of reducing the drag and pressure in the wheel arch is for it not be to able to build up anywhere. This is one of my favourite photos from the month, with Vic and one of the lads discussing the construction of the second front wheel liner...

[url]] (http://[/url)

Next up are the wheel arch liners. Ian insisted these were installed to reduce air pressure in the wheel arch, a common source of aerodynamic lift which we obviously want to avoid. We'll be adding wheel spats for speed events and we have a few other tricks we will employ to keep air from getting under the car, but one good way of reducing the drag and pressure in the wheel arch is for it not be to able to build up anywhere. This is one of my favourite photos from the month, with Vic and one of the lads discussing the construction of the second front wheel liner...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20lads%20discussing%20wheel%20liner%20construction_zpsnl1sbnzd.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20lads%20discussing%20wheel%20liner%20construction_zpsnl1sbnzd.jpg.html)

These will be trimmed to match the wing once they're ready to be installed...

[url]] (http://[/url)

These will be trimmed to match the wing once they're ready to be installed...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20wheel%20liner%20construction%204_zps5xwhsh9q.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20wheel%20liner%20construction%204_zps5xwhsh9q.jpg.html)

Notice how the liner has been trimmed beautifully to fit tight against the torsion bar mount so as to minimise the air getting past into the front bulkhead...

[url]] (http://[/url)

Notice how the liner has been trimmed beautifully to fit tight against the torsion bar mount so as to minimise the air getting past into the front bulkhead...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20wheel%20liner%20construction%203_zps1c6oovph.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20wheel%20liner%20construction%203_zps1c6oovph.jpg.html)

I also love this photo - the talent and experience to create this kind of shape is just rare!

[url]] (http://[/url)

I also love this photo - the talent and experience to create this kind of shape is just rare!

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20subframe%20construction%202_zpsnyalqt0p.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20front%20subframe%20construction%202_zpsnyalqt0p.jpg.html)

And then finally, the front back together with over-sized headlamp covers and the untrimmed bonnet laid on top of the nose, as well as the large oil cooler aperture mocked up. A smaller one will be used for speed events...

[url]] (http://[/url)

And then finally, the front back together with over-sized headlamp covers and the untrimmed bonnet laid on top of the nose, as well as the large oil cooler aperture mocked up. A smaller one will be used for speed events...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20oil%20cooler%20apeture_zps6c3gyftr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20oil%20cooler%20apeture_zps6c3gyftr.jpg.html)

Final photo for the day... In this you can see the slight flair that will force air up and over the windscreen, and also allow for hot air from the oil cooler to vent over the body, rather than under the car creating lift...

[url]] (http://[/url)

Final photo for the day... In this you can see the slight flair that will force air up and over the windscreen, and also allow for hot air from the oil cooler to vent over the body, rather than under the car creating lift...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20main%20front%20panels%20welded%20up_zpsaovobvwe.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%207%20Jan%202018%20main%20front%20panels%20welded%20up_zpsaovobvwe.jpg.html)http://

More amazing work.  Thanks for continuing with the updates....I look forward to them.

Sent from my SM-N920I using Tapatalk

They say the eyes are the window on the soul, and when it comes to cars they make or break the look of the thing. So it was with some trepidation that I opened this weeks email update from Vic and Gary at Mouland & Yates because I knew this was the big one. The best I hope for each time the car has more work done to it is that it hasn't taken us backwards: that we've at least maintained what we had in terms of design and overall aesthetic.

So, the first step was for the lads to offer up the headlamp bowl to the outside to give them the exact shape to cut...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%202_zpstmznaay2.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%202_zpstmznaay2.jpg.html)

And then check it and check again...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%201_zps4xzy5mie.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%201_zps4xzy5mie.jpg.html)

Then, they dived in with the cutter. This shot is a long way on from the first cut as they've created the back of the headlamp bucket, welded it to the tube, welded that to the wing, and recessed the outer rim to take the Plexiglas cover...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%203_zpsme7fqhfm.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%203_zpsme7fqhfm.jpg.html)

You can also see the front beginning to take shape now Jefferey (the chap doing most of the work) has welded the headlight assembly into the wing and the wing together with the front nose panel. This shot also gives a view of the shape of the front detachable panel, a simple single skin affair that will sit on a recessed lip and be held with period correct Dzus fasteners that Ian has managed to acquire from a friend who restores WWII aeroplanes for a living.... The lip of the panel will be wire rolled to give it some stiffness....

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%206_zpshxnm0gxz.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%206_zpshxnm0gxz.jpg.html)

Now for the money shots. I'll let you decide whether the latest work detracts or moves the design forward. To my mind it's definitely the latter... Enjoy.

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%207_zpshefmqoeh.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%207_zpshefmqoeh.jpg.html)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%208_zpsot0mvaso.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%208_zpsot0mvaso.jpg.html)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%209_zpsidzvd6y1.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%208%20Feb%202018%20front%20headlamp%209_zpsidzvd6y1.jpg.html)

Yep, that works for me!

Ooooo, what a beauty! :o
For me, this must be one of the most beautifully designed cars in the world. (please read that with Jeremy Clarkson's voice)
Brings on some hints of the Ferrari GTO's but in a smaller and more nimble package.
So looking forward to the rest of this build! A big pat on the back, and good luck (not needed) to the rest of the project. ;)

Thanks Dalland, high praise indeed! We've tried to mix a number of influences in the design: Abarth, Porsche, Ferrari and Lotus. The thinking was we would've looked around at what was being produced in the late 50's, early 1960's as inspiration. I didn't want to lean too much towards one particular car otherwise it just looks like a poor copy. So if you see hints of one car or another then we've achieved what we set out to do...  ;)

I think you've archived that really well. I was looking forward to how the front would look. Reminds me of my Puma GTE. The Puma's designer, Rino Malzoni had the same thoughts when he styled the car in 1968 and borrowed cues from Ferrari's 250GTO and Lamborghini's Miura.
The E-Type is another style icon of that undoubtedly best decade for Sports/GT car design.

Really really nice!
Like the wooden air intake under the front, maybe you can use that design  ;D

Keep up the good work!

gr
Wout

Yeah they make it look like its got teeth, monster monster!!

Well, another week and more great progress at the coach builders :
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20MampY%20sign_zps9yfrercj.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20MampY%20sign_zps9yfrercj.jpg.html)

All the work this time has been focused on the front of the car. First up is the finished headlamp, complete with tabs to hold the Plexiglas in place as per the Porsche RSK. Ignore the washers, they're just holding the tab in place 3mm off the recessed lip...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20front%20lamp%20finished_zpsx1cm2xr7.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20front%20lamp%20finished_zpsx1cm2xr7.jpg.html)

Next up was the tricky job of deciding on the oil cooler shape, size and location. This is one of those jobs like headlamps, that if you screw up messes up the entire car. No pressure then. We made up a multitude of paper cutouts, none of which looked right, before realising that your eye is drawn down by the shut line of the bonnet to the nose of the car. We ran two lines of tape down the nose...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20overhead%20shot_zps5ftco8xx.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20overhead%20shot_zps5ftco8xx.jpg.html)

And hey presto, a oil cooler aperture that looks right to the eye...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20oil%20cooler%20positioning_zpsawmlx71u.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20oil%20cooler%20positioning_zpsawmlx71u.jpg.html)

It's smaller than intended but looks right. There's a separate solution for the brake ducts which I think is both ingenious, simple and elegant, so the aperture for the front is dedicated only to the oil cooler itself. Speaking of which, we got the positioning of the cooler sorted today...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20oil%20cooler%20in%20position_zpswexssjvr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20oil%20cooler%20in%20position_zpswexssjvr.jpg.html)

The oil lines will run through the centre tunnel to the middle of the car, avoiding the need to run them underneath along a sill - a much neater solution that doesn't seem so much of an after thought.

There's only one concession to the modern world with this car and that's the battery (if you overlook the roll cage and fire extinguisher!). The car originally ran a six volt battery, but there's no way we wanted to risk the chunter of a slow winding, high compression motor in the pits when you're trying to fire up a hot motor and wanting to get back onto the circuit. So we've plumbed for an Optima25 in the front left corner of the car...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20battery%20positioning_zpsgcum87in.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20battery%20positioning_zpsgcum87in.jpg.html)

And here's design as it happens! a brief discussion, a few ideas, a drawing and hey presto, the boys from M&Y just magic it up from there!

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20battery%20positioning%202_zps5aooyfsu.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20battery%20positioning%202_zps5aooyfsu.jpg.html)

Speaking of magic, we deliberated for quite some time on the need for a towing eye. It obviously needs one, but there's no way I'm putting something horrible and modern on the car, and we decided after much discussion to do away with the original sub-frame to put it right in the nose. Instead we plumbed for something more in period and likely as it would've been; an after thought! Again drawn out on cardboard after a few minutes discussion, to be mounted under the car to the front of the main subframe...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20towing%20eye_zpsrysdyudt.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20towing%20eye_zpsrysdyudt.jpg.html)

Next up wipers. Or more correctly, the trailing edge of the bodywork. The challenge with a steel roof and scuttle, and an aluminium body was always how to join them. Again we decided to make the problem a design feature, with the aluminium sitting slightly proud (about an inch) to vent hot air from the oil cooler out over the windscreen instead of under the car (creating lift) and leaving a neat gap that could be flared, to also create a slight air screen for the wipers much like the Porsche Abarth GTL. The 10mm return will be used to wire roll the edge of the ally, so we'll end up with about a 1 inch gap all the way along the bonnet edge...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20wiper%20cowling_zpsjkd1spdz.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20wiper%20cowling_zpsjkd1spdz.jpg.html)

Finally a major design flaw with the owner of the car: at six foot four inches (191cm) I'm no dwarf, so goodness knows why I love racing small cars. Anyway, we had already put the seat base almost as close to the floor as we dare, without putting it directly on the floor. If we had done that a steel insert would've been prudent in the event of an accident. With a helmet on I needed another 3/4 of an inch in roof height - bugger! So we have opted for a Gurney Bubble, named after Dan Gurney who needed a bubble put into all his closed cars. Here we're measuring up...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20Gurney%20bubble%201_zps1crewfcd.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20Gurney%20bubble%201_zps1crewfcd.jpg.html)

Before decided on the profile for the bubble itself, which will be a teardrop. I've been told not to turn up when they do this job as the roof needs to be heated up and bashed with a very big hammer...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20Gurney%20bubble%202_zpspeaoa61r.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20Gurney%20bubble%202_zpspeaoa61r.jpg.html)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20Gurney%20bubble%203_zpsb77vjswq.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%209%20Feb%202018%20Gurney%20bubble%203_zpsb77vjswq.jpg.html)

And finally the big news of the week. The car (at least the bodywork) will be finished next month. M&Y need the space for the next car so the pace will be upped for the final push in March. More updates next time...

Cheers, Steve

Well here's something to warm your heart on these cold and bitter winters evenings... the latest instalment on the build of the Special. M&Y have like the rest of the country being battling Australian Flu (nasty thing especially the Australian variant  :wink: ) and blizzards preventing travel to work. Despite this tremendous progress has been made over the past fortnight, so much so that I fear I'm going to be the bottleneck, unable to get down to them in time to provide input on design and problem solving.

Anyway. Something as simple as a battery case demonstrates the unbelievable skill, experience and craftsmanship the guys from M&Y put into absolutely everything they do. As you're no doubt aware the battery has to be secured well. For optimum weight distribution it's also best if it's as far forward in the car and over to the left (opposite side to the driver), but within the wheelbase of the car. Oh, and it's got to be easily accessible to put a charger on it or be inspected by a scrutineer. It's also got to be light and if possible, elegant. No point seeing an ugly old piece of angle iron holding down a battery.

So here we are...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6745_zpsx6wgty2l.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6745_zpsx6wgty2l.jpg.html)

We've gone with a modern battery as the power and light weight just can't be ignored. Nothing worse than an original six volt battery chuntering away slowly in the pits while a race slips away...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6746_zps1fsqjhik.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6746_zps1fsqjhik.jpg.html)

The finished product before installation...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6747_zpsye20wgl5.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6747_zpsye20wgl5.jpg.html)

And insitu.... Notice how the base has the lovely arc of ally the same radius as the lower torsion tube, to hold the battery against something substantial, rather than resting it on the ally floor, where it would inevitably fatigue the rivets and cause it to bump up and down over time...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6748_zpsagozll9l.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6748_zpsagozll9l.jpg.html)

Next up is the oil cooler installation. We've spent a LOT of time figuring out how to make the oil cooler work, and optimise the airflow over and out the oil cooler. Here's a series of photos to give a view on this. The first is the bulkhead that will support the nose of the car: it needs to maximise rigidity so the front bodywork doesn't flex...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6739_zpsjueayiyg.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6739_zpsjueayiyg.jpg.html)

Next up is the oil cooler itself installed...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6740_zpsh935qgwy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6740_zpsh935qgwy.jpg.html)

Now the clever bit, creating all the panel work around the front of the car, firstly the panels that sit on top of the sides of the bonnet...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6744_zpsubdphtcr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6744_zpsubdphtcr.jpg.html)

And here they are installed...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6743_zpsjtaifhfy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6743_zpsjtaifhfy.jpg.html)

And then the liners are added...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6741_zpsuqq9c2nf.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6741_zpsuqq9c2nf.jpg.html)

Before it's all welded together...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6742_zpsicm09ohx.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6742_zpsicm09ohx.jpg.html)

And hey presto, the front of the car is tied together in one cohesive piece...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6750_zpsrpaqisyd.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6750_zpsrpaqisyd.jpg.html)

Now, onto a small but important detail on the headlights. In a slavish nod to the Porsche RSK we've copied the headlight cover fixtures. I can only justify this by claiming that it was in period; David Small would've been looking around for inspiration on how to attach the covers; it's an elegant engineering feature to solving the fixing problem; etc. etc. Or I could just admit that I thought it cool and wanted to add it to the car...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6751_zpstr4cwvou.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6751_zpstr4cwvou.jpg.html)

And finally, while we're talking of inspiration, the GTL has lovely 'shields' that reduce drag just a little more, for the wipers, so we've emulated this on the Okrasa Special...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6753_zpsrl6y0n95.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6753_zpsrl6y0n95.jpg.html)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6752_zps2ivjzsiu.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6752_zps2ivjzsiu.jpg.html)

More in a couple of weeks, where I've no doubt more progress will have been made. I don't know about you, but I can see the finishing line to the build of the car. In an interesting twist, I dug out the original letter I have from David Small: the build of the car was started in 1958, so it HAS to be finished this year, exactly 60 years later...

car looks totally different with the  headlamps holes , i like it steve

Thanks, too late to change it now!  :D

Love it!

Don't know about the wiper inserts, prefered it without the litle bumps.

Keep up the great work! Looking forward to the finished product.

gr
Wout

Another month, another update.... Little details now to finish off the build....

First up is the towing eye for the front of the car. this will be mounted to the subframe for the oil cooler. It needs to be bolted on as it needs to be removed prior to the front body work being removed....

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20towing%20eye_zps8ti9w1pq.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20towing%20eye_zps8ti9w1pq.jpg.html)

Next up is an action shot of the already-completed Gurney roof bubble... Glad it's not me putting that curve in steel. It took three hours with that machine...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20Gurney%20bubble%20construction_zpsvpu7rnwz.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20Gurney%20bubble%20construction_zpsvpu7rnwz.jpg.html)

The next shot is one of my personal favourites for the whole build of the car. It's the lightening holes put into the tops of the sills. Not really required, but it all helps with weight saving, adds a bit of much needed access to the sill if we run pipes or wires along them, and looks just f*^king cool I think...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20sill%20with%20lightening%20holes_zpsekrorynh.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20sill%20with%20lightening%20holes_zpsekrorynh.jpg.html)

Another lovely shot here... this is the inside of the door. We decided a long time ago to put cut-outs in the door, again partly for weight saving, but also to give a bit more elbow room when you just need the space to 'crank the wheel'. Rather than put a simple rectangle in the door skin though we decided to follow the spaceframe...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20inner%20door%202_zpsw9ewctjk.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20inner%20door%202_zpsw9ewctjk.jpg.html)

Next up is the finished fuel filler cap. God this was a pain in the arse. The FIA requires all cars with a screw or Monza style filler cap to now have a modern threaded cap inside which is just horrible. Safer for sure, but horrible nonetheless. But this only applies if the cap sits proud of the. bodywork (it's in case the cap is ripped off in a crash...) so M&Y located it just under the bodywork line...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20petrol%20tank%20filler%20cap%20detail_zpsszqh8urh.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20petrol%20tank%20filler%20cap%20detail_zpsszqh8urh.jpg.html)

Here's the final make-up of the front bonnet and oil cooler ducting. So simple in it's final form but boy did this take some head scratching to make work. I'm pretty pleased with the final design, which ducts air over the oil cooler, through the bodywork, and vents it over the wipers, avoiding the need to dump it under the car and thereby creating lift...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20oil%20cooler%20and%20bonnet%20ducting_zpsuvtdnicy.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20oil%20cooler%20and%20bonnet%20ducting_zpsuvtdnicy.jpg.html)

The final few shots are of the doors, which are under final construction. Here's the VW bus rear latch push buttons in place, which we're using as door latches...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20inner%20door%201_zpsbmr6t9zf.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20inner%20door%201_zpsbmr6t9zf.jpg.html)

No door handles on this car, too much drag! Instead just small indents to get your fingers behind the door edge...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20door%20handle_zpsirwmeq3k.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20door%20handle_zpsirwmeq3k.jpg.html)

The latch needs to be floating to allow for adjustment of the door. An often overlooked detail on a special but crucial if you want gaps to be good all around....

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20b-post%20construction_zpsl3sqyz6c.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20b-post%20construction_zpsl3sqyz6c.jpg.html)

Penultimate shot today is of the door latch, again made from scratch...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20b-post%20with%20door%20latch%20in%20place_zpsawoz3lug.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20b-post%20with%20door%20latch%20in%20place_zpsawoz3lug.jpg.html)

The final shot of the doors and indeed this session is the locating indent in the door for the Karmann Ghia/Porsche 356 door locator, that makes sure the door lines up square and shuts positively against the latch. All details but ones that mean the car will be a pleasure to use...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20b-post%20construction%203_zpsdjysapfk.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2010%20Mar%2030%202018%20b-post%20construction%203_zpsdjysapfk.jpg.html)

We're now into the final furlong, working out the myriad of small details, prior to me picking up the car and Ian installing the original engine that will be used for shakedown testing.... More in a month's time.

Thank you for the update, Steve! This build is getting more and more impressive!!

Tobi

Well there was a distinctly different vibe in the Mouland & Yates workshop today. A quick 'hello' and a cup of tea, and then it was back to the jobs they were on. A sense of urgency and purpose pervaded because there's a deadline that everyone is working to now. The cars first race (the Chateau Impney Hillclimb), is a little over eight weeks away. Nothing like a deadline to focus the mind! So we're now into the details, the snags, the little things that finish the car off or make it work. Here's a selection from today:

First up the workshop when I arrived. The bodywork has been gone over with a orbital sander and then scotch pad to flatten off the panels and put a decent dull to them.
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6963_zpsjk3tlejw.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6963_zpsjk3tlejw.jpg.html)

Next up is Jefferey fitting the headlamps for the last time...
[url]] (http://[/url)

Next up is Jefferey fitting the headlamps for the last time...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6966_zpsqctkeayd.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6966_zpsqctkeayd.jpg.html)

The last time we'll see the door mechanism as the skins will go on this coming week. Nice and strong, and light as a feather...
[url]] (http://[/url)

The last time we'll see the door mechanism as the skins will go on this coming week. Nice and strong, and light as a feather...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6968_zpsv8afi4s0.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6968_zpsv8afi4s0.jpg.html)

Venting the oil cooler has been a monumental effort, both from a design perspective but also in making that design work. I didn't want to vent the air to the underside of the car as it increases lift, so we've ducted it through the boot area and then vented it between the scuttle and the edge of the bonnet. Good if it works...
[url]] (http://[/url)

Venting the oil cooler has been a monumental effort, both from a design perspective but also in making that design work. I didn't want to vent the air to the underside of the car as it increases lift, so we've ducted it through the boot area and then vented it between the scuttle and the edge of the bonnet. Good if it works...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6969_zps15hm2xvq.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6969_zps15hm2xvq.jpg.html)

The bodywork has turned out to be massively stiff. We didn't plan on having to rely on the bodywork for torsional rigidity, that's taken car of by the chassis and roll cage, but it's nice to have the bodywork strong. This shot gives you an insight into why it's so stiff...
[url]] (http://[/url)

The bodywork has turned out to be massively stiff. We didn't plan on having to rely on the bodywork for torsional rigidity, that's taken car of by the chassis and roll cage, but it's nice to have the bodywork strong. This shot gives you an insight into why it's so stiff...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6970_zpsbu2xop6c.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6970_zpsbu2xop6c.jpg.html)

here's the finished clamshell for the rear, minus the liners. This has been a big bit of work but turned out beautifully...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6971_zpsgxhg6ogc.jpg)][/url[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6971_zpsgxhg6ogc.jpg.html](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6971_zpsgxhg6ogc.jpg) (http://[/url[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6971_zpsgxhg6ogc.jpg.html)]

Next up is Vic Mouland briefing Ian on how to remove the front bodywork. We hope we don't ever have to take it off, but just in case, it's only a matter of 10 bolts and a bit of giggling...
[url]] (http://[/url)]

Next up is Vic Mouland briefing Ian on how to remove the front bodywork. We hope we don't ever have to take it off, but just in case, it's only a matter of 10 bolts and a bit of giggling...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6974_zpsixlaxse6.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6974_zpsixlaxse6.jpg.html)

Thought you would like this. How to scuff up a perfectly good shiny panel!
[url]] (http://[/url)

Thought you would like this. How to scuff up a perfectly good shiny panel!
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6975_zpss6fwqovz.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6975_zpss6fwqovz.jpg.html)

Ian and Tom fitting the quarter panel for the last time (this time permanently) with filler cap, hose and breather all done...
[url]] (http://[/url)

Ian and Tom fitting the quarter panel for the last time (this time permanently) with filler cap, hose and breather all done...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6982_zpsbylwbgma.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6982_zpsbylwbgma.jpg.html)

The door latches have been a bastard to make work. Here's a final shot of the latch and lock mechanism. Hats off to the M&Y team for making it all work...
[url]] (http://[/url)

The door latches have been a bastard to make work. Here's a final shot of the latch and lock mechanism. Hats off to the M&Y team for making it all work...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6983_zpsxumjsxas.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6983_zpsxumjsxas.jpg.html)

The car will occasionally get driven on the road so needs to be road legal. Here's an insight into how much craftsmanship and experience goes into making the details work. 1950's VW/Porsche indicator mounts, fitted as though they were factory...
[url]] (http://[/url)

The car will occasionally get driven on the road so needs to be road legal. Here's an insight into how much craftsmanship and experience goes into making the details work. 1950's VW/Porsche indicator mounts, fitted as though they were factory...
http:// (http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6985_zpsgfifmsu8.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6985_zpsgfifmsu8.jpg.html)

The guys at M&Y are as anal about the details as I am. Notice how the notch in the Dzus fasteners all follow the edge of the panel...
[url][/ur[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6986_zpsksyrllrx.jpg.html](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6986_zpsksyrllrx.jpg)] (http://[/url)

The guys at M&Y are as anal about the details as I am. Notice how the notch in the Dzus fasteners all follow the edge of the panel...
http://[/ur[URL=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6986_zpsksyrllrx.jpg.html][img width=450 height=600]http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6986_zpsksyrllrx.jpg[/img]l]

The rear quarter panel getting it's final fettle before being riveted in place and lining up perfectly with the clamshell...
[url]] (http://[/url)l]

The rear quarter panel getting it's final fettle before being riveted in place and lining up perfectly with the clamshell...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6987_zpsed6tmw8z.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6987_zpsed6tmw8z.jpg.html)

All hands to the pump with just 13 working days till the car goes to Ian for fitting of engine and general fettling for our first race!
[url]] (http://[/url)

All hands to the pump with just 13 working days till the car goes to Ian for fitting of engine and general fettling for our first race!
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6988_zpsqpc2ps9f.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6988_zpsqpc2ps9f.jpg.html)

I thought this shot gave a great perspective on the car, plus it also gives a lovely view of the M&Y workshop and the rear of the Special, complete now with cut-out...
[url]] (http://[/url)

I thought this shot gave a great perspective on the car, plus it also gives a lovely view of the M&Y workshop and the rear of the Special, complete now with cut-out...
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6992_zpsqayv5gn5.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6992_zpsqayv5gn5.jpg.html)

And finally, photographic evidence that I've had a hand in actually doing some coachwork. I only held the dolly for about 3 seconds while the rivet was tapped flush, but at least I can hand on heart now say I've been involved in the coachwork!
[url]] (http://[/url)

And finally, photographic evidence that I've had a hand in actually doing some coachwork. I only held the dolly for about 3 seconds while the rivet was tapped flush, but at least I can hand on heart now say I've been involved in the coachwork!
http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6994_zps9gxpxjr3.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_6994_zps9gxpxjr3.jpg.html)http://

Next instalment will be the final from M&Y, in 3 weeks time...

just amazing work ... 8)

Is the event you're aiming for the 7th and 8th of July? Might try to make it across for that, Worcestershire isn't far from me!

Edit: wrong date - one day out!

it is indeed. come see it in the flesh  ;)

Its on the calendar now, may even get the wife's bus sorted for a spot of camping...
Good luck with getting it ready, it looks stunning.

Hang on!!!

Where and when?

Sorry should've mentioned. Car's debut will be at Chateau Impney Hillclimb, 7-8 July, Droitwich Spa (just near Birmingham England). We'll only be running the original Okrasa engine and standard gearbox, so I don't expect anything quick, but it will be nice to have the car out, and putting the 48th mile on as a race mile! Obviously you're all more than welcome to come and see it and say hello....

So we're now into the final stretch. The big push. The last furlong. In what has been an epic journey. So let's start with the easy bit first! The rear window is 4mm perspex as per FIA requirements, but because it's pressurised (the air is being drawn in via the side windows) we need to ensure it doesn't get blown out and deposited on the track. So ten Dzus fasteners (the same as used for the rear window and front 'bonnet') are used to hold it in place for relatively quick access to the engine. Notice how all the fastener heads line up with the line of the window (much admired obsessive attention to detail)...

[url=http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20window%20fixings_zpsgrnrqiqx.jpg.html](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20window%20fixings_zpsgrnrqiqx.jpg)] (http://[/url)(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20window%20fixings_zpsgrnrqiqx.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20window%20fixings_zpsgrnrqiqx.jpg.html)

Next up is the exhaust. We wanted something period, made from mild steel and while absolutely functional, also a work of art - Gary volunteered. The specification proved to be a bit of a nightmare as Gary had to maintain equal length primaries, bring them into the collector in firing order, and weave it around the gearbox, chassis, and roll bar. Gary made it to Ian's design, but with a bit of his own magic, making it along the lines of the Ferrari Sharknose one he did last time....

[url]] (http://[/url)

Next up is the exhaust. We wanted something period, made from mild steel and while absolutely functional, also a work of art - Gary volunteered. The specification proved to be a bit of a nightmare as Gary had to maintain equal length primaries, bring them into the collector in firing order, and weave it around the gearbox, chassis, and roll bar. Gary made it to Ian's design, but with a bit of his own magic, making it along the lines of the Ferrari Sharknose one he did last time....

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20exhaust_zps8wnxmnat.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20exhaust_zps8wnxmnat.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20exhaust%202_zpsgsmxbdzq.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20exhaust%202_zpsgsmxbdzq.jpg.html)

I thought I would dive right into the build of the housing for the rear lights just to give an insight into how much work has gone into this car. I found a set of amazing period Bosch lamps at the Heissech swap meet last year and decided they would be perfect for the rear of the car. Here's a sequence just to show the fabrication work on the housing, something that won't ever be seen as the liner that fits into the rear wing will completely obscure it...

[url]] (http://[/url)

I thought I would dive right into the build of the housing for the rear lights just to give an insight into how much work has gone into this car. I found a set of amazing period Bosch lamps at the Heissech swap meet last year and decided they would be perfect for the rear of the car. Here's a sequence just to show the fabrication work on the housing, something that won't ever be seen as the liner that fits into the rear wing will completely obscure it...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%202_zpsnvx46dg0.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%202_zpsnvx46dg0.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%206_zpsvrzerhkb.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%206_zpsvrzerhkb.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%203_zpslhrtkegv.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%203_zpslhrtkegv.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%204_zpst5ls3fbl.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%204_zpst5ls3fbl.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%205_zps4chdata3.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20rear%20lights%205_zps4chdata3.jpg.html)

Next up are the doors. Anyone who has tried to fit a set of doors during a restoration will know that along with fitting the headliner, this is one of the most tricky things to get right. And it has to be absolutely right; from the line of the panel looking down the car, to the shut lines, to the door mechanism working seamlessly and without ever being a problem. Here's a sequence showing Jefferey doing his magic...

[url]] (http://[/url)

Next up are the doors. Anyone who has tried to fit a set of doors during a restoration will know that along with fitting the headliner, this is one of the most tricky things to get right. And it has to be absolutely right; from the line of the panel looking down the car, to the shut lines, to the door mechanism working seamlessly and without ever being a problem. Here's a sequence showing Jefferey doing his magic...

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%205_zpsjen4avsb.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%205_zpsjen4avsb.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%204_zpsiivb9inu.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%204_zpsiivb9inu.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%208_zpsdrpyveqg.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%208_zpsdrpyveqg.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%206_zpsac7n9l8b.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%206_zpsac7n9l8b.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%202_zpsoqoe2w6o.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%202_zpsoqoe2w6o.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling_zpsjmwps4v6.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling_zpsjmwps4v6.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%203_zpsa6vufqmm.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%203_zpsa6vufqmm.jpg.html)

[url]] (http://[/url)

http://(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%207_zpsdlvsolum.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/MampY%2012%20May%2029%202018%20door%20fettling%207_zpsdlvsolum.jpg.html)http://

The next photos of the car will be taken in my workshop - we pick up the car this Friday....

 :o :o :o :o :o Looks awesome! I be the old guy that orginally started the build would be very impressed!  8)
 
Can't wait to see it finished! What the plan, Hill Climbs?

Wonderful , just as it should be.

looks amazing - hats off to you for taking this on and sticking to an awe inspiring attention to detail.
much respect for the team for all the skills they've put into this project

Well it was a pretty momentous day yesterday. After 15 months and some 2,000 hours of innovation, craftsmanship and experience, the Okrasa Special rolled out into the English sunshine for the first time as a finished car. To say I was pleased would be a huge understatement. A massive thanks must go to the team at Mouland & Yates who have pulled off a small miracle frankly. They 'got' the car from the first day and have brought something special to the Special. I'm indebted to them for making the car a reality - thanks guys. Just one shot of the car (and team) outside their workshop, before the car was whisked away by Ian to get it up and running for it's first competitive outing at Chateau Impney in four weeks time....

[/url](http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7078_zps6whs7fkw.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7078_zps6whs7fkw.jpg.html)[url]

amazing job!!

Fantastic result!!!

Wow, just wow!!!

Masterpiece.....

I'm really looking forward to seeing this at the Chateau. It looks beautiful.

Loved the video you did on instagram, really showed the lines of this fantastic project.

I’m sure you’ll upset a few people on the track 👊

Well we did indeed debuted the car at the Chateau Impney hillclimb this weekend just gone by. What a fabulous event it is - if you haven't been I highly recommend it because it's a rare combination of great location and venue, relaxed atmosphere, lovely crowd and fabulous cars. And we made it there!

It was quite a journey to get there! Although the car looked 'finished' when it left Mouland & Yates there was still a myriad of things to finish. The car went straight to Ian's at WPS for long list of things. Because it's not a production car everything Ian fitted or sorted had to be a custom job. He and Andy (a lovely chap who helps Ian out) did 12 and sometimes 14 hour days straight to get the car finished. Here's a few arty shots doing no justice to the sweat and toil, but they look good as Ian has an eye for taking a pic...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/88441672-3f03-4b47-8ad8-58c6bea48a9a_zpskeiwwoqc.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/88441672-3f03-4b47-8ad8-58c6bea48a9a_zpskeiwwoqc.jpg.html)

Basically they had to dismantle the car and build it up again, this time with wiring, plumbing and a host of things attached...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/fe7bb813-b3bc-4033-9984-b9e19ed6fa03_zps7fdx0lke.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/fe7bb813-b3bc-4033-9984-b9e19ed6fa03_zps7fdx0lke.jpg.html)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/d7737979-4822-4f4e-a928-83b3b5d69e90_zpsuzjwvx1h.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/d7737979-4822-4f4e-a928-83b3b5d69e90_zpsuzjwvx1h.jpg.html)

Two of the key jobs were the harness install...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/e884a700-8610-482c-bbf4-e5645ab07768_zpsldvbatoj.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/e884a700-8610-482c-bbf4-e5645ab07768_zpsldvbatoj.jpg.html)

And the fire extinguisher fitment....
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/665c693d-97f7-4395-90b1-a81539d74300_zpsvcunhbce.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/665c693d-97f7-4395-90b1-a81539d74300_zpsvcunhbce.jpg.html)

Just as important to make it go round and round was getting the chassis dialled in and the corner weighting done. Sean McClurg, who races a Chevron and ultra fast Lotus, and who specialises in this stuff came and did his magic.... 588kg's is with 35 litres of fuel, so we know actual weight is 565kg's. Not bad considering it has a full rollcage and fire extinguisher system installed. Not to mention that steel roof!
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/b79b5307-3a8f-4085-9ca7-515ed3db941d_zpsea4a93ya.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/b79b5307-3a8f-4085-9ca7-515ed3db941d_zpsea4a93ya.jpg.html)

I also knew that if we didn't get Neil Melliard to do his magic I'd be forever trotting out the same lines, so Neil painted up the beautifully made M&Y display board. Watching this boy is poetry in motion...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2b7210b3-2c0e-43be-b6f2-cab57787921d_zpswufjubvd.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/2b7210b3-2c0e-43be-b6f2-cab57787921d_zpswufjubvd.jpg.html)

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/977153ba-5bc5-40a1-9c9f-090037ad5ec0_zpsldxn8z6u.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/977153ba-5bc5-40a1-9c9f-090037ad5ec0_zpsldxn8z6u.jpg.html)

Neil also painted up a couple of chassis tags, first for M&Y so they could join Ian's WPS as major partners, and then one I did off the cuff, just a simple badge with 'Okrasa Special' in the centre, and my name and David Small's in each corner. It felt appropriate he was acknowledged.
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/a0124353-2cc7-4fd3-91c2-2ba5b45b7fdb_zpsvddianmd.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/a0124353-2cc7-4fd3-91c2-2ba5b45b7fdb_zpsvddianmd.jpg.html)

And then it was off to Impney! We arrived late on the Friday night, so the first time I got to sit in the car was rolling it off the trailer onto the grass. Before we did that we had the first of many celebrations that weekend!
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7182_zpsmhinv1sc.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7182_zpsmhinv1sc.jpg.html)

The next morning I drove it (in first gear I hasten to add) across the campsite to the paddock where we set up for the weekend, all proudly wearing Okrasa Special' t-shirts Tom of threefiftysix had sorted for me... The lads from M&Y came over too as they seldom get to see their handy work being raced hard. They were chuffed to see it and it was brilliant they made the trip up from Portsmouth. Unfortunately they're not in this shot...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7202_zpsiwbmn3au.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7202_zpsiwbmn3au.jpg.html)

And then it was race time. In the assembly area just before the start line I must admit to having an 'oh shit' moment, realising that my first drive of the car was going to be up the hillclimb in front of a large crowd and with camera's and commentators rolling, but by then it was too late.
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7189_zpsgh11b2mn.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7189_zpsgh11b2mn.jpg.html)

I had no idea how the car was going to handle or feel, let alone whether it was going to perform well, so it was very much a case of suck and see. Fortunately it launched straight and without drama, although it did take me by surprise how quickly it shot forward. Although only 1,300cc (it's still got the original Okrasa engine from 1958 with just 46 miles on it remember), the lack of weight meant it felt like it was being fired out a cannon. You sit much further forward than in a rear engined Porsche and the noise is just just shattering as the engine is just two inches behind your left shoulder. What I hadn't really appreciated either until I drove the car was that the drivers seat and steering wheel are located further into the centre line of the car to put the weight closer to the centre of the car. The passenger sits further outboard if you're carrying one, in a more conventional position. Anyway the car really didn't like being driven like a 356. After two runs I realised it required a much different style, so drove it with a lot more aggression, hustling it hard through the corners and carrying much more speed than I'd dare in the 356 or a 911. It responded well and I immediately knocked 3 seconds off the qualifying times...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/FINYE0072_zps7mrlkayr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/FINYE0072_zps7mrlkayr.jpg.html)

And for me this is the money shot - just a fabulous photo I think encapsulating the essence of the car beautifully...
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/JXWJE9749_zpsm1dcbzja.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/JXWJE9749_zpsm1dcbzja.jpg.html)

There's a bit of in-car footage on Instagram that I've posted if you want to get a sense of what it's like in the cockpit. Just look up kiwisteveinuk or Okrasaspecial.

To show the versatility and to put another marker in the history of the car, we did the school run in the car the next morning for my youngest son's last day at primary school (this gives you a real sense of how small the car is given he's 11...)
(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7210_zpssph0wjey.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/IMG_7210_zpssph0wjey.jpg.html)

Next up is a circuit race, hopefully at Brands Hatch as part of the Porsche celebrations on 2 September if my entry is accepted, and then we're going to do a speed event somewhere and see how fast she will run when given a long stretch of tarmac with the foot buried to the floor...

Thanks to all of you for your support over the last ten (yes 10!) years. We've finally completed the first chapter in this story and are now writing the next. Until next time...

That is amazing. You could get the picture of the car in motion made up as a poster, its that good! I'd planned on coming down for a day but it was so hot that weekend! Rather gutted now, looks like you had a great time.
Well done to all involved.

Have no words for it but really love it!!!! Well done, unbelievable the car is finally finished decades after it's original start...

Hope I'll see it in the flesh some day.

gr
Wout

amazing achievement, Steve!!

what an amazing car this is!  :o :o

glauco

amazing! it must have felt great to finally get to drive it, congratulations!!

Job well done........awesome 👍👍

I'm just watching the Channel 4 coverage of the event, and both Steve and the car get a few minutes of screen time.
If you've got All4 where you are, search for "Motor Sport" and it's the first programme listed.

Edit: Ian and the '52 get some footage in part 2 as well!

Well worth all the effort you've put into it!!!!

Beautiful

Thanks Neil,
On holiday and the TV guide hadnt any listings before I left!!

awesome job as it is written all the way to its topic
and car looks very good

Thanks for all the kind words - I'm using the car as my daily driver at the moment, trying to put road miles on it to shake it down as much as possible ahead of racing it and doing speed runs.

Now, I'm not sure how many of you might want to accept this invitation, but we'll be taking the Okrasa Special back to its birthplace of Martins VW (previously Barnett & Small) to celebrate the car's birth exactly 60 years ago and you're all of course invited. David Small's grandson George is representing the family and we plan to re-enact the run up the Farnham Bypass (now the A31) that David did to test the bare chassis, putting the first 46 miles on the car.

Martins VW have kindly offered to leave the dealership forecourt empty for us to park up classic VW's and Porsches, and they will also clear out the workshop where the car was constructed. If anyone has a black 1950's Oval window Beetle and you would be prepared to bring it I'd be thrilled, so we can replicate this photo, which we think is the original donor car and David's son, so we can bring the car back literally full circle 60 years later. It seems like a fitting tribute to the original designer and constructor of the car...

(http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac13/kiwisteveinuk/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/David%20Small%20grandson%20with%20Okrasa%20engined%20chassis_zps1kthq0fr.jpg) (http://s881.photobucket.com/user/kiwisteveinuk/media/cars%20-%20Okrasa%20Special/David%20Small%20grandson%20with%20Okrasa%20engined%20chassis_zps1kthq0fr.jpg.html)

Martins VW will open the dealership from 8-10am on Sunday Nov 4. Their address is: Volkswagen House, West St, Farnham, Hampshire, GU9 7BG, England. If you do intend to come please let me know here or as a PM so I can give Martins VW some sense of numbers. Many thanks.

Cheers,
Steve

great to hear that all the work put in it finally paid out...
The driving shots are fantastic, what a masterpiece!

unbelievable, what a great project and craftmanship, very nice too see, respect! Enjoy it!