Dead Metal

[Mike Bull]

Nothing specific, it's just something I've known of as ongoing for a while.

[Renegadenemo]

Steve Vizard at Airframe Assemblies has been building lots of bits for it. That's as much as I know.

[mtskull]

Steve Vizard at Airframe Assemblies has been building lots of bits for it. That's as much as I know.

Last I knew it was in a hangar at Filton and nearing completion. I'm going there this afternoon so I'll have a look if I have time

Having originally assumed that this was simply a "data plate" restoration, I am told that it actually incorporates a great deal of the original aircraft, which is pretty incredible if you have ever seen footage of the crash (available on YouTube, I believe).

[Pullman99]

That's the other one I was reliably informed was being tackled because of the K7 build but again I don't know whether that's actually correct.

It's well known that the wreckage of 72/R2 has been with Simon Hadfield's organisation in rural Leicestershire for a number of years and some work was carried out on the - apparently not that badly damaged - tub. I do not know the reasons for the work not proceeding but I see Simon at Donington and Mallory Park from time to time and have meant to speak with him before now. I have seen some pics of the car in storage but have yet to visit his premises. Simon is one of the leading historic motorsport preparation specialists in the UK and is an acknowledged expert on Lotus.

[Mike Bull]

For some reason car restorations have rarely done it for me, but there's something about the moment when a rebuilt aircraft 'first' takes to the skies again...

[Renegadenemo]

I like to see a good car restoration and I've been involved in making up parts for quite a few but the best bit is always when the engine fires up after a rebuild.

[mtskull]

Re. Spitfire RM689:

Last I knew it was in a hangar at Filton and nearing completion. I'm going there this afternoon so I'll have a look if I have time.

It was at Filton until recently, certainly within the last 2 years but I am informed that it is now at Sandown, Isle of Wight.

[Renegadenemo]

It was at Filton until recently, certainly within the last 2 years but I am informed that it is now at Sandown, Isle of Wight.

Yup - Steve's place.

http://www.airframes.co.uk/default.aspx

[Pullman99]

I like to see a good car restoration and I've been involved in making up parts for quite a few but the best bit is always when the engine fires up after a rebuild.

The louder the better too! Listening (you could hardly avoid hearing it no matter what the other cars were doing) to Jim Clark's Indy 500 winning Lotus 38 firing up at Goodwood last year was a superb experience. We are to be treated to another burst of the Indy Ford V8 (amongst other famous engines of course) again this year as they are celebrating the centenary of the Indianapolis 500. Another Lotus 38 too. Jimmy's STP liveried car that finished second in 1966 (to Graham Hill's Lola T90) is to be driven by another more recent Scottish Indy winner, Dario Franchitti. Can't wait!



Lotus 38/1 at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2010

Meanwhile, for E Type lovers everywhere, this is the ex-Lofty England car - chassis No. 4 - at Race Retro this year. This is another CMC restoration, like the Lindner Nocker car, and is a tribute the the superb craftsmanship of their team at Bridgnorth. Truly magnificent.

[Renegadenemo]

This is another CMC restoration, like the Lindner Nocker car, and is a tribute the the superb craftsmanship of their team at Bridgnorth. Truly magnificent.

Couldn't agree more. Quite exquisite. I'll be chuffed if our job turns out half as pretty. Mind you, ours was a bit of dog to begin with once you get up close so we can get away with anything...