Mothers Of Reinvention: Classics Reborn
A Jensen On The Button – & More

Trying to pick out cars worthy of Spotlights at this year’s Classic Motor Show led to a list that was just a bit silly long. So many of the pure restorations would be worthy in their own right, showing off thousands of hours of passion and dedication, but straight-up rebuilds were only a part of the story.

What you might not be expecting were cars like this, the Bavarez Jensen FF.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

This was my first glimpse of the FF in its completed state; sited by one of the NEC’s entrances, it was a case of bees around honey – the car attracted a constant crowd. Last year they showed a restored bare metal shell with a massive Chrysler V8 sitting intimidatingly next to it. Fast forward a year, and this is the result: a marriage of power and glory, making the most fearsome four-wheel drive grand tourer on the planet.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Four-wheel drive? Yep; Bavarez stuck with the layout, helped by the elongated original design that gave them enough space to fit their supercharged 1968 383ci Chrysler V8 in there – horizontally, if not vertically.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Bavarez have sensibly not messed with the FF’s stunning lines – those of an Interceptor put to the rack – and instead concentrated on how to present it in a manner that is somehow both contemporary and classic. What a success. The enormous curved panoramic rear is counterpointed by the low-slung ride and dragster-style wheels, complete with their old school Michelin Racing markings.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

It’s been a true labour of love. Bavarez described the shell as being nearer to lace curtains than a solid piece of metal when they stripped it back, and they had to hand craft new panels from front to back.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The bare shell has been coated with a special varnish, whilst the exposed upper section of the engine is like a steam punk howitzer. The next thing to do is see – and hear – this car in action, and shoot it under rather more agreeable lighting conditions. This is only the first step on this FF’s evolution from basket-case barn find to barnstorming beauty, so we need to act fast to capture it in its current, brutal guise.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

More gleaming craziness was to be found on the Marcos stand. This was a real case of pinching yourself – surely this was just a piece of science fiction film madness?

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Its appearance in A Clockwork Orange aside, the Probe 16 from 1969 was a very real, if totally off-the-wall, exercise in extreme styling design. It was penned by Dennis and Peter Adams, who had previously worked for Marcos – hence it appearing on that stand.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The brothers Adams were also responsible for the more angular but equally extreme Mantis XP prototype racer.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Three Probe 16s were made in total, featuring wooden monocoques and GRP bodywork typical of Marcos at the time. This was just one model in a line of futuristic cars that they designed.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The interior is a riot of ’60s sci-fi tech; the roof over the insectoid glass area of the cockpit slides back electronically and headlights are mounted in extraordinarily long pop-up pods. This Probe 16 was beautifully restored about a decade ago, and it’s as radical (and yes, bonkers) now as it was 45 years ago.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Back to earth for a moment, for this C3 Corvette. I’d seen this car before and loved the retro livery, but hadn’t realised quite what a rich history it had and why the Saudia logos were there for a reason. This was truly one of a magnificent seven, with a story just as epic.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

1979: a shipment of unsold Corvettes had been gently broiling under the Saudi Arabian sun, when a group of British engineers working for the local national airline came across them. Bought for a song, they somehow got their employer to come in on an amazing idea to get the seven cars back to the UK. It’s the kind of thing that you could only dream of happening…

Classic_Motor_Show_2014_spotlight-014

Saudi Airlines sponsored the Williams Formula 1 team at the time, so the agreement was for Corvette, repainted in Saudia liveries, to take part in a truly awesome road trip that would start in Jeddah, cross by boat to Athens and then travel up through Europe to end up at Silverstone for the 1979 British Grand Prix.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

This is one of the only survivors of that trip, immaculately restored to its original condition.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

I’m a sucker for a C3 anyway, so combine it with this shining Edelbrock V8 and the awesome story, and you’ve got one hell of a Corvette to cherish.

An Armed Escort & Major Minor
The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

In my main story from the Classic Motor Show, I mentioned that anything with a Classic Touring Car Racing Club roundel on the side would always be worth checking out. This MkII Escort is a case in point.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Even from a distance this yellow peril was obviously something out of the ordinary. The aggressive bodykit and buff aero was there for a purpose too…

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

That’s because this Escort packs a frighteningly powerful Cosworth YB Turbo under the bonnet, with nickel liners, a billet crank and connecting rods, forged pistons, a big Garrett turbo… the list is endless. It’s a beast – and a championship-winning beast at that.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Wealden Racing have been campaigning this car for almost two decades, and it’s just been getting faster and faster. It’s now up to 500hp, will do a standing quarter in 11 seconds and gets to 60mph in 3.5 seconds. I need to see this thing race next year…

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Morris. It’s not normally a name that you associated with speed – quite the reverse. It’s why I’m so pleased to be coming across increasing numbers of modified builds and even drag cars based on the humble Minor, Britain’s mass-produced answer to the Beetle.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The Light Commercial Vehicle pick-up variant was made in period, but never like this… Arise, the spirit of Colin Chapman, and inhabit this Lotus Morris Minor!

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The owner restored the Morris over a period of half a dozen years, sourcing NOS panels and equipment (even the chassis is a proper original part), whilst planning the pièce de resistance: a fully rebuilt Lotus Twin Cam.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The Twin Cam has been bored out to 1660cc, features forged pistons and a head upgrade, lightweight crank and high-lift cams. To balance out this new-found power up front, the Morris has an AP Racing competition clutch, a Quaife diff and the back-end from an Escort.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

In the slightly jacked-up rear was a scrapbook documenting the build, which gave a good idea of just what a heap the owner started with. Top marks for this one.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Italian coach builders feature large in the history of the British automotive industry and there’s always been a strong link between the two which has led to some well known collaborations. I mentioned a number in the first story, which name-checked the likes of Giugiaro, Bertone, Touring and more. But there were two cars I had never come across before bearing the iconic Z for Zagato.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The first was a Zimp: a Hillman Imp reworked by the same Zagato designer responsible for Aston Martin’s beautiful DB4 GT. The second was this: the TCZ. But this fastback coupé was a Rover. A Rover?

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The Rover TCZ concept was presented at the 1967 Turin Motor Show, the compact coupé was based on a Rover chassis but then sprinkled with Zagato fairy dust and a lightweight alloy body. Inside, the TCZ also showed its Italian flair over British reserve, with a much more sporty layout.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

It used some standard parts, like a P6 grille and lights, but then disguised them under typical Italianate tricks, such as with the overhanging bonnet line which reminds me of an Alfa Montreal.

Classic_Motor_Show_2014_spotlight-030

The high rear gives it real coupé class, and it shows the wedge shape emerging that would come to dominate the next decade. A 120mph top speed wasn’t shabby either, for 1967. The car wasn’t taken through into production though, and this remains the only example.

Go Small But Go Wide
The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

A TR7 might perhaps seem a more obvious starting point for fattening up and up-gunning a classic Triumph, but this GT6 Mk3 really stood out. If something so small and so low could do that…

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The GT6 was the coupé version of the classic Spitfire and a pretty cool little pocket rocket in standard form. But this one had been completely reinvented.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The awesome wide body kit wasn’t just there for show – under the bonnet was a modified Volvo S40 unit pushing out almost 300hp.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Everything has been upgraded for performance. The running gear has been taken from various more modern Fords, and it packs double wishbones front and rear plus adjustable springs and dampers.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Just how low it was is demonstrated by the fact I didn’t have to do anything except point the camera down for this shot… It’s going to be an awesome track weapon that’ll humble many a supercar owner!

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

Finally, a great homage to an underrated part of Porsche’s racing history: a 924 Carrera GTP.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The original this car is based on car sits in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart – actually a 944 prototype that was entered at the 1981 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Classic_Motor_Show_2014_spotlight-038

The owner was overly modest about his achievements so far. It’s work in progress, but already looked pretty damn authentic from the outside whilst looking appropriately effective under the skin.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The aim is to create a capable trackday car; a 924 is already a good starting point (far more sensible than a 911, you could argue), and the sizeable turbo that feeds the inline four will provide plenty of power. I also love the proper race-style heat lagging around the intercooler pipe.

The 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

The flared arches are filled out with, of course, split-rim BBS wheels on a wide track. What other choice could there be?!

Jonathan Moore
Instagram: speedhunters_jonathan
jonathan@speedhunters.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments



Comments are closed.

26 comments

by Oldest
by Best by Newest by Oldest
1

Some nice stuff

2

Lovely stuff... Rover concept is wonderful

3

Would love to see more on the Escort MKII

4

Oh, that GT6 is terrible. It is a great design let down by Triumph running gear. Putting a new motor and trans in there looks good and the front suspension is changed, I am hoping that they got rid of that weak swing axle rear. Clean, Le Mans Spitfires (the originator of the GT6) or the Macau Spitfire are as good as it gets.

5

@Worksport I think there should be a history lesson on the Escort, and a side-by-side comparison of the UK models and the neutered, thin-blooded embarrassing runts we were punished with in the USA.
 THANKS FORD.

6

Derelict I will send this man a redbull, it is obvious someone has put prunes in his Monday morning coffee.

7

Love that escort so much, Ford really excelled the selves when making the Escort Mk1s and Mk2s, amazing cars sand such a great following,will always be with me

8

D1RGE EXE the focus and fiesta st are pretty fun cars to chuck around

9

I had the chance to speak to the owner of the Zagato Zimp and get lots of photos, interesting storey about it, head over here to see-
http://www.thepetrolstop.com/2014/11/zagato-zimp.html

10

heath scotchford Ah, good job: that was a smart little car. Rather more retro looking, but still another lovely piece of Zagato styling.

11

LukeEVOVIII They really did, didn't they? Such flexible cars – you can do so much with them.

12

Derelict I hear what you're saying, and I love clean, straight-up originals as much as the next man, but I really think those two cars showcase exciting, fresh takes on old classics. The FF, sure, it's deliberately made to annoy certain people (viz the slogan on Baravarez t-shirts!), though they have said that it's possibly going to end up almost stock by the end of the project. No harm in going off piste on the way!
The Triumph though, I'm more surprised. I think that's much more in character with what people were doing in period, but just more cleanly done with modern sensibilities and materials. I love what they've done with it! I'll try and find out about the axle: with all the other changes, I can't believe that wouldn't have been sorted as well. This is a proper performance project.

13

D1RGE EXE Hehe... that did make me laugh... Aww, US Escorts. It was like some kind of punishment!

14

thecottonmouth D1RGE EXE ah, but (and I'm sure D1RGE EXE might agree with me on this...) the euro escorts (RS, RS Cossie, Xr3i et al) were a lot more fun then their US counterparts in their time and as for Fiestas.... http://www.rsownersclub.co.uk/rs-marques/rs-turbo/ I can Vouch for how insane these little monsters can become with modern parts and solid engineering know how. Sadly they get very little love as not many people understand what they are : ( 
America got screwed when it came to the 80s/90s and fords, Dagenham created some stunningly mental (for their time) machines as seen here: (http://www.speedhunters.com/2011/11/garages_gt_gt_the_ford_heritage_collection_pt_i/) and Ive not even mentioned the RS200 or the RS, Xr4x4i Sierra :) ....

15

HoTWire Yep, I thought I'd seen another Princess from a distance, which wouldn't have, uh, been so exciting. But as soon as I saw the overhanging bonnet line I knew it was something different. Go Rover! There was a lovely SD1 tourer as well: I'm building up to featuring one of those supertanker-size monsters!

16

Jonathan Moore D1RGE EXE they had the Mustang, we had the RS200, I think it was a fair swap...... ; )

17

Jonathan Moore HoTWire You could feature the Tom Radford SD1 if you can find it :D

18

HoTWire Jonathan Moore Ha, yeah, nice idea! And I've heard it's not shocking pink any more, thank god! Puts on deer-stalker...

19

Dear lord I want that MKII Escort! The rally style arches, the interior or lack of, it`s just perfection.

20

Jonathan Moore heath scotchford well theres not much you can do when working with an Imp apart from smooth it off :)

21

Jonathan Moore Derelict Please do not tell me that the Interceptor was a genuine FF. Note that an FF is a special 4WD version of the Interceptor and only about 320 were produced. An even bigger travesty if it was. 

I am by no means a purist. I have owned and driven heavily modified MGBs, Land Rovers, and made a living servicing and maintaining strictly vintage British cars. There are, however, certain models that should not be messed with, or should be done tastefully. There is a Jag V12 swapped MGB around. That is 100% amazing. A rare car, like that FF, is one that should have been restored, and if modified, done so tastefully. 

The GT6 is an interesting car. It is a great car let down by everything but design. Michelotti did a magnificent job in penning the "Baby E Type" only to have it be let down by crap Triumph running gear. I love the suspension and running gear swap but the flares are just bothersome. The bonnet flares are a natural step to what was originally there but the rears just look terrible. It could be that the rear wheels are the exact same width as the fronts (looking at it makes it seem that they did swap the rear suspension out for a wider track one) leaving an unsightly gap.

22

924 Carrera GTR is one of the greatest cars ever. A 4 cylinder hatchback that placed high at Le Mans and could do almost 300kph. In 1981. You could then lend it to your Nan to go to the shops. Low compression too, would have pretty good service intervals.

23
Speedhunters_Bryn

Derelict Jonathan Moore The Jensen is a genuine FF, being fully rebuilt for an incredibly enthusiastic owner. It was rescued from a garden where an enthusiast had let it decay, waiting for a time to restore it. Nothing has been done which is not reversible and eventually it will be the best FF in the world, except for once there's some fun on the way through the process. We'll be featuring it in the new year, so you can read the full story then :)

24

Using a distinct affair to seem to is an excellent starting place when you will
decide to shed pounds, nevertheless it defintely won't be adequate http://www.trxaustraliax.com that may help you keep the
excess weight down next time has expired.
Prior to starting in your weight
loss endeavor, develop a way to self motivate to prevent http://www.protrxau.com/ the body weight burning
proceeding. You can't get a improved commitment for weight reduction rather than
get fit along with think empowered.
Find a activity or maybe activity you
can love to finding people relocating. There's no need to expend a lot of time
in a gymnasium, except if http://www.australiatrx.com/ is precisely what you choose to do, another choice is always to
commit a bit make the most home gym machines.
A rise in the exact amount and
also power of exercising through as low as 20 min on a daily basis are able to
do wonders to assist you http://www.aucheaptrx.com/trx-force-kit.html achieve
weight reduction ambitions. Experts recommend getting rid of a maximum of 2
pounds 7.

25

derektmead omg!

26

strngwys haha yeah! It's actually an FF hence the AWD but I'm tired. It looks SO MEAN

OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS