STRIPPED OUT

The project is now just a rolling shell. Everything has been stripped off to allow the blaster to get to the exterior panel seams and explore the critical structural areas. On first inspection the inner arches, bottom of the rear screen, rear seat base and A/B/C pillars are surprisingly good.

ANOTHER PROJECT BEGINS

With prices rising, cars previously thought to be beyond repair and only good for breaking are getting saved like this early Sprint GT Veloce. Judging by the tax disc it last spun a wheel in 1980 and has spent quite few of the last 31 years under a damp tarpaulin so now every exterior panel is shot through with rust. It seems to have spent part of its life as a competition car as the rear bulkhead has been blanked off to prevent fuel getting into the cabin in the event of a crash and the rear wing used to have a quick filler fuel cap. There's no sign of a roll cage but they were usually optional in the 60s and early 70s.
Back to the track is where this project is heading but reclothed in aluminium and fitted with GTA running gear, all to FIA regulations. 

The first step is to strip out the remaining parts and grit blast the panel seams to reveal all the spot welds. This will aid removal of all exterior panels so the 'tub' can then be blasted again and repairs started. It will have floors, sills, front cross member, jacking points etc etc and then the aluminum panels can be riveted on.

GTA REPLICA ASSEMBLY BEGINS

After 30 years off the road and 10 years in pieces the assembly has begun! Getting the shell rolling was the first priority so freshly powder-coated and re-bushed suspension components go on. With track days planned a fast road handling kit has been fitted with stiff Bilstien shocks on the front and softer Konis on the rear. Next up is the steering gear, front hubs/discs and 9/41 limited slip back axle. The extra rare Campagnolo 7x13 might just fit under the wheel arches but it wont be until after the engine, 'box and everything else is on and ride height is set that we'll know. If not they'll kept for a wide body car. I found this picture of a Monzeglio GTA wearing a set at Monza in 1970 but Monzeglio would have used deep rear discs and probably spacers at the front to increase track.
Once the shell is rolling the brake parts will go on with light alloy front calipers to keep unsprung weight down. After that there's wiring and then lights etc etc etc.... The list is long but the aim is to have the car together and shooken down for the Goodwood Classic Alfa track day in June.

Motto Guzzi Ercole.

Moto Guzzi Ercole. Not an Alfa but not something you often see over here.  This half bike half ttipper truck came in a deal with a Spider and has proved very useful. Built by Moto Guzzi as a utility vehicle for builders, farmers, grocers and even travelling circus performers in Falini’s 1951 film, La Strada these motocarros used to be a common sight in Italy.

This one arrived at the garage as a non runner but with no obvious signs of mechanical malaise. With fresh fluids and the carb cleaned out it kicked into life and ran well. 

GTA Replica

Below is one my current projects that I am working on.

 

GTA REPLICA

Currently building my own GTA replica to a very high spec with a genuine GTA engine, close ratio gearbox, 9/41 limited slip diff and many more original GTA parts.

Watch this space. 

Happy New Year.

 The Victory Garage website is now up and running.  It's not 100% finished but check it out and feel free to comment.

www.victorygarage.co.uk