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This April, I collected from my brother-in-law's lockup garage in east London a 4/4 Series II that he had owned since 1967 and last used in 1974. I guess one might call it a barn find but without the association with bucolic locations!

Anyway, I thought TM members might be interested in a few photos.

After 14 years on the road followed by 43 years languishing in the lockup garage means that the car needs a total rebuild with much of the body shot and true state of the chassis unknown until the car is stripped down. However, I aim to try and retain as much as practical just to keep some history and patina. Interestingly the bench seat and seat squabs are not too bad although the Ride-on-Air bladders leak!

Apart from that, the car is complete apart from the instrument panel and dashboard (it has a non-standard one in place); has been upgraded with front disc brakes (drums as standard) and the original Ford 100e engine and gearbox disappeared in the 1960s and replaced with an Anglia 1200cc engine and four speed gearbox. I also have a Cortina 1500 GT engine and 2000e gearbox so that will go in taking it to 4/4 Series V spec.

Interestingly, in the 1960s Peter Morgan homologated the 4/4 with the FIA with a rather liberal touch specifying twin 40DCOE Webers, four-branch exhaust and even a dry-sump oil system and hydraulic shock absorbers (not Armstrong lever-arms) which allows a potential fair degree of freedom for historic racing.

Thanks for all the interest and kind words of encouragement.

Until I manage to sell my Royale FP3 historic FF1600, I shan't be doing too much, particularly dismantling as space and funds are at a premium.

However, I have just picked up some ash to enable me to repair the spare wheel carrier that was damaged I suspect in the early 1960s. Also, I am keeping my eyes open for the correct cream coloured switches - one down, three to go. eBay is a fantastic resource for such things; one just needs to be patient.

I have also bought an aluminium combined tail and remote gear change casting that will help lose around 7kgs from the teplacement 2000e gearbox.

For the time being, it's slowly, slowly, catchy monkee!

Nice project , but around 800 h work.


Stefan

What a lucky find, good luck with the rebuild. Love the starting handle.

Nice one David,

If you need a hand with anything just shout. Mind you the Ford engine is so light you can do a lot single handed with the right kit.

There is definitely something special about resurrecting a car that was in the family , and making it roadworthy again.

May you have many happy hours in the garage.

What a great project, hope it all goes well and your on the road fairly quickly.
It would be interesting to have regular updates on your progress.

Worthers +8

Once again, many thats for your interest and enthusiastic support.

Andy, thank you for your kind offer. I shall certainly let you know. By the way, I understand that it was at John McKechnie's request that Peter Morgan compiled and submitted the homologation papars to the FIA. Of course you used to own the ex-John McKechnie +4 and so may know more that I do on this subject!

Over the last week, I have been repairing and replacing the woodwork that forms the spare wheel carrier frame and also the frame that supports the luggage shelf. Removing the rusted mild steel screws and bolts has been aided by a traditional coachbuilders trick of using a decent sized soldering iron applied to the offending items. It works a treat and is much better than chewing the screw and bolt heads and risking unnecessary damage to the ash frame.

More photos to follow but I shall be distracted by the VSCC races at Oulton Park this weekend as well as having guests from Germany staying. Oh yes and the Morgans are visiting to so will be good to catch up with a few of these guys, some of whom were competing when I was out playing!