My 1600 GT making some progress.
2014-07-28 by SIA@...
After far too many years my 1600 GT is finally nearly complete so far as major components being present.
When I got it the prior owners had paid to have a Mazzzda rotary engine and trans put in.
Worst engine conversion EVER!
It sat so far forward that much of the engine was ahead of the front wheels, the balance of the car had to be ruined.
Without "Engine braking" the rear brakes wore out PDQ, and so the Marcos sat for in a poor location for many years.
It's sat too long under my care as well, but at least it is inside and out of the damp.
I had plans to put an Alfa-Romeo 2000 and five speed into it, partly because they are relatively easy to find and not expensive.
it turns out that the Alfa trans is too big to fit a wood chassis very well.
So I found a Ford T9 box and began to make an adapter.
Then I found a second T9.
Finally decided that since the wood wonders are suddenly popular and gaining in value I should just make it nearly original.
Now I've finally located a "Kent" 1600 (711M) engine to build, along with a twin Weber manifold.
So now I have a "Correct" engine and nearly correct five speed OD trans.
I also recently restored a set of period correct Shelby "Cobra" 13" wheels to fit but I think they may be a bit narrow at only 5" wide.
I also have another set of 5.5" wheels I am going to try to have restored.
Now I'm after parts to build the engine and adapt the ex-Merkur T9 box.
Really need a set of chassis engine mounts in order to verify how the drive-train will fit.
The biggest and most expensive part I need will be a new front windscreen.
I'm going to insure that to the max when I buy it, I've had horrible luck with windscreens and English shipping companies!