The famous racing A40 "Zoey" goes to auction!

[Keith Bennett]

Interestingly, exactly the same opinion was expressed by two very elderly (but still sharp!) ex-Longbridge employees when they visited our Club stand at the NEC one year. They cheerfully admitted that the line inspectors would regularly pass cars (not necessarily A40s) with "minor" faults like slight discrepancies in wheelbase (but not track) and even panel fit. Doors used to present problems; usual fix was for a fitter to be summoned, armed with two wedges of hardwood, who would position them at suitable places, open the window, grasp the top of the door and physically bend the pressing into better shape!

At this particular show, "Ausy", Stoney's fearsome Mk1 took pride of place and the old boys fell upon the car with huge delight. Ironically they were very interested in the leading edge of the bonnet which, on Stoney's example, was quite rusty. They said that the designers feared that the strengthening panel welded below the front lip would create a vortex as - especially - cold wet air entering the hot engine bay would curl up and around that panel and probably create condensation. But of course the cars were brand new and so there were no rusty examples. Hence their happiness at seeing just what 60 years on the road had actually done to Ausy.

We lives, we learns . . .

[Graham Bish]

My first job in the Motor Industry was working for a Ford Dealer in 1989 just after the launch of the Mk3 Fiesta. This new model did not have a traditional drip rail but relied upon the rubber seal around the top of the door. To stop water leaks I was shocked to see the body shop regularly bend the top of the door over with a knee against the door card and a firm hand on the top rail with the window down!

[monty]

Gabs restoration

Keith your Gab resto photos and comments, are for me , totally inspiring and convince me that at the rigth time I can emulate you. Every photo teaches me a little more . the more experience the restorer the easier it is to them, so their photos and comments may miss some of the thing that the more ignorant (me) need to be aware of.

[Keith Bennett]

Monty, I know a little about your long life and passion for all things classic, so I'm honoured to think that you might be inspired by my amateur bodging.

[scotty]

I understand to my absolute amazement, "ZOE" made £45,000 at auction.

[Keith Bennett]

I take it, then, that you're not her new owner? Any idea who is?

[exlkrs]

45k? It's very special but not 45k special! The world has gone mad!!

[scotty]

Not me KB, not for that condition. Trying to find who has committed those funds. Presumably they have the Monte Historic in mind, will need to dig deeper to get her ready.

[Lizclassic]

I had no idea Keith…..very interesting
£45,000 !!