Home-built projects like these are always so tantalizing, largely because you know if you own it, no one else will have anything like it on the road. Of course, it also means the quality of the product is up to the capabilities of the builder, but the seller in this case seems eager to establish that it’s not the builder’s first rodeo. The “boat tail speedster” moniker may seem overused at times, but in this case, it looks exactly as described when viewed from the rear. The seller claims there is no fiberglass to be found and that the body was entirely formed with an English Wheel. Find the one-off speedster here on craigslist for $15,900.
From this view, there’s no doubt the boat tail description applies. The British Racing Green paint appears to be of very high quality from this side of the computer screen, looking darn near perfect in photos. According to the listing, the body frame is made of welded half-inch and one-inch box steel with aircraft rivets installed by an airplane mechanic. The speedster rides on a modified 1980 Triumph Spitfire chassis upgraded to GT6 specs featuring front disc brakes, independent rear suspension, and rack & pinion steering. The wheels are real-deal TR6 knock-offs, too.
Sometimes, on custom models like these, the interior leaves a lot to be desired. Not so here, as either the seller or the builder chose to finish the cockpit to a high level. It features aluminum seats sourced from Speedway Motors and covered in stressed leather, and despite their racy proportions, they are apparently designed to accommodate drivers up to 6’4. The dash is a simple affair but it’s not full of warped wood and holes, and I have little doubt based on the overall completeness shown that all the gauges still work. The steering wheel is bus-like in the classic British sports car fashion, so despite being a custom build, it also looks very close to factory inside.
The drivetrain is just as well thought out as the rest of the car, featuring a Triumph GT6 two-liter mill making 100 b.h.p. Recent work done to the engine includes a new head gasket and rebuilt carburetors, and the seller claims it makes excellent compression. Overall, this seems like a very fun way to spend $16,000 without having to go down the path of commissioning a build yourself or spending a ton of cash on a Morgan three-wheeler for the same kinds of thrills. If nothing else, it seems worthwhile to save this seller’s info so you can have him build you one when the timing is right.
What an impressive build. It looks great.
Very impressive indeed! The builder is a master with metalwork IMHO and if that individual did the rest of the work as well they are truly phenomenal people. Building an affordable and unique vehicle such as this by hand in metal is a rapidly dying art.
This would be an absolute blast to drive and yes no other like it I’ll wager in oncoming traffic anywhere until someone with a 3D printer has to copy it..😳
“Sold Sold Sold”..Damn damn damn
I saw that on the ad Terrry – but what does it mean when the ad is still up? Is that a technique to solicit more interest? Or do you think they just have a verbal and, perhaps down-payment?
Maybe waiting on final payment.
Nice build but BRG?–NO.
Looks like a nice build. If I were interested in it I would source a set of cycle fenders or have the builder create a set. Then mount a plate and take it from there.
Too bad no doors or cutouts. I’m a little old the doing the Duke’s of Hazzard entry anymore.
Agree with all the above. If I got my hands on this car I would move the front axles forward about 12 to 14 inches and you’d have something that closer resembles the Bugatti. Great metal work on this one.
Most cars are cheaper than a Bugatti.
I’m with bobhess on the front axle placement. Totally screws up the look of an otherwise nice build. Not to mention the handling.
This is one a friend of mine built about twenty years ago with the front wheels much further forward as suggested by Bobhess. This had a Jaguar 4.2L straight six mill implant and went like heck.
How cool and a great price.
Nice work, but that axle really needs to be moved forward.
I look to be outnumbered, but I think this thing is a monstrosity.
Steve , Thanks I was trying to figure out what I was missing. The work and somebody doing it and and well is great. But just thin from a looks stand point, not so hot.
Don´t feel lonely Steve. Being outnumbered is my normal state, participating on the group level being anathema to me.
The grill is two feet forward of where it should be, right over the front axle.
Agree about the axle.
Unfortunately a lot of specials are built on chassis where the axle placement is ‘wrong’. In general, in the evolution of car design, mid-30s onwards the radiator began to creep forward.
One even sees Bentley specials where the same fundamental has been disregarded.
But I still admire the workmanship that went into it.
he ran the stock frame and didn t probably want the ugly a frames to show