S3 DHC body restoration - update - now for sale

[dunclentdr]

Thanks for all of the previous advice and posts on getting my '66 S3 repainted and body restored.

Three months in at SMS (who have been A1) the work is starting to come together and here are a few 'teaser' shots they have sent me.

Colour choice was between red and French Blue - I think the blue works!! The car is somewhat non-standard (roll bar and Strombergs plus a seemingly very fast engine, solid drive shafts too) so a nice bright colour scheme fits the 'fast road spec' well I hope.

David

[TroonSprint]

Interesting where your mirrors are fitted. I have the same type and was wondering where they ought to go. I quite like the idea of them not being on the door. Before the rebuild, did you drive the car with the mirrors there? What were they like? Great colour, by the way.

Mike

[dunclentdr]

Thanks Mike.

Here's a pic of the mirror before - seemed to work fine but the mirror was 'floppy' which meant it often pointed in the wrong direction!

David

[richardcox_lotus]

I had a previous mirror location like that and had it removed as it was non-adjustable and all I could see was the road.

[pharriso]

Love the colo(u)r!

My mirrors are similar in both style & position..

[Europatc]

David good choice the blue is like Bugatti blue
you won't want to take it out in case it gets scratched or chipped
all the best
Stuart

[pereirac]

SMS did my car about 10 years ago and it's still looking good... Great bunch of people

Carl

[dunclentdr]

S3 still at SMS but coming towards the end now - chrome to add, new loom and dash and upgraded cooling system - thought a colour change from red to French Blue was a risk but I think I like it!

For anyone considering SMS, their work so far has been fantastic, thanks to all for recommendations.

[richardcox_lotus]

That really is a lovely colour.

[Famous Frank]

Looks terrific! I'm partial to that color also.

Don't you love it when a plan comes together!

Frank

[dunclentdr]

Final stages now - it always felt great on Spyder chassis and with side and rollover bars, went brilliantly on TC and Strombergs (not original in 1966 but hey) but had poor cooling, interior and body.

So, 9 months on coming to the final stages now. SMS have been brilliant and the S3 is emerging with fantastic body in a new colour - French Blue - new loom, interior, hood, chrome and cooling system. Can't wait!!

David

[sneadd]

Love the colour. I like the power bulge on the bonnet and not seen one quite like that before - is there a story to it?
Dave

[dunclentdr]

Dave - thanks - the bulge is just to accomodate Stromberg carbs which were fitted to many Elans, but not as early as 1966 - mine has had a Stromberg head fitted at some point.

Lots of opinions about which is best (Weber or Stromberg), I have cars with one of each and the Stromberg car runs much better!

David

[Certified Lotus]

Looks great! Who makes the roll bar?

[dunclentdr]

Thanks - Spyder Cars - bolts straight onto the chassis along with sill and footbox members.