Spotted while changing a diff. The Duckworth Elan

Post by: **Bob** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 2:08 pm

I was over at Neil Myres in Northampton on Thursday changing a leaky 3.77 diff for a nice 3.55 diff to complement my 6 speed gearboxn in my S4. I notice under a cover an Elan FHC body taking shape I asked Ken Neil's dad what it was and he told me he was rebuilding the car that Colin Chapman gave to Keith Duckworth. It was known as the Duckworth Elan, apparently it had been written off at some point Ken had the vision to buy the remains off the insurance company and as we all know you dont need a great deal to start to rebuild an Elan especially when you have the skills of Ken Myres. I understand a lot of the original chassis and body parts are being used.

Just thought it might be of interest.
Bob

Post by: **garyeanderson** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 2:17 pm

Good story, what Series Coupe was it? Kind of surprised you didn't get a few pics to post. After all, you posted it in the "Elan Gallery"

Post by: **Bob** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 2:34 pm

Sorry I did not have a camera with me, what it is am not sure will ask Ken next time I speak to him, at a guess I think its a Sprint becuase I saw what I thought might be the remains of a Sprint colour scheme.
I could be wrong, and often am.
Bob

Post by: **elanfan1** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:06 pm

Got these whilst I was there on 12/7.

After cars owned by Jim Clarke, Chapman himself, Hickman what a car to own that would be!

Post by: **garyeanderson** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:37 pm

Sweet, Love Coupe's. Nice to see the body number 2552 under the headliner. Thanks for posting the pictures

p-a

Post by: **JJDraper** » Fri Jul 01, 2011 3:39 pm

Show car eh? Which one?

Even Ken didn't know!

Jeremy

Post by: **elanfan1** » Fri Jul 01, 2011 10:11 pm

JJDraper wrote:Show car eh? Which one?

Even Ken didn't know!

Jeremy

do not understand - can you elaborate?

Post by: **JJDraper** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 7:42 pm

Picture 1040672 shows the inside of the roof which clearly says 'Show Car'. I had a tour of the car, which is a tribute to the rebuild-able qualities of fibreglass (this one has had serious fire damage), and saw this note on the inside. Ken guesses that the car was built up as a show car and then passed on to KD.

Jeremy

Post by: **elanfan1** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 8:07 pm

JJDraper wrote:Picture 1040672 shows the inside of the roof which clearly says 'Show Car'. I had a tour of the car, which is a tribute to the rebuild-able qualities of fibreglass (this one has had serious fire damage), and saw this note on the inside. Ken guesses that the car was built up as a show car and then passed on to KD.

Jeremy

Sorry Jeremy - being thick! (not unusual) - I could not make out what it said but must admit I didn't try too hard.

Post by: **Bob** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:10 am

Another photo of the car taken on Saturday, Ken is progressing with it.

Post by: **deryck** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 4:56 pm

Dear All

I am pleased to say the car is finished and is now sitting in my garage delivered by Neil Myers today..
I have sent a picture to Tim for posting.
Ken and Neil did there usual magic and the car is a sensation after 4 years of hard work.
Paul at SMS did a fantastic job too.

The car is a very early S4 and was given to Keith by Colin chapman as a gift
As I worked at Cosworth for 17 years I am delighted to have rescued the car

Deryck.

Post by: **richardcox_lotus** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 5:23 pm

Wow. Bet you have some stories to tell !

As does the car!!

Post by: **trw99** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 5:34 pm

Here is the photo Deryck referred to. A wonderful looking FHC.

Tim

Post by: **gjz30075** » Wed Sep 27, 2017 11:29 pm

Thank you for the follow-up! More pics please: engine, chassis, etc.

Post by: **elansprint71** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 12:28 am

I imagine that that is the first time that the words Colin Chapman and gift have been in the same phrase. :twisted:

Spotted while changing a diff. The Duckworth Elan

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