S3 DHC body restoration - update - now for sale

[Paul Chapman]

Hi David

Yes I have been looking for a Lenham hardtop for a while now but they seem to be few and far between, and I understand that there have been some issues with the latest version regards the fit to the car. I look forward to seeing the pic's. of yours fitted in place.

I hope the S3 arrived safely today.

Paul

[dunclentdr]

Hi Paul - managed to drive the S3 130 miles home from Spalding in Lincs. - the last time it ran seriously was last year on the reverse trip - it was a joy to drive.

I will post some pics of the hardtop in a few days - it was the first S3 one fitted by the team at SMS, not far from you, so you could chat with them about the experience.

Attached is a very poor picture ripped from Instagram of the S3 at home.

David

[dunclentdr]

I promised to upload some pictures of the S3 now finally back from SMS, including ones with the hardtop for Paul who is interested in how they look/fit.

Overall SMS did a great job, the car is a little non-standard with Strombergs and a roll bar, I am delighted with how it looks and goes. Let's see some more French Blue on 60's cars!!!

David

[ken ob]

The silver and blue look great together.

Ken

[Paul Chapman]

Hello David

Thanks for posting these pic's. Your blue S3 and silver hard top really do suit each other very well indeed. You must be delighted with the outcome.

The fit of the hard top looks to be fine, are there any gaps or other issues, wind noise etc. I guess that you have not been out in the wet as yet to know if its water tight.

[dunclentdr]

Hi Paul - thanks, very pleased with the colour combination, also ran it with the top off today. With the silver top I think the Elan has a look of the Elite from the side too.

The hardtop hooks onto the header rail like a hood and is then kept in place by two bolts and nuts by the base of the hood frame, the lower rear then just rests on the rear of the car.

Wind noise is fine (drove back 130 mile from SMS) and airflow seems fine (i.e. not too much) and I do tend to leave the passenger window an inch or two open to help.

As you say, please there has been no chance to drive in the rain yet!!

I think because it is a two man job to put on/take off that it will stay on over winter, very pleased to have had it done and it gives a very nice change in feel/look of the car.

David

[dunclentdr]

In the next few days I'm going to list the S3 as for sale - amazing ?10k SMS body restoration, Spyder chassis, runs at Sprint pace on Strombergs, new carpets, hood and dash, wheels and tyres, new loom, uprated cooling, solid drive shafts make it a great spec. Originally bought from Paul Matty Sportscars in 2012.

Aiming for ?26995 including the lovely silver hardtop, lots of information on this thread about the work done, please give me a shout if interested.

David

[elanfan1]

Too cheap all IMHO.

[dunclentdr]

Thanks - the price has just gone up then!!!

Its a beautiful car and set up for nice fast road use with roll and side impact bars etc.

Still open to enquiries!!

David

[deryck]

Paul at SMS is absolutely brilliant, i believe they are the best in the country,
A real friendly team, , excellent work and great value only downside the timescale can be long!
i have pauls mobile and email if any member would like to speak to him direct,
just send me a PM,

best regards
Deryck