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1950's Special - Microplas Mistral

By Tribute Automotive · 27 updates · Jan 2013 to Feb 2013

Read the full original thread (with everyone's replies) in the archive →

January 2013

10 Jan 2013, 10:19pm Getting Underway Chassis and Body
Throwing this tread out for some feedback and opinions from anyone with an interest in this sort of car/bodyshell.

This is a Microplas Mistral which was a GRP "special" body produced from 1955 until the mid 60's and originally designed to fit on the Ford 8/10 (Popular) chassis and running gear.









The shell was also adapted and used with other chassis/running gear setups by various other manufacturers such as TVR and in the hands of racers ended up as cars such as this V8 equipped beauty....



More photo's at: http://melton.ca/Scott/photos/imagesMistral/index.htm

...and this one off with Coventry Climax power




So, after that very brief history, the reason for the request for feedback, I have just purchased this and will be picking it up on Saturday:




It will need a little work to get it back into shape, but having done that who knows what's next? Produce a cheap and cheerful shell that allows the buyer to choose the base car? Hang it on a Lotus 7 type chassis? MX5 body conversion?

Your opinions and ideas please.
11 Jan 2013, 8:56pm General Update


It does sit well doesn't it :icon_razz:
11 Jan 2013, 9:13pm Mechanical Overhaul Chassis and Body


Nick, I have a complete Ford Pop chassis and running gear to set the body up on. I will be selling it once the body is moulded, I will post some pictures for you to get infatuated about :icon_twisted:

Wheelbase is 90" and I will check the track/width once the shell is home.

Here's a cheap car to re-body:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DUTTON-MELOS-1984-/290840422487?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43b770a857

A roof? Right, let me open photoshop....:smash:
11 Jan 2013, 9:25pm General Update


Must have a daylight MOT.

I will have to check the measurements, but I'm sure we can make it fit the Z3/4
11 Jan 2013, 9:34pm Mechanical Overhaul Interior & Trim


Adding a universal internal frame and outriggers to the body would open up a massive choice of base cars, everyone has their own favorite.

MGB Roadster's have a 91" wheelbase and a removable windscreen frame...
13 Jan 2013, 6:30pm Mechanical Overhaul Interior & Trim
I made the trip up to Bracknell on Saturday to pick up the Mistral shell. Mark, who I bought it from, has several other "Special" cars and shells, including this Mk1 Mistral that had been narrowed at some point in it's life.



Once back home I roughly mocked up the various sections of the shell to see how complete it was. Not too bad, only the front lower corners of both wheel arches/valance and one lower wheel arch section in front a rear wheel are missing. These sections can be easily duplicated/replaced and repairs done before the new moulds are taken.

















I know that some "kit cars" have a reputation for taking a long time to build or never getting finished, but I find the fact that this shell has not even been trimmed to shape after 50+ years quite incredible!





13 Jan 2013, 7:45pm Mechanical Overhaul Chassis and Body


:pound: Sorry about the "Bling" rims, they are left over from my B*ntl*y replica and were the only wheels I had at home to mock up with. The Ford Pop chassis will be here later this week so I can do a more "period" mock up.

Dimensions for the shell, as is, are 59" wide at wheel arches (both ends), 12' 4" long, and about 24" high at the ride height shown!

Having now had time to study the lines of the shell I am thinking that, with some clever mould making, it will be possible to offer the shell in various length/wheelbase options, from 83-84" up to 99-100". This will allow fitment to multiple base cars without the need for modifications after the shell comes out of the mould.

13 Jan 2013, 8:38pm Mechanical Overhaul


Hi Tim

Great Blog, you must be almost ready for some Spring driving.
15 Jan 2013, 9:38pm Engine Chassis and Body Interior & Trim


The cockpit is untrimmed on my shell, so yes it looks a little "compact".

You can see on this body how it has been trimmed and a return added to the edge.



There seems to be enough room for "The King" in these pictures :usa:



Pop chassis being delivered tomorrow Nick, complete with original plywood floor panels, lovely old seats, and 1 and a 1/4" copper exhaust pipe (I kid you not!) :dizzy:
16 Jan 2013, 9:35pm Chassis and Body


Thank you for that potted history Nike.

Pop chassis was delivered today, so we chucked the Mistral body on to check width, not one of our best car builds!





Feel the power!!! :laugh:

16 Jan 2013, 9:40pm Chassis and Body


The plan is to mould the shell and offer it a as a "budget" body with flip front that the builder can bond to the chassis of their choice.
17 Jan 2013, 10:29pm Mechanical Overhaul Chassis and Body


Hardly surprising really, it's 1953 Chevy pick up chassis with 1999 Jag XJR axles and E Type wheels!! :usa2:
17 Jan 2013, 10:33pm Mechanical Overhaul Chassis and Body
Did you spot that the Pop chassis has cable brakes! :icon_eek:
21 Jan 2013, 9:34pm General Update


Great to talk to you today Chris :icon_mrgreen:

Very productive, see you soon......

24 Jan 2013, 10:52pm General Update


Now that I have been very kindly offered the use of a set of Mistral moulds by "Electron" (see post at top of page), I don't need to create any moulds from the shell I have, so the logical thing to do is sell it.....simple :dizzy:
26 Jan 2013, 8:21pm General Update
Just a thought.....

28 Jan 2013, 10:26pm General Update
Both is an option :juggle:

February 2013

9 Feb 2013, 10:13pm Chassis and Body


My Mistral shell and Ford Pop chassis have now been sold and delivered to Italy to it's new owner.

Chris Gale has kindly lent us his set of Mistral moulds, and delivered them to us today. Thank you Chris :tea:





Having now had a chance to study the moulds, we have calculated that we can offer a set of 4 sections of the body (as the mould shown), that can be bonded together to produce a full shell, for [SIZE="5"]£795[/SIZE] (no VAT).

We will be producing the first set of panels over the next 2 weeks and announcing options and costs for bulkheads, doors etc.

Due to present workload, Dan will be dealing with all of the Mistral information and orders, he will be starting a new tread shortly.