Thanks Jcole, I only stumbled on the advert by chance and as soon as I saw the photos I knew there was something a bit special here. There wasn't much info on the ad but the photos provided all I needed to identify the car ( it took many hours on google ! ).
It was a bit of a once in a life time find really, these bodies by Giordanengo simply never come onto the open market. You can buy a finished on the road car but you are talking telephone numbers ! This actual car when it was fitted over the Boano chassis was at Coy's auction in Monaco with a guide price of 400-500k Euro's !!
It has been a really rewarding build, time consuming and utilising all my engineering experience, but well worth it in the end, its a great car !
Here are a couple of up to date photos. Just a bit of detail not posted so far.
Finished boot area , under the bonnet and the fitted head light covers I moulded up.
Thanks everyone ! Moving onto lots of neglected DIY jobs around the house next. That will keep me going for a month or two .
I've got a couple of ideas for my next project, watch this space !
Could this be a Formosa with a bit of a twist on the styling ? I think there is one underneath it !
Hello Paul, I only did a mile or two in donor 7. That had 50 profile tyres so quite a harsh ride but very grippy with good feel. The 80 profile tyres helped with the gearing with the bigger engine. The handling still very good but slightly softer thanks to the higher profile. I didn't get anywhere near its limits, I tend to drive pretty steady anyway !
The build of any project is the best bit for me. Once completed I'm always thinking what to build next ! Been the same in most of the jobs I've had over the years, building bespoke pumping systems for the oil & gas industry being my most recent. Here is a chemical injection system I put together a while back.. Sorry not the best photo !
Wow ! When we did the deal the buyer had claimed that he had already sold the car and the new owner was going to fit a V12 engine back into it. That idea must have changed, at least all my hard work won't be undone !
LOL, I think I sold it cheap ! I notice the price has gone up again since the previous dealer had it ! The details are wrong in the advert including the 300HP V12 engine amongst other things !
I'm thinking of finishing my Formosa in the same way. Whilst much of the TR was bare aluminium a fair bit was painted but you wouldn't know. I found some paint that was an exact match looking like rough ali !
I think the dealer is the third owner since I sold it. The story has changed or been embellished and some of the facts have changed along the way. Apparently I am writing this from the grave !
Anyone who wants to know more about what happened to the original Ferrari chassis that was under the 250 TR before the body was cut up and removed needs to watch this video. From about 12.30 in, all is explained !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aouiOxqcdA
Also the story of chassis 0611GT with before and after details
https://www.forza-mag.com/issues/179/articles/testa-rossa-with-a-twist
It is quite a simple process. You need to make a male mould of the shape you want to make, I made mine from wood with a skim of body filler over the top. The surface finish needs to be smooth and blemish free.
Make a wooden frame a couple of inches bigger than the mould to hold the plastic sheet. The plastic sheet can be screwed to the frame with self tappers every couple of inches.
Heat in your oven at around 160c until you can see the plastic start to sag then quickly take it out and press it firmly over your mould.
Hold it down long enough until it begins to cool and it will hold the shape.
I used 3mm perspex but you also use polycarbonate.
There is an element of trial and error but its quite easy to do.
Looks like a great project. The Locost chassis wasn't modified, the track and wheel base were correct. The driving position was very short but that was due to tiny cockpit area governed by the body shape. If designing from scratch you might want to increase the space inside a little. No wheel spacers fitted but the hub adaptors do increase the track a little. Luckily on my car it all fell into position.
Hmm, a bit out of my price bracket at $1,700,000 !