1966 Grey Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe
Rust free car imported from the US. This car has been in long term ownership in Cupertino, California and is a time warp. Completely original, it looks untouched from the day it left Browns Lane.
The paintwork will be detailed and any areas that require attention will be dealt with by matching paint colour and finish.
This page will show details of the car that we haven't seen before that other restorers might find useful.
Chassis number 1E33656 was built on the 19th October 1966.
Rust free car imported from the US. This car has been in long term ownership in Cupertino, California and is a time warp. Completely original, it looks untouched from the day it left Browns Lane.
The paintwork will be detailed and any areas that require attention will be dealt with by matching paint colour and finish.
This page will show details of the car that we haven't seen before that other restorers might find useful.
Chassis number 1E33656 was built on the 19th October 1966.
15th November 2019
We have made the decision to 'refresh' our original FHC. I wanted to start using the car for Continental journeys so a new wiring harness was required. The engine needed to be rebuilt following a piston ring breakage. The rear axle ratio had to be changed to bring the revs down during long trips and the paintwork had worn down to bare metal in places. So, after much soul searching, we decided to rebuild the old girl. We are being very careful to retain as much of the original car as possible. Here the shell has been stripped and not an inch of rust has been found. Absolutely incredible!
We have made the decision to 'refresh' our original FHC. I wanted to start using the car for Continental journeys so a new wiring harness was required. The engine needed to be rebuilt following a piston ring breakage. The rear axle ratio had to be changed to bring the revs down during long trips and the paintwork had worn down to bare metal in places. So, after much soul searching, we decided to rebuild the old girl. We are being very careful to retain as much of the original car as possible. Here the shell has been stripped and not an inch of rust has been found. Absolutely incredible!
7th June 2019
When we took the car over to Holland last year, the head developed a rattle. We believe it is down to the cam bucket followers moving so Leon is installing a hold down kit. Fingers crossed!
When we took the car over to Holland last year, the head developed a rattle. We believe it is down to the cam bucket followers moving so Leon is installing a hold down kit. Fingers crossed!
7th September 2018
The car started misbehaving (despite going so well last week) so we decided to change the front discs. Wear was detected in the driveshaft UJs so we whipped those out as well. Interesting to note the date of 20th July 1966 engraved in one of the hubs.
The car started misbehaving (despite going so well last week) so we decided to change the front discs. Wear was detected in the driveshaft UJs so we whipped those out as well. Interesting to note the date of 20th July 1966 engraved in one of the hubs.
31st August 2018
The car is now ready for our next adventure to The Hague in a couple of weeks time. We now have 1000 miles on her and the final adjustments were made today and she is driving beautifully. Here she is resplendent in brand new wheels and tyres (borrowed from our OTS).
The car is now ready for our next adventure to The Hague in a couple of weeks time. We now have 1000 miles on her and the final adjustments were made today and she is driving beautifully. Here she is resplendent in brand new wheels and tyres (borrowed from our OTS).
22nd June 2018
Started cleaning the engine and the amount of crud that comes out of an engine block is astonishing. After a good flush through, rodding and cleaning, it all looked clear. Taking it into the workshop and putting the pressure washer through the galleries showed that we still hadn't got all the corrosion out. We have probably got all we are going to get now though! The engine block has now been painted with a matt black as we didn't want it to stand out as being restored. The release bearing was completely worn down so we will be fitting a new clutch, fork, arm etc.
Started cleaning the engine and the amount of crud that comes out of an engine block is astonishing. After a good flush through, rodding and cleaning, it all looked clear. Taking it into the workshop and putting the pressure washer through the galleries showed that we still hadn't got all the corrosion out. We have probably got all we are going to get now though! The engine block has now been painted with a matt black as we didn't want it to stand out as being restored. The release bearing was completely worn down so we will be fitting a new clutch, fork, arm etc.
15th June 2018
Finally, we made the decision to start using the old girl more and this meant removing the engine to change the clutch. The guys came over on Friday and we got the engine out in preparation. It will have all the seals changed and given a good clean (remove core plugs etc) before being refitted with a new clutch. Lots to do to ensure we put it back exactly as it was removed.
Finally, we made the decision to start using the old girl more and this meant removing the engine to change the clutch. The guys came over on Friday and we got the engine out in preparation. It will have all the seals changed and given a good clean (remove core plugs etc) before being refitted with a new clutch. Lots to do to ensure we put it back exactly as it was removed.
22nd September 2017
The car now has a clean engine bay! Looks amazing now.
The car now has a clean engine bay! Looks amazing now.
18th September 2017
The car is now polished and looking great. It came back after 500 miles last week with the only problems being a leaking radiator cap and a blown headlight. Great result and the Journo really enjoyed his time behind the wheel.
The car is now polished and looking great. It came back after 500 miles last week with the only problems being a leaking radiator cap and a blown headlight. Great result and the Journo really enjoyed his time behind the wheel.
7th July 2017
On the subject of rear axles, we had to remove the rear suspension to rebuild the rear brakes. The boys quickly got it out, cleaned and replaced over 2 nights. Happy to say the MOT is now passed and the registration documentation is with the DVLA.
On the subject of rear axles, we had to remove the rear suspension to rebuild the rear brakes. The boys quickly got it out, cleaned and replaced over 2 nights. Happy to say the MOT is now passed and the registration documentation is with the DVLA.
30th June 2017
Car is now ready for MOT on Monday. Fingers crossed it will be ok. We fitted the bonnet this afternoon and bets were taken as to how many lights would work (should be 8 in total). Bearing in mind no power had gone through the loom for over 30 years, I wasn't too hopeful. But, unbelievably, everything worked first time!
Car is now ready for MOT on Monday. Fingers crossed it will be ok. We fitted the bonnet this afternoon and bets were taken as to how many lights would work (should be 8 in total). Bearing in mind no power had gone through the loom for over 30 years, I wasn't too hopeful. But, unbelievably, everything worked first time!
12th May 2017
Pedal box stripped and being rebuilt using original components. Note early style clutch master.
Pedal box stripped and being rebuilt using original components. Note early style clutch master.
5th March 2017
RHS Front suspension now rebuilt with new ball joints, track rod ends etc. Just the brake pistons to fit now that they are back from being stainless steel lined with new seals.
RHS Front suspension now rebuilt with new ball joints, track rod ends etc. Just the brake pistons to fit now that they are back from being stainless steel lined with new seals.
1st January 2017
Stripped out front suspension in order to rebuild the rack and replace the lower and upper ball joints. The brake pistons will be rebored in stainless steel and new seals fitted.
Stripped out front suspension in order to rebuild the rack and replace the lower and upper ball joints. The brake pistons will be rebored in stainless steel and new seals fitted.
26th November 2016
The radiator is now back from rebuilding and the new header tank has arrived. We fitted the new thermostat so just the pump to do then remove the steering rack to fit new mounts.
The radiator is now back from rebuilding and the new header tank has arrived. We fitted the new thermostat so just the pump to do then remove the steering rack to fit new mounts.
15th October 2016
In my spare time (!) I have been doing some work on the car. The rear window is now fitted and the rebuilt carbs and manifold finally on the car. The tool roll, jack and keyfob came with the old girl so they should be original. We are just researching the key fob as it doesn't tie up with the original information on these that we have.
In my spare time (!) I have been doing some work on the car. The rear window is now fitted and the rebuilt carbs and manifold finally on the car. The tool roll, jack and keyfob came with the old girl so they should be original. We are just researching the key fob as it doesn't tie up with the original information on these that we have.
26th August 2016
Radiator and header tank removed and water transfer pipes replaced. Think the water pump could do with a bit of TLC!
Radiator and header tank removed and water transfer pipes replaced. Think the water pump could do with a bit of TLC!
12th August 2016
11th June 2016
Work continues in the background and the refurbished (not restored) rear lights, new rubbers for the doors and quarter lights are in place. The rear hatch seal is next. Note how it is in two parts and it wasn't cut evenly. We will (obviously) replicate this.
Work continues in the background and the refurbished (not restored) rear lights, new rubbers for the doors and quarter lights are in place. The rear hatch seal is next. Note how it is in two parts and it wasn't cut evenly. We will (obviously) replicate this.
16th December 2015
More detailed photos.
More detailed photos.
12th December 2015
More detailed photos
More detailed photos
10th December 2015
Bonnet now removed revealing more originality.
Bonnet now removed revealing more originality.
1st December 2015
I removed the battery carrier during the weekend as it had leaked acid and eaten into the bracket. Luckily, no other damage was done so it has gone away for powder coating and refitting. I will spray the area out with Waxoyl prior to refitting though.
I removed the battery carrier during the weekend as it had leaked acid and eaten into the bracket. Luckily, no other damage was done so it has gone away for powder coating and refitting. I will spray the area out with Waxoyl prior to refitting though.
22nd November 2015
8th November 2015
28th September 2015
6th September 2015
23rd August 2015
