Might need a smashed up Masser

[andyp250f]

Now heres a thought.At the planning stage of another project, which for those who dont already know will be a 450s roadgoing re-creation/ evocation whatever. I can borrow an original chassis to copy, and there is a body with which a deal could be done. So, which route would be the most practical, bearing in mind I need a complete vehicle for registration purposes. A, ahem, BMW 540i, or a masser with a V8? Cost wise the BMW makes the most sense, relatively easy to adapt a lot of it for the chassis. The alternative is to use a Masser, but that raises a lot of other questions. Can the engine be modified to run on throttle bodies? (because of the age of the donors cats would have to be retained, so no carburettors. sigh.) Any comments regarding the cost of a suitable car, with a manual gearbox, would be appreciated. The ideal car would be a low mileage V8 thats been taken rather fiercely from the rear.

 

[marcos]

Complicated or not, it would be a travesty to fit it with a BMW engine! They started making Aston DBR1 recreations with BMW straight sixes from the 328 and had to stop. They now fit Jag units or Aston if you can afford it.

The fact you can conceivably fit a Maser V8 is rather special I think! The manuals GTs are rare but I had one so they're about. Are you retaining the tranaxle layout (box at the rear)?

 

[andyp250f]

If I went the masser route I would have to use the engine, transmission, rear axle, and part of the steering assembly.

 

[conaero]

Now, I think you knew the answer to this one before you even asked it.

The 450s or 'the Monster' as it was affectionately named was a savage machine and my personal favourite from that era.

It was very very difficult to drive due in part to the oil and gas tank being so large and situated in the boot. As racing wore on the handling of the car changed dramatically due to the reducing fluids. Fun though I bet!

I was lead to beleive that the Bora had a derivative of the 450 engine, surely that unit could be obtainable?


Other than that the 3200 unit could be had for a song and it's the more traditional axle.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[lozcb]

I just happen to know where there is a nicel Quattroporte engine and a manual gerabox , not sure whether its forsale but it could be , he was hoarding it for an A6gcs re-creation ,if your interested i could give you his number Andy

Have you rung David Askew or Marios both very much in the know and always will to impoart there knowledge


regards loz

 

[andyp250f]

In simple terms, there are three ways to constuct and register a vehicle in the UK. Firstly, you use all new components, (you are allowed one re-conditioned part) and this HAS to meet current emmisions. It will be registered as a new vehicle and be assigned a current prefix. Secondy: You use a donor vehicle. This works on a points system, but broadly you need the engine, transmission, rear axle assembly( this is open to interpretation) and elements of the steering assembly. The rest can be new or secondhand. The vehicle will then be registered on an "age related" plate, although you are free to assign a different number. This method is how I built the Tipo250. Thirdly, you can use an engine from X a transmission from Y and an axle from Z. In other words, a mixture of parts from a variety of sources. This will then be reigistered on a "Q" plate, simply because there are not enough components from one source to establish a "year" of manufacture. The "Q" plate is there for life. It cannot be transfered. At least not in the UK. Whichever method you chose to build, all will be subject to an IVA inspection. I am sorry if this sounds a bit long winded, it was just to explain why, when I come to build the 450s, a single donor is the most practical way forward. If you are still awake at this point, thanks for the comments so far.

 

[2b1ask1]

Well explained Andy; I had no idea the requirents of the Q plate system I just know people find it anoying when they get one!

 

[hodroyd]

See the "What's it worth" thread, make them a silly offer.
Andy, what the heck is Clarkson doing in your avatar mate?

 

[andyp250f]

Modesty stops me from a picture of myself, so Jezza will suffice. Well spotted by the way.

 

[hodroyd]

I thought to myself, NNNOOOOOOO, Clarkson just can't be a member on here??? You will note that virtually nobody has a picture of themselves mate, so you are not on your own with your modesty.

Cheers
R