I Built a 1930s Sports Car Classic at Home and You Can TOO!

Описание: A Live exclusive interview with Chris Hollier and Peter Vivian on their hand built cars.
Peter's a Spitfire chassis, Triumph engine Chris Hollier's is Rover V8 powered.
Traditional Ash frame with English wheel formed bodywork over wooden formers.
Both retain the period look, Both Blue.
Built in different sheds in different parts of the country - but their cars could have been twins at birth !!!
photo credit
TheSupermat ... https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
Paris - RM auctions - 20150204 - Delahaye 135S - 1935 - 008.jpg

Original "A gentleman's Wager" advert ...    • Johnnie Walker Blue Label『the Gentleman's ...  

Some Build Ideas:
Building an MG M-Type replica on a Triumph Spitfire chassis presents an exciting opportunity to recreate the charm of a 1930s MG while utilizing the more modern engineering of the Spitfire. The MG M-Type (1929–1932) was a compact, lightweight sports car with a distinctive upright grille, long bonnet, cycle wings, and a boat-tailed rear. Here's how you could adapt a Spitfire chassis to recreate this iconic car:

1. Why Use a Triumph Spitfire Chassis?
The Spitfire chassis is a suitable choice because:
Compact Dimensions: The wheelbase (83 inches) and track width are close to the M-Type's proportions.
Body-on-Frame Design: The separate chassis allows easy removal of the body, making it simpler to mount a custom design.
Modern Handling: Independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering provide improved ride quality compared to the original solid axles and leaf springs of the M-Type.
Readily Available: Spitfire parts and donor cars are widely available and relatively affordable.
2. Stripping the Donor Car
Remove the Spitfire body to expose the chassis, drivetrain, and suspension.
Keep the drivetrain, suspension, and steering components intact unless you plan upgrades.
Inspect and restore the chassis to ensure it's in good condition. Reinforce it if necessary to handle the new body and any additional modifications.
3. Modifying the Chassis for the M-Type Body
The MG M-Type had a narrow and simple ladder frame, so some modifications may be necessary:
Adjusting Dimensions: Check the proportions of the Spitfire chassis against the M-Type's (wheelbase: 78 inches). You may need to shorten the chassis slightly for a perfect fit.
Body Mounts: Fabricate new mounting brackets to secure the M-Type body design to the Spitfire frame.
Ride Height: Adjust the suspension or use custom springs to achieve the taller stance typical of pre-war cars.
4. Designing or Sourcing the MG M-Type Body
The M-Type’s body is characterized by a narrow body tub, cycle wings, and a boat-tail rear. Here’s how to recreate it:
a) Fabricating the Body from Scratch
Tub and Tail: Use wood or aluminum to build the body. Many original M-Types used ash wood framing with aluminum panels.
Boat-Tail Rear: The rear should taper into a pointed tail, giving the car its iconic look. This can be achieved with hand-formed aluminum or fiberglass.
Cycle Wings: Craft separate fenders for each wheel, mounting them to the suspension or chassis.
Grille: Fabricate or source a tall, upright grille to replicate the M-Type’s distinctive front end.
b) Using a Kit or Donor Body
Some kit car companies or enthusiasts specialize in pre-war MG replicas. You might find an MG M-Type fibreglass body or plans for creating one.
5. Adapting the Spitfire Drivetrain
The Spitfire’s drivetrain is much more powerful and reliable than the original M-Type’s 847cc engine:
Engine Styling: To maintain a vintage look, add period-appropriate touches like polished valve covers, side-exit exhausts, or retro-styled carburetor setups.
Transmission: Retain the Spitfire’s 4-speed gearbox unless you want a more authentic driving experience, in which case you could swap in an older gearbox.
6. Wheels and Tires
To replicate the M-Type’s vintage appearance:
Wire Wheels: Fit bolt-on or adapter-style wire wheels with a narrow width to mimic the pre-war aesthetic.
Vintage Tires: Use high-profile tires with a period-correct tread pattern. Companies like Blockley or Avon produce suitable options.
7. Interior Design
The MG M-Type had a minimalist, utilitarian cockpit:
Seats: Install lightweight, low-back leather or vinyl seats in the M-Type style.
Dashboard: Fabricate a simple wooden dashboard with period-style gauges and toggle switches.
Steering Wheel: Use a banjo-style or wooden-rimmed wheel for authenticity.
8. Finishing Touches
Paint: Choose colours typical of the era, such as British Racing Green, black, or cream.
Lighting: Add large, chrome-plated, vintage-style headlights and small period-style taillights.
Details: Include leather bonnet straps, a folding windscreen (or aeroscreens), and a rear-mounted spare wheel for an authentic touch.