Excellent Progress.

Thurs14.02.08. During the earlier part of the week the body tub had been coaxed into the exact position being prepared to receive the wings together with the other body panels. Fuel, brake lines and other minor alterations have also been undertaken ensuring that they function unimpeded. The painted body panels have been ‘drip fed’ to Westmead throughout Tuesday and Thursday. The rear wings were initially assembled to assess that the line of the rear hub remained correct proportional to floor of the tub. Thankfully, fitting perfectly, this was encouraging for the rest of the build. The front nearside wing also slotted comfortably into position. The endless dry builds of the past mitigating the worthiness of the exercise. The excitement expressed by Chris at this sudden rapid progress was pleasing to witness.

The previous empty promises of ‘the project quickly coming together’ are now a reality. As equally important, it is a reminder of the quality of the craftsmanship that has been a constant during the last two years: the choice, when possible, of always acquiring the best components, the multitude of modifications which have genuinely improved the overall design and an understanding alongside awareness of ‘detail’ are the culmination of the rewards for unremitting toil and expenditure.

But, as per usual, not everything runs smoothly. Because the body tub has been placed on the chassis for the first time since constructing and locating the boot box, it has been discovered that floor of the boot sleeve is presently 2cms too narrow, the door is also too large and the inspection hatch is now situated incorrectly. The consequence is that a new base must be re-made to incorporate the current measurements. I must confess that the prospect of having to re-fashion yet another component would previously have resulted in my immediate melt down further testing my patience, but the exciting images of the week have ensured that this will be a task undertaken gladly: there will be no compromise!

The dashboard, with the clocks and gauges attached has had its first fitting. Chris has not been able to contain his admiration plus his grateful appreciation of the outstanding workmanship, the balanced simplicity of the design, the natural, harmonious beauty of the timber and the ‘artists’ thoughtful, sympathetic approach. Typically, the compatibility of the honey hue of the board against the deep green of the body is visual perfection which has, regrettably, rekindled the debate of ‘courage’ versus ‘long established safety’, ‘gold and green’ or ‘walnut and green?’