79 Spitfire - Mid Restoration

This 79 spitfire is in the middle of a stalled rebuild. I originally bought this car to part out, but found that the engine had been rebuilt by a fairly well known Triumph racer from Western Michigan. The car was quite rust free, except for the frame, which I ultimately replaced. These photos are from 2006. In the meantime, I have put the body back on the frame. A couple of weekends of work, and this one should be ready for the road. Sharp-eyed readers will note the chrome bumper and earlier grill on this car. I have never liked the rubber-bumper versions of 70's British roadsters and sought to remove that scourge from this car. It is actually a pretty easy change if you have the car as far apart as I have taken this one. The holes in the frame are all there - just search your favorite online auction spot for the right parts.

Parts Is Parts

Here is a car that taught me what I should have already known about buying cars online: Don't do it without personally inspecting the car first. I was told this one "just needed an engine". Turned out it "just needed a frame", too. I ended parting it over the course of several years to try and recover some of my investment, and this is what remains. The neighbors are oh-so glad to see it go, I am sure.

Jaguar Mark IX - 1959

I just found this car locally and it turned out to be too nice to pass up. Initially, I thought of parting it out, since most Jag sedans that have spent the last 30 or 40 years in Michigan are not much more than parts donors. This one surprised me with solid floors and an engine that promises to start and run. This majestic old cat will prowl again!