Vintage Thing No.63 - the Empire Special

At Bromley Motor Pageant many years ago (in about 1994?), I came across this fine example of the traditional special builder's art. The Empire Special is better looking than many professionally produced kitcars. I suppose it scores in being able to use the right sort of components for the overall look and nothing jars or looks out of place. Even the rather archaic front independent suspension looks right. Most cars that look like that were not specials would have had beam axles and cart springs. The use of Morris Minor IFS and lever arm dampers makes it look old but sophisticated.

The list of components, which the anonymous owner or constructor thoughtfully provided, is interesting. Axles front and back are Morris Minor and the wheels are TR3 on splined adaptors. A Morris 8 donated its windscreen, bonnet, grille and radiator and the scuttle - a complicated shape - was moulded from that of an MG Magna.

This was a smart move. We all like wheeled aluminium panels but the humps for the scuttle are compound curves and very difficult to form for all but the professional. So if the shape already exists you might as well use that. GRP has its place in special building and if anyone's not convinced, then the use of it in the Empire Special should convince them.

A 1930s MG steering wheel gives the interior the right look and so do the Austin 12 instruments.

The dashboard itself is from the Co-op and once did duty as part of a wardrobe.

Headlamps are Standard 12 and the mudguards are off the shelf aluminium motorcycle affairs. The 1275cc engine and gearbox are from an MG Midget.

The rest of the car, including chassis, exhaust and the rear of the bodywork were described as home made.

I've no idea who made it or when but I liked it enough to take these photos. From a disparate collection of parts something special and unique has been created. Its creator looked carefully at what was available and had the wit to use what would look of a piece and the skill to make or alter what didn't.

Even the name is very fitting - the Empire Special. May the sun never set upon it.