The amazing Sven Eckhardt makes great progress with the restoration of his Speedwell GT – 7140 RO. Soon we will HAVE 8 (or 9) survivors of this very rare model
” Here are some more pictures. There is no identification plate attached to the chassis I have, nor is there a BAE body number though there is a Thompson body number in the 8000’s which would put production of the tub into late 1958. I have been given a chassis plate by Bill McDonnough which has come from Pat Kenyan when he acquired the Speedwell panels from her. It may well have been the one for RO. I know for sure it is the chassis depicted with Brian Kenyan working on it in the 1970’s. The tunnel has been rewelded which tallies with what I have been told by (former owner) Bill Graham and it appears that he has at least seen pictures of the shell and identified it as the shell of his former steed.
The rivet holes in the rain gutter for affixing the Speedwell top, line up perfectly to the top I have, so the top and chassis I have are now married up as before. I have removed and replaced the original cut-out rear section of the boot floor and reconstructed boot floor strengtheners as well as the outer inner wheel arches which had been partially removed in order to fit the fibreglass back end. There were also remnants of the original steel back on the original boot floor inner wheel arches and rear wing shut plates . These have been removed carefully. I managed to achieve a satisfactory fit of the newly made aluminium tail section and it lines up well with the original Speedwell GT top. The doors I am using to get apertures right are an original pair of Mk.I steel doors. A pair of new aluminum doors came with the chassis when acquired from Tony Shirtcliffe. I have decided to use them with our Sebring aluminium fastback which is ready for painting. The steel doors will be good to achieve a standard size door aperture. I have been promised aluminium doors by Ahead4Healeys. The steel doors will serve the purpose if things don’t pan out – we shall see. The wings of the new ally back will need attention to get the gaps right at the B-post. The partially removed battery tray and front inner wheel arches will be reconstructed in aluminium. I shall keep you posted. Sven”
