1972nail wrote:GRD is one of those very original cars that are so rare these days. I'm glad you're taking the spoiler off, I always thought it didn't suit it in the photos I've seen. Would love to see it in the flesh. Are you going to Billing with it? If so, we might be able to park side by side - original Sport SL and modified!
The intention is to attend Billing this year along with any other reasonably local events that don't clash with my other plans. The first outing is likely to be the 40th HPF bash at Luton on the Saturday.
Park side by side?......great idea! Let's see if we can pinch the drop-dead gorgeous Swedish Sport SL that was on the DSG stand at Billing last year for the line-up too! Same colour as GRD but with LHD & the very rare opening rear quarter lights.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/startupmo ... 7080017904https://www.flickr.com/photos/startupmo ... 7080017904I'm not sure I'd class GRD as totally original, more unrestored. It's clearly been cherished & stored for a huge amount of time followed by an extensive recommissioning but there is clear evidence of historical panel repair/replacement & paintwork, likely partly attributable to the spirited manner of driving! There is certainly reference made to side damage in the history/log file I got with the car. However, it is completely rot-free & has never been welded. I would class the body/paintwork repairs as average/good which is fine by me as GRD is a useable classic, not a show car & unlikely to become one. Mechanical refurbishment appears to have been carried out to a very high standard.
I'm in agreement the front spoiler does not suit the car but had it been in reasonable condition I would have been prepared to keep it as it's one of several 'period' accessories fitted, probably during the late 70's if I've interpreted my old photos correctly & is a nice bit of age related history. However, it looked awful, especially close-up with age/use related deterioration including cracking, flaking, blistering & de-lamination. It had to go!