Update

[fouronthefloor]

I originally posted here in 2007/2008 as the owner of the very clean LHD Magnum Coupe THU 105S which the club is aware of & which I believe ultimately ended up in Ireland.

A change of circumstances forced the sale of the Magnum after only just over a year of ownership & once again I became HC-free.

I was still hankering for another Coupe & finally purchased GRD 4L last June, a 1972 Firenza 2300 Sport SL that once again the club will be aware of.

GRD 4L is away having a bit of paintwork/bodywork attended to (front spoiler removal) so in it's absence I've taken the opportunity to join the club in readiness for some of this year's meetings. Hope to see some of you in the near future!

[hbpeter]

Welcome back, nice car GRD, look forward to seeing it out and about.

Peter

[1972nail]

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!

[fouronthefloor]

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 ... 7080017904
https://www.flickr.com/photos/startupmo ... 7080017904

I'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!

[1972nail]

Yes, the Swedish Sport SL really is lovely. It has Magnum cloth seats and a later twin washer 'crumple zone' bonnet and a couple of other little things.... I'm being pernickety really, it is a superb car! I can't say anything really as mine is far from being anything like it left the factory.

I've fitted openers to mine. I got them from a chance meeting with a continental Vauxhall fan who just happened to know where there was as pair! I was able to sell my perfect set of fixed light rubbers and frames and still have a profit after shipping costs and taxes from outside the EU....Happy days!

Billing, l'm hoping to have my car finished and a few shake down miles done before setting out on the trip. It's over 1000 miles round for me, in a car built from various bits stored and collected over 35 years!. I'm planning to travel down to Dublin and get the ferry to Holyhead to reduce the miles on the other side of the Irish Sea.

Failing that, my travelling companion has a really nice Snoot which we may bring instead.

[fouronthefloor]

Is this better?

[fouronthefloor]

Looks a good repair job & contrary to what the pics show (forced flash because it's so grey) paint seems a perfect match. All holes were welded up & then prepared/sprayed properly in two-pack. Well pleased!

[escort89]

An excellent job, well done. I hope my firenza comes up as good as that

[maximus]

Oliver, when you told me you was thinking of taking the spoiler off, I didn't quite know what to expect! Those pics say it all...awesome

[1972nail]

Not sure I wasn't to park beside you at Billing now - might shows mine up! Looks great .

Made as great car even better!