One piece fibreglass bonnet

[Skyedriver]

Something that has been in my head for a while, at Harewood in particular, in the roadgoing class, you are allowed to replace boot & bonnet (only) with lightweight parts.
Where do you stand with a Spitfire/Frogeye Sprite/Vitesse etc? The whole front is a "bonnet".
Anyone any experience?

[andyps]

No experience Tony, but I don't see a way that it could be criticised as they are the bonnet. I think there may have been a Frogeye with a fibreglass bonnet at Harewood but not sure if was road going class. If I ever get round to making/buying one for my Fiat Coupe I hope there are no complaints - it does extend to a size of more than the usual bonnet!

Are you planning to compete again this year?

[Trev450]

I'm sure one of the scruts for the area would be able to confirm if this is ok. iirc their contact details are in the Blue Book.

[andyps]

All the Harewood regulations say is:

Harewood Schedule 5 - Speed Event Classes 2015 said:

With the exception of the bonnet and boot-lid, all bodywork must remain in the original material.

I'll ask in the Harewood Facebook group for you Tony, someone there might know.

[Skyedriver]

Thanks Andy, was thinking of emailing Peter Bruce.
No competition car at the mo, sold the mini & TVR last year. Been looking for another TVR, or Elise, or Fiat Panda 100hp (honestly), Imp, Clan, GTM, GTV, you name it really. Price has to be right though.
There's a Frogeye for sale locally, needs work, but back in 1970 when I passed my driving test I spent over 2 years looking for one and every one was a rust bucket, ended up with a Midget. Had a soft spot for the Sprite Mark 1 for 45 years, just not sure I'm flexible enough to get in through the narrow doors anymore. Car for sale has an F/G front. (And a 948cc engine.....)

[andyps]

Skyedriver said:

Thanks Andy, was thinking of emailing Peter Bruce.
No competition car at the mo, sold the mini & TVR last year. Been looking for another TVR, or Elise, or Fiat Panda 100hp (honestly), Imp, Clan, GTM, GTV, you name it really. Price has to be right though.
There's a Frogeye for sale locally, needs work, but back in 1970 when I passed my driving test I spent over 2 years looking for one and every one was a rust bucket, ended up with a Midget. Had a soft spot for the Sprite Mark 1 for 45 years, just not sure I'm flexible enough to get in through the narrow doors anymore. Car for sale has an F/G front. (And a 948cc engine.....)

I'll be jealous if you get a Frogeye - a car I have always wanted too! Emailing Peter Bruce is probably the best solution, no answer on Facebook yet.

[Skyedriver]

Either a feast or a famine
Current options:
Just seen an ad for a local TVR Chimaera that will need work at the end of the year, been wanting to have a look at a Caterham that hasn't moved in 15 years so needs a bit of work but it is 140 mile away and is starting to look expensive if everything needs replacing,, and a rolling restoration Frogeye, that's local but not been on the road for 3 years. Oh and a reasonably priced Elise if the seller (dealer) gets it prepped.

One is the most practical but not easy to work on in a small garage
One is the easiest to work on as I built one 25 years ago but may work out too costly and is probably least practical
One needs a bit/lot of work to make remotely competitive and I may not fit in anymore
One may be the best option if I can work out how to get in and more importantly out again.

Have emailed Peter B this evening.

I assume the Fiat and Porsche are out this year again?
I've missed getting out to Harewood over the winter, such a great break from the day to day grind.
Not sure which of the above would make it to Harewood this year and wife is after a house move, don't ask...

[andyps]

Have fun choosing!

Back at Harewood in the Fiat this year provided it keeps going - fingers crossed it seems OK at the moment. Pete will be there in Porsche too.

The answer re fibreglass bonnet from Facebook - If the bonnet and wings were originally integrated then they can be made as one piece in fibreglass in the road going classes. Still best to check with a scrutineer in case they have a different view!

[Skyedriver]

Thanks Andy
Will pop down weather permitting, etc
Doubt I'll have a (competitive) car by then.
Actually just spotted my ideal family road car for sale this morning, (un)fortunately, it is too expensive ...