Amazing barn find and a journey of discovery

[bjmullan]

Don't worry Mike, it will take more than a couple of beers and Bootsy sweet smile for me to spill the beans. I'm sure he knows all the seedy lap dancing bars (or at least I hope)

[Bootsy]

Don't worry Mike, it will take more than a couple of beers and Bootsy sweet smile for me to spill the beans. I'm sure he knows all the seedy lap dancing bars (or at least I hope)

No lap dancing bars but an enjoyable evening catching up, few pints and some great food. Interesting chat about 'Eve'

Good to see you Brendan.

[murph2309]

And that's it? Not much of an undercover reporter then

[Bootsy]

And that's it? Not much of an undercover reporter then

My lips are sealed

[Lightweight_911]

That's one way to ensure you got free drinks all night !!!

[andy888]

bump!!

whats happening with this?

[dogbower]

Dont know how I missed this thread before, great story well told.
I am a bit worried if they are the right guys for the job though, when i met them last year, one was driving a 944 and the other one had a 911 but it had funny wheels on the back.
Stuart

[Dragon]

what a fascinating story ! great history with this car & a story worth telling
Kieran

[911hillclimber]

It's taking a very long time to write/report the next chapter!

[Lightweight_911]

I think Mike's been a bit preoccupied with his daughter's wedding - she got married yesterday.

[Bootsy]

And Brendan is looking deshevelled at Le Mans!

[MT]

And Brendan is looking deshevelled at Le Mans!

Oh I don't know. He brushed up quite well this morning as he was off to meet his other half at Poitiers before heading for some sun (none at CLM!). Even had a shave!

[210bhp]

Well it's been a while since we updated this thread. Brendan and I have been mulling over the options on this amazing car over the last few months. We have explored quite a few avenues and it's time to tidy things up on what we have been thinking and doing.

Our friend in the Borders did not produce any of the period photos from the 80's. We were looking forward to adding a piece of history to the jigsaw of it's 'restoration' and seeing some shots of the car when it was still on the road. I think the main problem here was technology as the photos were pre digital and of course the chap did not want to give them up or even risk the post for copies to be made. They may still happen but our promised trip to see him hasn't been organised yet but we hope to get there soon.

We contacted the factory for more information on the six month prototype period but it would appear we now hold all the information the factory possesses and there is nothing more on file. Many thanks to those who tried to help. It is not easy conversing with the factory despite having made contacts in both the archive and the restoration shop. Replies seem to take forever or just don't happen at all. We have concluded that we know all they know about this car.

We have not followed up our efforts to contact Jo Sifferts son but we do know his email address and believe he is in charge of a hotel in Argentina although this may be out of date information. We are probably thinking one car out of many at the Siffert dealership may not have any specific records still surviving.

We cleaned, inspected and photographed the car and all it's numbers, unique cross-over parts and checked our inventory of dismantled bits and pieces and discovered it is fairly complete and more importantly most of the inventory is original.

We have trawled the usual places and bought the vital one year only important parts which were obviously missing, namely a 1969 unique engine lid (from a DDKer) to go with the original grille still fitted to the ducktail and a one year only interior rear view mirror (from the US) in place of the plastic 80's mirror fitted. We feel the car is now pretty complete.

So, our discussions turned to what to do next with the car..............

Regards
Mike

[Mick Cliff]

Having had the benefit of a guided tour of this remarkable car (thanks Mike ) I'm sure that most members here would like to see its' restoration come to fruition. In the safe hands of Mike (and Brendan) I'd be confident that a complete and authentic restoration of this car to its' original specification and configuration should be undertaken.
I don't know how many members there are here on DDK who would like to see this historic car resurrected.... and be involved in such a project. Involved? The location of the car is remote from almost everyone, so 'hands on' help is perhaps not a viable option..... So, maybe we can 'sponsor' the restoration collectively?
I'd be prepared to donate, say, £100, no strings attached...... what about the rest of you?

'All' it needs to get the ball rolling is for 500 of us (are we that many?) to donate a ton apiece.......

[964RS]

Nice idea Mick but think you will end up with a lot more questions than answers with that suggestion.

It's a tricky one for Mike and Brendan. It's obviously going to need VERY deep pockets to completely restore it back to original factory condition and even more time.

Then when it is finished what do they do with it? Is it something that can really be used? If not then what is its actual value and to whom? And without knowing that are you prepared to empty your pockets to find out?

It's a great find and great story but probably needs one of us to win the lottery at the weekend to be able to do it total justice....

Hope it's me!