Deja' Vu

[nolastyankee]

While this thread is not going to be one my full blown chapters, I did want to take a few minutes to keep the group up to speed on the rennaisance of the Spence car. The body and chassis are still in Chicago with my Dad who is busily cutting and forming aluminum. After consulting Eliminators pictures for inspiration and guidance, Dad sent down these photos...I had to look twice! If the car didn't have a forward facing roll bar (and some of those Unique (no pun) Spence-initiated decorative enhancements) I would swear that this was Rick's built shot!

I hope you'll agree that the firewall and foot boxes turned out amazing. We had the seams welded so the only gap is where the firewall turns down into the footbox. Next up...Inner fenders. With our Hawk front suspension we plan to do this a bit different as well, you'll have to wait and see!

While the body is getting an aluminum makeover, I have been busy bolting up the heart of the Spence car. The old 351W that came with our chassis has been cleaned up, spruced up, and will be bolted up in a couple weeks. Gone is the mild manner, truck based Windsor that we purchased in the car. We will soon have a roller-cammed road beast that should be good for 450 at the flywheel. I don't want to spoil the surprise of the pictures...But atop that 351 will be something special. Here's a hint...We'll need a bunch of air cleaners.

Thanks to all here for the encouragement. As always, nice work dad.

http://www.uniquecobra.com/uploaded/nolastyankee/firewall2.jpg

http://www.uniquecobra.com/uploaded/nolastyankee/footbox2.jpg

Unique 9122 - 289 FIA Cobra - The Legendary "Spence" Car

[rdorman]

Man is this going to look great. Is this the first car you have built?
Rick

[clayfoushee]

Holy cow.........very nice! It's poetic justice that the one Unique which was once the laughing stock of the Cobra replica world, will rise from the ashes as one of the nicest ever built!

Clay

'98 Unique #9299, 427FE side oiler (452.1-stroker), top-loader (close), 3.31 rear

Annapolis, MD

[gasman]

Clay, you are right. Nice looking work. Tease us with a few motor pics!

Steve Foushee
Unique #4279389

[nolastyankee]

All,
Thanks for the compliments. Yes, this the first car that my Dad and I have built together although I have been tinkering with a '66 Mustang for a few years. I should explain, both Dad and I are engineers, tinkerers, and perfectionists to the nth degree...Though this is the first car, Dad already has a boat (with me last year) and an airplane (when I was a kid) under his belt.

You'll have to wait until I am back from vacation for the motor pics.

As for the transformation of the Spence car, yeah, I kind of like the irony of it all. I really, really want to post an ad for it over on CC with the finished picture and the original text just to see what it will stir up!

Unique 9122 - 289 FIA Cobra - The Legendary "Spence" Car

[clayfoushee]

Brian......that will be PRICELESS when you do!

Clay

'98 Unique #9299, 427FE side oiler (452.1-stroker), top-loader (close), 3.31 rear

Annapolis, MD

[gasman]

That will be worth the wait.

Steve Foushee
Unique #4279389

[casaleenie]

I need a little history lesson on the "legendary Spence car".
Not sure what it all means... [?]

AL
2899386

[KrAzEcJ]

http://www.uniquecobra.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=387
It is very good reading Al. Like me,I'm sure once you start reading
the story Brian has written you won't stop till you run out of chapters.

Unique 4279459

[clayfoushee]

As an additional historical note on the "Spence Car", at one point in time Unique was thoroughly thrashed because of a jerk named Spence, who was apparently mentally ill. He went on a vendetta against Unique. That car, which Nolastyankee and his Dad are giving re-birth to, was the brunt of many posted pictures and jokes in years past on CC and various Cobra forums.

Clay

'98 Unique #9299, 427FE side oiler (452.1-stroker), top-loader (close), 3.31 rear

Annapolis, MD

[pgermond]

Brian,

Looking at those photos brings back fond memories. Your car is going to be something to behold when it is complete! Your idea of posting on CC when it is complete is a stroke of genius. [}:)];)

Phil

427 Roadster, #4279436
Southern Automotive FE
3:31 and Toploader

Roseville (N.Cal)

[gasman]

I'm ready for chapter 11.

Steve Foushee
Unique #4279389

[casaleenie]

It's coming back to me now... I remember this car..

Glad to see it finally found a good home.....

AL
2899386

[eliminator]

The car is looking good, I think it will finally "bloom" next Spring. Can't wait to see the finished Car. Aluminum work is coming along real nice.

Rick
#4279405

[bittentoo]

Wow!!!!!!!!

[ralphscott]

Brian, looking good! Hope to see it and hear it at Homecoming!!

Ralph