New dashboard instruments have been fitted, a new starter motor and fire extinguisher installed: it is beginning to take shape. Currently the challenging task of fabricating the nose is in hand: we have been fortunate to have a good supply of period photographs from which to fashion this. It is clear though, that De Tomaso like others were on a steep learning curve when it came to the basic principles of aerodynamics and how these affected race cars in 1969. The car appeared with a different nose, front wing and rear wing configuration in just about every race and test session. We will adopt a Vallelunga '69 nosecone and '71-style rear spoiler with endplates. Marcus Pye of the Motor Sports Association (and also Autosport and Motor Sport fame) has been down to look the car over in preparation for gaining its Historic Technical Passport (HTP); this is the paperwork that documents the technical details of the car and confirms that it corresponds to how it would have been in period. HTP papers have recently superceded the old FIA forms. Marcus will visit again when the car has been painted and the final photos can be put on the HTP. The car will be shortly liveried in full period trim. It's all running very late and over budget. Sounds familiar? |
