Description
"Butterball" was modified to enter historic motorsport events, rallies, and for use as a fun weekend car. Sadly, just after completion the owner's health deteriorated, meaning that she is ready for a new owner.
Stripped and rebuilt at a cost of over £25, 000 in 2012, she has completed less than 600 road miles since then (and never used on a track, or for competition).
Although similar in spec to an Academy A35, the car is far better on public roads thanks to higher gearing, soundproofing, 2 seats and an original size fuel tank.
Specification includes:
Bodywork -
Stripped and sprayed in Buttercream yellow
Strengthened suspension mounts
Bonnet professionally louvered, and with leather buckles added
Front grille modified for better air flow, (Academy spec)
Academy spec front cool air intake
Quick release fuel cap (original size fuel tank)
Original spec Lucas rally reversing lamp
Towing straps front and back
Chassis / suspension -
New Armstrong lever arm shocks
New Poly bushes on reconditioned wishbones
Anti roll bar fitted on front
Rear anti roll bar removed
New front and rear springs
Brakes -
MG Midget front discs
Metro master cylinder
Metro servo and pedal box
Engine -
Reconditioned 1275 Midget engine (Peter Burgess)
Ported and polished head
SU carburettor (ISN type, from Marina A Plus) with K & N filter
4 - 2 - 1 - Sports exhaust
Skimmed flywheel (for 7 inch Ford clutch)
Converted to alternator
New coil and distributor
Bespoke aluminium Oil catch tank
Alloy radiator with Kenlowe electric fan (with override switch on dash)
Spin-on oil filter conversion
Aluminium oil cooler
Transmission -
Converted to Ford Type 9 (5 speed) gearbox - ideal on the road
New Bellhousing to accommodate gearbox
Hydraulic clutch
Reconditioned differential
Hardened competition half shafts
Interior - much of this work was done by Darryl Davis
Full HRDC Academy roll cage (by Caged Laser Engineering) -
drivers side cross brace unbolted since photos, for ease of access
New carpets and headlining
Sparco Sprint FIA seats
TRS FIA harnesses (2019)
Rewired throughout
Mota Lita aluminium steering wheel and boss
Additional console for tachometer, and oil pressure / temperature
New door cards
Glass windows with new rubber seals
Documentation for the car we call "Butterball" includes the original brown card log book, purchase receipt from 1957, user manual, lubrication poster, plus many receipts and historic MOT's etc..
Mileage is now a genuine 81, 500 and there have been 6 previous owners.
The car drives beautifully, starts first time and is kept on a trickle charger in a garage.
Road tests are welcome, although a deposit and proof of insurance will be needed if you wish to take a drive yourself.
I may consider a part exchange for a classic car or bike of a similar value. Adrian Flux have issued an agreed value of £18, 000 for insurance purposes.
