Foskers Restoration Projects

Cosmetic body and engine restoration

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This 365 BB arrived on our own transporter at Foskers in November 2006. The car was here for a cosmetic body and engine restoration. The process of disconnecting all pipes and electrics to the engine began in November 2006 and the engine and gearbox were removed from the body. The body was then stripped of body trims when we discovered evidence of red paint indicating the car had been red once upon a time and at this point it was decided to repaint the car in Rosso Corsa. The removal of all trims, glass, locks, catches and badges continued to enable the body to be delivered to the paint shop for a bare metal.

With the interior trim and seats removed we were able to ascertain which leatherwork would require repairing or recovering, the main aim to keep as much originality as possible. From previously running the engine and driving the car when it arrived we knew the engine and gearbox were in good working order therefore we did not replace any of the major components in the engine. The carburettor units were removed and overhauled replacing the gaskets and adjusting the float chamber heights. We then removed the gearbox from the engine to enable a closer inspection of the oil pump and pick ups, all of which were found to be in good order, the sump was resealed replacing the o rings.

The service history of this vehicle revealed that the head gaskets had been replaced recently therefore the cylinder heads were re torqued and the camshaft tappets adjusted, replacing the cam belts and tensioner bearings with new. The cam covers were painted to original crackle black, various other components were cleaned and cadmium plated as required. Gaskets and oil seals where replaced on the engine where necessary and all engine and gearbox parts we refitted together. The engine and gearbox are now ready to be refitted to the body when it returns from the paint shop.

With the body now returned to us in its original Rosso Corsa with Black lower panels, the task of refitting and detailing the vehicle could begin. With suspension components fully overhauled including bushes, bearings and brakes the four corners of the car started to take shape.

As always our attention to detail is carried through to assembling the door locks and catch mechanism, manufacturing new cables and components as required. With original glass mounted in new guides and rubbers the project started to come to life.

Electrics and Italian wiring always play a major part in restoration work and the connection of each component, bulb, motor is tested individually and wiring repaired and replaced to ensure correct operation. Prior to the dash fitting, wiring and fuse boxes were repaired as this is renowned as the cause of most electrical related failures in Boxers!

As the considerable weight of the engine and gearbox assembly is reunited with the chassis, the coolant plumbing is next on the list!

The focus turns to the interior which has been kept original with very slight repair work to the upholstery. This was vital to the originality of the restoration. As consoles, seats, doors and trims take shape, complimenting the new bound carpets, the inside is transformed to its former glory.

Soon it was time to focus on the intricate procedure of starting the engine for the magical first time. With fluids filled, circuits tested the engine burst into life with that very individual Boxer roar. With the car back on its XWX tyres and geometry set the car headed out of the workshop on its first short run. Over the next few days continually testing and checking the car was ready for the all important customer unveiling.

The quality and rarity of this car warranted a special unveiling and we were invited to the 2010 Fetes Champetre Hurlingham Club Concours to both enter the car and unveil to the new owner, no pressure there then! The sun shone and everyone dressed up, the owner was happy and the car won outright, a perfect day for such a special car and a real credit to the Foskers restoration team.

The car has gone on to win its class and get the highest score of the day at the 2010 Ferrari Owners Club National Concours. It went on to win a first at the Foskers Concours d’Elegance in July and early August saw the car win again when it was displayed at the Bikes, Balloons and Ferraris day at Groombridge Place, Kent, where it collected car of the day as voted for by the Kent Ferrari Owners Club.