Foskers Restoration Projects

A Eurospares restoration project

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Yet another 246 enters the Foskers restoration area, but this one is different. This car is a very early 1971, that has all of its original parts and matching body and trim numbers. The engine has early magnesium cam covers that were originally painted crackle black and the gearbox is a narrow mounting very early casing with early drop gears.  As we all know originality of parts is key to a good restoration and this car has it all!

With the suspension and ancillaries now removed the body is undergoing a full bare metal overhaul, whilst Ian starts work on the engine and gearbox units.

As you can see the body is in very good shape as you never quite know what you are going to find when you strip off the layers of paint, on cars that are over 35 years old.

With the engine completely striped, Ian focused his attention on rebuilding the gearbox assembly, which was generally in good shape but needing some new bulk rings, synchro hubs, a differential rebuild and some bearings here and there.

With the parts being sourced by James at Eurospares with originality paramount, assembly took place and the first finished component of this car set the standard on this project.

With the gearbox and transmission rebuild now complete Ian started the intricate detail of cleaning and preparing the engine block for assembly. The block had been sent away for specialist machining, boring and crack testing, whilst the cylinder heads were given new valve seats and guides to cope with modern unleaded fuel. New high compression pistons will enhance the engine performance complemented by a lightened, balanced crank shaft and flywheel assembly.

As you can see from the photographs the body returned to the workshop displaying its new paintwork, ready for the rebuilding to take place. With the four corners of the suspension ready and waiting the focus turned to electrics and brake hydraulic plumbing, soon the engine was reunited with the body and the car came back to life again.

As the days of intricate fitting passed the countdown to starting the engine got ever closer. On the day the engine was due to be started for the 1st time, the pressure was on, we had visitors in the workshop who were keen to witness the event! The visitors had a bet with Ian, after the amount of work the little Dino had undergone it couldn’t possibly start first time, Foskers won again as the engine fired perfectly 1st time to the amazement of the gathered crowd.

Over the coming weeks the trim and chrome were finalised, the car was complete once more. It had arrived on a trailer with the bits in the back of a van and was now taking its place at the 2010 FOC Concours. The last piece of this incredible journey was the Ferrari Classiche inspection as a final sign off and tribute to this fantastic car.

Due to work commitments the owner had been unable to drive the car and had only seen it to look at. This was put right as the car was handed over and he got behind the wheel of this much awaited pride and joy.

If you require any restoration or servicing work to you Ferrari 246, no matter how large or small then please contact Ian or Jeff on 01474 874777 to discuss your objectives.