Back in the Workshop

[Paul Sheridan]

What better feeling is there than, pulling on a clean pair of overalls  and walking into the workshop again after too much Christmas indulgence? Mind you Im sure they were not this tight last week!   

Box of final bits to fit to the Phaeton under arm and a pint of milk in hand. 

After 7 years I have nearly completed exactly what I set out to achieve, the rebuilding of a Dutton S2 Phaeton, keeping it looking as it was originally intended, but ironing out and refining all the idiosyncrasies that are synonymous with Dutton.

An exciting time for me, as the seed for this project was sown back in the seventy's when my friend John built this car ...... 

[Jim (across the pond) Adamek]

LOL. If I owned any Phaeton over here it would be unique but I do think that the swept front fenders really do add to its looks. I still haven't heard of any over there that have these front fenders.

[Paul Sheridan]

DVLA still has details on the old girl

Vehicle details

• Vehicle make DUTTON
• Date of first registration 12 June 1978
• Year of manufacture 1978
• Cylinder capacity (cc) 1760cc
• CO₂Emissions Not available
• Fuel type PETROL
• Vehicle status Not taxed
• Vehicle colour RED
• Vehicle type approval Not available
• Wheelplan 2 AXLE RIGID BODY
• Revenue weight Not available

[James Doulton]

1978 makes it a Phaeton S1. 1760cc what engine is that then? The Hillman Hunter was about that size.

[rob saul]

Seen Tims car with the "aero" arches an other mods
These look different or if they are a Dutton original had a lot cut off them

[Paul Sheridan]

This was one of Tims cars, the mods to the chassis and bodywork were something to do with racing. My pal, brought it from Tim minus the running gear engine etc, he worked for Panthers at the time and his engine was built there. Was a right old screamer, cant remember exactly what it would rev to, but do remember it was higher than anything I had ever seen at the time.

[rob saul]

Fact it was registered in doesn't mean it has to be s1
Some Duttons take a very long time to get completed !!!

[James Doulton]

So what else could it be if it was registered in 1978? Malaga, B or B+?

[Steve Kerswell]

B+ backend but the arches are wider then mine, might be a bit of a developer, seeing his highness is involved in its history.

[Steve Kerswell]

Could be a B type with arches to get a Ford back axle underneath, that would account for the extra width on the arches over mine.

[Paul Sheridan]

Rob, what models came in brown gel coat? 

[Adrian Southgate]

I've seen brown Sierra's, Melos's's's's's, and one 'tan' phaeton.

Never seen a brown Leggy though 

Is this 'brown' ?

[Paul Sheridan]

No it was more of a dog turd brown  ;;-))))))