Show whole topic Mar 11, 2012 4:55 am
Colin M34 Offline
Member
Registered since: Dec 01, 2007
Location: Suffolk, UK


Subject: Re: Help to repair accident damaged DB 3L
Hi Tim,

Couple of replies to your points.

Firstly, my original concern was to know where to source the suspension parts needed for repairs. At least now we have now established that unlike the engines, DB2s do not share the same suspension so we stand a reasonable chance of finding replacements without competing with the Aston boys. Also, don’t forget to comment on whether the front suspension parts on the 2.6 and the 3L are the same or whether we need to watch out for variants. This is quite important and if anyone else can supply this information it will be much appreciated.

Secondly, regarding the insurance settlement, I think it is better not to discuss this aspect on this forum - suffice to say the owner is aware of the importance of getting the job done properly.

Turning to wider matters, in common with other readers, I have spent many years looking at remains of cars in various states of decrepitude. This inevitably involves crawling around clumps of nettles which always seem to sprout round interesting projects! However, I will leave others to rescue 'savaged' DB Lagondas and will admire from afar any ones that have been brought back from extinction. Certainly the eBay one looks pretty good and Tim, don’t forget to give your views on a suitable engine to go in it. I think a 3.8 Jag unit is probably as a good as any. In the same way I had an enjoyable discussion with a specialist restorer who suggested that a BMW turbo diesel engine would make nice replacement for the american V8 lumps used in some Bristols.

In support of Tim’s argument of rescuing cars that have already had bits taken off them, over the years we have scoured places like the USA for unloved “parts cars.” It helped that I had worked in Bell Labs many years ago. On bringing one car through Felixstowe, the customs man remarked with a smile that this was “a real Lazarus job.” The Northern Lagonda Factory did the owner proud with this one. In terms of hunting derelict Lagondas, my saddest experience was in the 1980’s when I followed up a lead in rural Massachusetts to look at a fire damaged M45. It had been a bad fire and there was NOTHING that could be saved – not even the chassis. Later I was thanked by a fellow UK enthusiast for saving him the air fare to come to the same conclusion.

I wonder what will happen to the eBay car?

Cheers Colin