[DML] Fwd: RHD DeLoreans - Part 2

[Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx>]

>
> It is known for sure that much of the development and
> conversion
> work was done in other parts of the UK, mostly at Woller-Hodeck in
> Andover, but Lotus
> and Girling were also involved. As this work was done FOR the
> De
> Lorean factory. It is legitimate to say these cars are FACTORY
> ORIGINAL
> cars.
>
> I would seem that the conversion work started and various and
> different stages in the building of these cars, some were undoubtedly
> complete LHD cars that
> were "ripped apart", whilst some were taken off the production
> line at an earlier stage, some had the hand brake already fitted on
> the
> "wrong" side, some did
> not. etc. etc.
>
> Most (but not all) of these cars were given batches of
> consecutive VIN and or registration numbers, one batch of 3 cars,
> (registed by the factory) as AXI
> 1697, AXI 1698, AXI 1699 (in Northern Ireland) were thought to
> have had most of the conversion work performed in the Dunmurry
> factory,
> certainly they
> differ from the other 10 by all having roof aerials ( radio
> ante), no rear side markers ( or holes in the panels), small round
> front
> side markers, non-locking petrol
> caps, one key to do everything,etc. etc.
>
> One other batch of Euro LHD/ RHD cars were mostly registered (
>
> by the factory) with SIJ..... registration numbers, the vin numbers in
>
> the area of 012170 - 80 ,
> another batch still, has reg. numbers SJI..... What is certain,
>
> is that hardly any 2 RHD's are identical, they all show "evolutionary"
>
> differences, indeed some of
> the last ones, sold by the receiver, (DUSTY for example) seem
> to
> have "any old" bits stuck on, just to get them "out of the door".
>
> As we all know the only parts actually made in the De Lorean
> factory, were the plastic under bodies, the rest of the car was
> sourced
> from other manufactures
> and suppliers and "assembled" in the factory. In my opinion
> this
> makes all of the "left the factory as RHD's" just as legitimate, if
> not
> considerably rarer, than
> the more normal left hand drives.
>
> There are further cars, that have been converted " post
> factory".
> as long as this has been done well, I cant see anything wrong with
> this,
> if it encourages the
> "safe" use and enjoyment of driving, what in my opinion, is
> one
> of the best and most distinctive cars in the world!
>
> I am currently researching all of the right hand drive cars by
> sending out questionnaires, talking to former factory employees,
> searching documents etc. and
> will, hopefully, next year publish a book detailing the
> differences between all the RHD cars, wether "Factory originals" of
> post
> factory conversions. Any
> owners who contact me with useful info will eventually receive
> a
> "complementary" signed copy of the book.
>
> All contributions gratefully received,
>
> Chris Parnham chrisparnham@xxxx
>
> P.S. My black interior "AUTO" RHD (one of only 2 RHD automatics
>
> made) with just 1,600 kilometres on the clock, is for sale, thanks to
> the "unexpected "
> arrival of "DUSTY"! ....Price £23,000...so if any of you rich
>
> chaps out there want a unique car, get in touch.