Blue Diamond

Dear All, I just thought I would update you on the progress of the WD, unfortunately the car suffered a cracked cylinder head on the way back from it's first major run to the VSCC Goodwood sprint in October. This meant that the car had to have a full engine re-build in order to compete in the Monte Carlo Historique rally, at this point the decision was also taken to check and overhaul all the mechanicals and electricals, the end result was as follows; Engine Full engine strip down and rebuild Replacement Omega pistons Crank crack tested and overhauled New timing gears fitted White metalled throughout lightened flywheel New cams to 'Imp' spec Twin 1" SU's - overhauled and re-built modern 4 branch exhaust modern Bosh distributor fitted (for reliability) modern alternator conversion Gearbox Full strip down and re-build Uprated 2nd gear fitted (to reduce the gap from 2nd to 3rd) Blue Diamond Oil seal conversions for the front and rear of the box fitted. Crown Wheel and Pinion replaced with a 5.1 ratio Chassis Suspension components checked and replaced where required Shock absorbers checked and re-conditioned where required Front valence fitted with additional catches to prevent lifting Electrics Total re-wire Full weatherproofing of all wiring New headlight dipping switch fitted Headlights uprated to LED's Additional twin driving lamps fitted Additional pillar spot light fitted to passenger side 1960's rear lights replaced with period twin 'diving style lamps' Additional internal light fitted to assist with navigation Twin USB power sockets added to glove pocket Cigarette lighter socket added to glove pocket Twin USB power sockets added to rear seats Cigarette lighter socket added to rear seats Additional battery fitted to rear passenger foot well Compressor fitted to rear drivers foot well Additional high level checker board fitted to top of spare wheel Go Pro mount fitted to passenger side pillar Uprated BOSCH wiper motor fitted Peltor headset Intercom system fitted Trim/Bodywork Front drivers side vent closed off (we are not expecting to need the cooling effect!) Bespoke period twin tool boxes added to both running boards Rear seats removed and replaced with flat rubber coated wooden floor Additional spare wheel fitted Twin 20 litre removable tanks fitted, one for water and one for fuel Metal cross brace fitted to allow new tonneau to be fitted to rear space only Windscreen side pillars modified to prevent water leakage through side screens Period radiator muff copied and re-made All of the changes to the trim bodywork have been designed that returning to the previous spec is possible and relatively easy. It was my intention to have the driver's side tool storage area re-made for the rally but the level of work required to prepare the car for the rally mean that this is likely to have to wait until the spring. Whilst not yet returned to it's Historic Military Vehicle Spec, the car is now being used and will be seen by members of the public on the road - much better than being stored away and never seen. I've also included a picture of Rupert Riley from 1932 - he competed in the Monte in a WD in 1932, 33 and 34. John ~ John

Good afternoon Mr Grundy, Many thanks for this - I have changed the text to fully recognise that 'Victor' was Mrs Victor. Kind Regards John

Many thanks Alan, Details of the adventure planned for the car (and driver!) can be found here http://blue-diamond-services.co.uk/the-2016-monte-carlo-historique-rally/ John

Good Afternoon Runflat, I am the new owner of the above car and would welcome any details you can provide, there are some fairly significant plans for the car - but I will update on these over the new few weeks. I can advise that the details on the rear axle ratio being changed were incorrect, the car had been fitted with a 5.25 at some point in its past history, but not any other ratio changes. Kind Regards John