The three-year project at Automotive Reisen is now just a couple of weeks from completion. All of the lights, instruments and horns work perfectly. The final objective was to make every area of the 356 as totally operational and attractive as the beautiful exterior of the body.
Although it took months to get the engine done, it took lots of help to source all of the under-engine parts, cables, hoses and mufflers. Pat writes, “Thanks to Maurice at Stoddard we were able to get most parts necessary. Pre-A heater / muffler cans were impossible to get, so we took those used on an A car and modified them so they looked exactly like the Pre-A. We also paid attention to making it cosmetically as neat as the topside.”
Because of the international pandemic, the carpet set took a long time to be delivered. It was sourced through Stoddard, using the same weave pattern and color as the original. “The installation partner commented on the high quality of the material, and the pre-cutting was dead on.”
The seat rails and wooden frame for a Speedster were exact as to dimensions and hole fit. It was more economical to buy new rather than replate. “Everyone is having long delays with chrome suppliers in the USA.”
