Rebirth Of A Classic

[Rod Grimwood]

Hopefully Brett can add to this thread with a bit of history of the car. The guy doing up the belts on first test day is Mr Mossman, and in later photo standing behind car in grey shirt looking down the pits is Bretts father Lyndsay. Now their is another story at some time Mr Willis senior, alot of interesting stories and a very interesting past has this gentleman.

[Rod Grimwood]

More

[faminz]

Fck thats a nice car!!!

[Steve Holmes]

Yep, agreed, it sure is. That last action shot is right on the money, the car looks perfect there.

[pallmall]

May I add a few photos.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Motor%20Racing%20F5000-%20Sports/196750x559.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Motor%20Racing%20F5000-%20Sports/199750x673.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Motor%20Racing%20F5000-%20Sports/168750x465.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Motor%20Racing%20F5000-%20Sports/128750x495.jpg

[pallmall]

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Motor%20Racing%20F5000-%20Sports/483750x547.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Motor%20Racing%20F5000-%20Sports/211750x422.jpg

And I think this belongs here as well.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/Motor%20Racing%20F5000-%20Sports/AR030176012750x494.jpg

[Rod Grimwood]

That may be the Boss in there, Lyndsey i think. You would know better than me, but didn't Lyndsey win the NZ championship, his wife Jill win the ladies NZ championship, and then young son Brett win the NZ junior championship all in one night. Not sure on NZ bit, but know they all won a championship on same night.

[Shano]

For those of us who don't know, is there any information about this car - whose is it, where is the resto done (very nice work, they deserve some credit) and what is the relevance of the stock car photo. It would be so much more meaningful - as the thread is now, it's just a bunch of photos of a very nice Lola F5000.

[Rod Grimwood]

The car is owned and raced by the Willis family from Rotorua. Hopefully Brett the son and driver will fill in the history shortly. The gentleman in the stock car is father Lyndsey who was a top constructor and driver of stock cars. Lyndsey was basically the first person to build a spaceframe car for speedway and then went on to build numerous speedway cars followed by sports sedans for the curcuit. They raced the first full spaceframe sports sedan, a Commodore body.
Lyndsey is still building cars and has a new project on the way now, which will be neat when finished.

[pallmall]

Yes, the photo I posted of the stockcar is Lyndsay Willis and was taken in January 1976 at Waikaraka Park shortly before he was to win the NZ Stockcar Championship at Gisborne. Lyndsay built a number of stockcars for himself and others, some based on the design of the car in the photograph were still winning into the mid-eighties. While I don't want to dispute the claim about the spaceframe design of stockcar, I think the accepted first spacey in NZ was built by Peter Kuriger, and many years before, Derek Bennett of Chevron Cars fame from Bolton, Lancashire built space frame speedway cars and stockcars that raced at the northern tracks in England. I hope a bit more family history is posted on here as I think the Willis story is one of those unknown to a large number of NZ motor racing fans.

[Leo D]

I would suggest that a visit to Allen Browns excellent reference site on F5000, would help with the cars history.

The car looks like a Lola T330.

This is the page to look at

www.oldracingcars.com/lola/t330/

The HU/ XXX chassis plate number would help greatly.

[nigel watts]

1041

1039

1042

1040

[pallmall]

I would suggest that a visit to Allen Browns excellent reference site on F5000, would help with the cars history.

The car looks like a Lola T330.

This is the page to look at

www.oldracingcars.com/lola/t330/

The HU/ XXX chassis plate number would help greatly.

Lola T330 HU6 according to the Hampton Downs programme.

[Rod Grimwood]

Pallmall you are so right about history, that is why i hope we can have some of it told. In spaceframes sorry, i was refering to saloons not the stockcar side. You yourself no doubt have a fair bit to share no doubt.
Yes, the photo I posted of the stockcar is Lyndsay Willis and was taken in January 1976 at Waikaraka Park shortly before he was to win the NZ Stockcar Championship at Gisborne. Lyndsay built a number of stockcars for himself and others, some based on the design of the car in the photograph were still winning into the mid-eighties. While I don't want to dispute the claim about the spaceframe design of stockcar, I think the accepted first spacey in NZ was built by Peter Kuriger, and many years before, Derek Bennett of Chevron Cars fame from Bolton, Lancashire built space frame speedway cars and stockcars that raced at the northern tracks in England. I hope a bit more family history is posted on here as I think the Willis story is one of those unknown to a large number of NZ motor racing fans.

[Rod Grimwood]

Here is a bit of info on car hope that helps will get more.
For those of us who don't know, is there any information about this car - whose is it, where is the resto done (very nice work, they deserve some credit) and what is the relevance of the stock car photo. It would be so much more meaningful - as the thread is now, it's just a bunch of photos of a very nice Lola F5000.

[Shano]

Many thanks. All involved with the car's rebirth should feel proud of their efforts.

[Rod Grimwood]

If you are pretty set on getting and restoring the Gemco sports car and you are a few days late and it is on it's way to America, apparently you go home get out the pencil and paper and decide to build your own.

[Rod Grimwood]

This was started on 28/08/10, and done by one person (retired) in his spare time.
OK we will need something for this to hang on,

[Rod Grimwood]

Body taking shape, this is alot of work and time spent. But I reckon it is looking pretty good.

[Rod Grimwood]

Now this is starting to take shape.

[Rod Grimwood]

This is what over 600 hours of hard work looks like, and it has away to go before it is finished, but as you can see when the mind is made up that is it. From a few wrecked parts and information gained. At the moment it is set to run a small block Chev and has been built to Lola specs but also as close to original as possible. Will run similar gear to the Lola F5000 so spares are on hand.
This is one great project.

[Steve Holmes]

Rod, that sportscar is sensational! What is the body modelled on? It looks familiar. Is the tub scratch built, or has the builder started with an existing tub?

[kiwi285]

That gentleman is one clever cookie and I totally admire his dedication. That car will be a stunning addition to our sportscar ranks. Keep us updated Rod

[Rod Grimwood]

Its all new Steve, He has some parts from a damaged Lola car in Canada (crashed in 78) and has used the Lola as a base to the tub with modifications in width and bits. It started life as F5000 and was raced in Europe and then to Canada and converted to CanAm later in life when it was unfortunately crashed and packed away. The body is also as close to Can Am cars as he can get it. It will be running F5000 technology so will be period sports car. Yes kiwi285, he is a very clever cookie, and a real gentleman to talk to and a alround nice guy. I will try and get some photos of some of his creations over the years.

The original car has a interesting history and will be revelled later.

[kiwi285]

Rod - can we ask who this gentleman is ?

[Rod Grimwood]

Lyndsay Willis. Lindsay has built alot of cars for all different forms of motorsport over the years and is a very approachable guy and will share knowledge with people. Lindsay also has the Caterpillar Museum in Rotorua (machinery not bugs), if you are ever down that way have a look. I will add a couple of photos of other cars Lindsay and son Brett have played with (sucessfully) over the years.
Rod - can we ask who this gentleman is ?

[Rod Grimwood]

The Mazda was Chev powered spaceframe, as was the Camaro. Brett ran a spaceframe Commodore before the Mazda and it was a ground breaking car in sports sedans when it arrived as it was basically the first full space frame car in class along with Bob Homewoods little Escort. Lindsay built a about another 4 frames and cars for other people during this time

[pallmall]

The Caterpillar Experience is really a must see if you are in Rotorua. Not only is there lots of interesting restored machinery, but it is all laid out superbly with lots of audio-visual aids and historic items. It really is a history of Forestry in NZ. I can't see how Lindsay finds time for all his projects.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/RANDOM/009750x562.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/RANDOM/007750x562.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/RANDOM/006750x562.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/Checraft/RANDOM/008750x562.jpg

[Rod Grimwood]

Another project that Lindsay built a few years back between other things, he decided to do some Tuna fishing, so built a boat and went and did commercially for awhile and sold to his skipper after awhile.

[Rod Grimwood]

Most of us know or were there at Hampton Downs for the Festival back in January when Brett was unfortunately caught out on a big line of oil and was taken for a scary ride down the front straight and into the pit wall. Thank god only the car and pride were hurt and it was upsetting for all involved. But in true spirit the Willis team accepted it and got on with it and that clever man from Rotorua downed tools on his latest project and got stuck into fixing the Lola. (more on the latest project shortly).
These are a few photos of Lindsey's labour of love.

[Rod Grimwood]

The repairs under way.

[Rod Grimwood]

The finished project, now that is neat. This is a credit to Lindsay and the Willis family.

Sadly very unfortunate accidents/damage can happen some times to these beautiful pieces of motorsport history, but with the likes of Lindsay Willis, Motorsport Solution boys and others they can be repaired to new and enjoyed by all enthusiast's to watch, listen too and feel good.

Photo of the man in his favourite place, the 'workshop'



I will put together a series of photos of the latest bit of beauty to roll on that floor.

[Grant Sprague]

The finished project, now that is neat. This is a credit to Lindsey and the Willis family.

Sadly very unfortunate accidents/damage can happen some times to these beautiful pieces of motorsport history, but with the likes of Lindsey Willis, Motorsport Solution boys and others they can be repaired to new and enjoyed by all enthusiast's to watch, listen too and feel good.

Photo of the man in his favourite place, the 'workshop'



I will put together a series of photos of the latest bit of beauty to roll on that floor.Woooow Rod very cool piks etc ............... Thank you.. talk soon Grant

[Rod Grimwood]

Back in 7/11/2011 I posted "this is what 600 hours of hard work does"

Well I was very fortunate a couple of weeks ago to be invited to go with Lindsay and Brett Willis along with spanner man Ralph Mossman for the first run of this car.

Well this is a little pictorial of what 1200 plus Hours of hard work does. This all started as a very damaged pile of bits and had sat from 1978 in a couple of boxes. (story will come later) As is the rule over the years bits disappeared and were pilfered for other damaged cars. Lindsay had the specs and went to work in his amazing workshop.

[Rod Grimwood]

The moulding of the body.

[Rod Grimwood]

You need something to hang that body on. As you can see there was a lot of fabricating and work to be done.

[Rod Grimwood]

More Hours

[Rod Grimwood]

Now more hours setting up dummy suspension etc to get measurements etc.

[Rod Grimwood]

And now some more hours, fitting the beautiful body.

[Rod Grimwood]

More fitting with the man himself covered in dust hard at it with his mate.

[Rod Grimwood]

Coming together not too far now. Ýea Right'

[Rod Grimwood]

Test day at Taupo, roll her out of trailer, proud owner/builder check things over and spanner check, check tyre pressures, hit the button and then the noise, and it sounds GOOD

Photo of Lindsay and Brett with the new piece of magic.

[Rod Grimwood]

Getting ready for first run.

[Rod Grimwood]

And there it is, looked real good, went real good, sounded real good, and Brett was really impressed with it straight out of workshop in regards to handling, braking etc which will all get a little tickle but a real great effort.
We all had smiles.

Did attract a bit of attention from pits and surrounding workshops.

Had 3 runs and back on trailer and off home before lunch time.

Please excuse track shots as they are from my little camera

[Rod Grimwood]

And back tucked up in the bedroom with big brother.

They get on well together and share food and footwear etc.

[Bryan]

Wow!:cool: That's hugely impressive, and such a beautiful result. Congratulations to all involved.:D

[Spgeti]

Great thread Rod....enjoying this

[Rod Grimwood]

At the Ice Breaker meeting Lindsay and Brett took the F5000 up for a run to make sure everything was working after the rebuild from the January incident at Hampton. Well on Friday it had a bit of a cough up top in 4th, so with heaps of head scratching and a few adjustments out again and still the same. A serious discussion and some great help from our mate Bob Homewood, (he's a clever bugger) it was off with the mechanical fuel pump and yep the drive had sheered. about 5 o'clock a phone call to Christchurch and Motorsport Solutions and they had one, then call to crewman Geoff Dunn to shoot around and pick it up before flying up on Friday night. Fitted Saturday Morn and off she went all good. Brett was having a great bit of fun with Kenny when on about lap 5 right at the spot where he had clouted the pit wall in January the rear just locked solid, Brett quick declutch as around she went and dab on brakes as she was backwards and after wall finished another and around she went and sat in middle of track right on the middle of the corner not touching a thing. Kenny reckons he was not sure which way to go but got around, as did the rest following, thankfully at a distance and with warning.
Well, back in pits after we had all adjusted our underwear and heart monitors a check and the engine was locked. On research the oil pump belt was gone lying on track broken, presumably by little stone flicked in there somehow. (this is being investigated)
It seems these things are sent to test the character and resolve of people and some just toss it and walk away, while others get on with sorting it out and getting back out there and on with it. Well after talking to the Willis's they are in the later and a credit to their tenacity, the engine is at the doctors and having minor surgery and will be back soon.

See you all in January 2015 at the Festival.

[SPman]

The finished project, now that is neat. This is a credit to Lindsay and the Willis family.

Sadly very unfortunate accidents/damage can happen some times to these beautiful pieces of motorsport history, but with the likes of Lindsay Willis, Motorsport Solution boys and others they can be repaired to new and enjoyed by all enthusiast's to watch, listen too and feel good.

Photo of the man in his favourite place, the 'workshop'



I will put together a series of photos of the latest bit of beauty to roll on that floor.
Be interesting handling with those wheels...........:p

[kiwi285]

As we have come to expect from the people involved - a great looking car, well built and track manners almost spot on right from the start. What else could you wish for.

Would love to see a couple more of those big bangers sports cars back on track. I understand that there are a couple tucked away in this country.

[Rod Grimwood]

Hopefully we will get to see both cars at Hampton in January, Lindsay says better report from the engine doctor, but still hassle can do without.

[Steve Holmes]

Wow, this is just stunning! What an incredible achievement this is. There sure are some talented people around! Thanks for all the updates and photos Rod, its been really enjoyable seeing this creation come to life.