Hank Mauel
<whmauel@inreach.com>

SB 2073
California

SB2073 was owned by my race car partner, Mike Ostrov, since the early 90's. We raced an Elite in west coast vintage racing for 20+ years.

This 7 was prepped for racing, but never raced. It has DSK front suspension, a dry sump twin cam, stiffened chassis, etc etc. All the mechanicals are being replaced by a 1275 BMC & tranny, stock suspension, all road equipment. In the process, all the gauges, most of which are later add ons, are being replaced with period correct early 60's units in a new dash board...to match Mike's original 7 America. I have even scored a chronometric speedometer to pair up with the chrono tach. Also obtained the original Wingard taillights and a set of headlights. I have stock springs to go back in and will replace the racing rear fenders with the original narrow sized units.

This will be a street stock "fun" car for tours and such. No racing planned...been there, done that.

October 2007
It now looks like a real "Rat Rod". Soon the twin cam will be out, along with the dry sump system. I then start "real" work... finish paint stripping, change out the front DSK parts for original Series 2 bits, 1275 Spridget motor & tranny, skinny wheels and tires and the list goes on........
Will keep you posted as I progress with the work.

January 2008
Talked to my local muffler guy and he says we can take a 3 " diameter glass pack apart and put it inside the big 3 inch side pipe, weld it up and the whole thing will look just like the photo. Cool! Can you imagine a 1275 cc Spridget motor blowing exhaust out a 3" pipe? The guys at Cruise nights will think I have a big V8 in there until I start it up!<g>