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What do you guys think of the Sammio?

Andrew Mace said:
I have to admit I'm a bit surprised after looking at their web site, where the example of a donor car is a relatively rare (even in the UK) and usually quite desirable Vitesse 3L MkII convertible! Doesn't seem too likely to me that anyone would sacrifice such a car for a kit such as this. Saloon (sedan) maybe, but not convertible....

My first reaction also but I don't think that particular car was used as a donor, just as an example of what to look for. The car below it which was used as a donor looks pretty well worn. There certainly are enough rusty Herald in the UK to find a decent donor.
 
I suspect the Heralds destroyed are those that won't pass the MOT. So nothing really lost here.

I would build one the Vistesse based models if they could be built on a Spitfire chassis and were available in the US. They look a lot like the early Ferraris, which are definitely on my bucket list (but that ain't going to happen).
 
Then there is the option of making, or having made your own frame and suspension $$$
 
billspit said:
I would build one the Vistesse based models if they could be built on a Spitfire chassis and were available in the US. They look a lot like the early Ferraris, which are definitely on my bucket list (but that ain't going to happen).

It shouldn't be all that difficult since the suspension is basically the same. The big difference is that the spit has more of a backbone design to the frame than the herald and it is shorter. So to use a spit the frame would need to be lengthened and a new longer drive shaft found. But there are enough Heralds on flea bay that I wouldn't bother.
 
The answer I think is to find an old herald frame and firewall, put a gt6+ engine. tranny, and some of the gt6 suspension/brakes on it and go from there. Or find a really back sport6.

Or just order a turn key the way you want it and when it shows up you have a car.
 
If they modify the body to fit a spit,I would be a customer. Herald? I junked too many with rotted frames. Here's a thought- totally hot spit with the body. Looks kind of like a mini AC cobra.Super rally car? Light and fast.
 
Well if they would import a few of the LHD shells or find a maker here, they might sell a few. I would hate to see shipping cost for a single shell.
 
I've trying to get a group buy deal put together over the last couple weeks. I posted this over at GRM today:

https://www.sammio-spyder.com/home.html

Here's the tentative deal so far. If we bring in 5+ kits he'll sell them for $1600 USD. That would be the basic kit: body support, body, grille and windscreen, LHD or RHD. The best price he got for shipping was about $3000, or $600 per kit. That prices the kits at $2200 each. I'm sure other fees will arise along the way but feel confident that a kit can be had for under $2500. Anybody want in? I don't have an answer as to how long it will take to put the kits together or duration of shipping. I was hoping to pick up in Detroit in July. You will be responsible for pick up from the New Boston/Romulus, Mi. area. Once again, I'm not affiliated in any way with the Sammio guys and I am not profiting from this in any way. I just want one of their bodies. :smile:

I will mention, Mr. Janes says he can source RHD steering racks as well.
 
I think I read somewhere they weigh about 1200 pounds, so yes. Swap in a hot 1296 and OD, should be a very fun car.
 
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