Solved - MJW #041 - Frake Roadster

[woodinsight]

Name of constructor and what it was based on for one point please.

[woodinsight]

No response from the rookies - so up a level it goes

[Carnut]

Story?

[barrett]

It's the Frake Special built by Bill Frake in the late 50s. I can't remember what the drivetrain is, and the magazine it's in is currently one of a pile holding my bed off the floor (don't ask), so I don't think i'll be able to get you a complete answer

Possibly Oldsmobile?

[woodinsight]

That's correct!
You obviously remember the car.

It was built by a Mr. Frake in the late 1950s after he fell in love with the Jaguar XK120 at the 1950 New York Show.
He then decided to build his own roadster and based it on a ? chassis and engine.
The original engine was replaced by a V8 Chevrolet in 1964.

So - not Oldsmobile (either original or replacement)

I'll award you the point if you can tell me what the car was based on plus the original powerplant. Also his first name which was not Bill.

I'll lock it for you for 48 hours (I'm sure you can sleep on your sitting room settee for a couple of nights!)

[barrett]

Found it!
It was Harold, not Bill, and it was based on a Henry J chassis.

Two thing's I've learnt - I need to fix my bed, and I need a better filing system for my magazines!

[woodinsight]

That's it!
Glad you can sleep peacefully in your bed tonight rather than on the settee!
I know what you mean though - my place is chock-a-block full of books/magazines and it is difficult to live in a library and to find what you are looking for.......