Solved - NEH 2608: 1935 Alvis Firefly "Bonstard Special" AKA "Routledge Special"

[Paul Jaray]

Routledge Special, built by Norman Routledge around the lale 1950's.
It is based on a shortened Firefliy chassis, powered by a highly breathed-upon SB
Speed 20 engine (even the pistons are drilled!) with 3.8 diff and 18 inch wheels.

[D-type]

What is the name and the basis of this kit car special?
(Sorry the original was a duplicate  :( )

[D-type]

No takers
Does this help?

[D-type]

No takers.  So it's up to the Experts

[FrontMan]

...is it Norman Routeledge's "Tea Bag" ?

[D-type]

My source simply says "Routledge Special" with no mention of "Tea Bag"
Locked for you to give me the chassis and engine to complete the answer.

[FrontMan]

There is much information out there, some of it contradictory, regarding the construction of this machine. However, the chassis frame is from an Alvis Firefly.
Opinions vary a little with respect to the engine;...some say Crested Eagle, others, Speed Twenty. The gearbox seems to have general concensus as being from a Speed Twenty. Sections of the body are said to be from a Marendaz Special;...from the photographs I respectfuly suggest that this is probably the main body tub. Specifically, the scuttle area, and doors, possibly from the 13/70 model. Mr. Routledge started work in 1951, but it was not until six years later when the car was registered for the road. Extensive, but meticulously planned drilling to the chassis is what led to the sobriquet "Tea Bag". :joker:

[D-type]

A point is winging your way.
My internet source has it as a 1928 Marendaz Special with a 1930s Alvis engine.  But with a special,who knows?

[Carnut]

You just need to correct the spelling in the title in the first post ('Routledge' not 'Routeledge').

[FrontMan]

Sorry, spelling is not my fortay :).  Indeed, specials are often a nightmare to DNA test. Attached, is just one of my leads, by a respected researcher who was clarifying details in response to opinions voiced on that same Alvis site. The 1931 Marendaz Special matches the scuttle on the puzzle car, and is different to the 1928 model.

.........and thank you, D-Type, for your gracious award despite conflicting evidence. Is it possible to have points 3D-printed? :joker: 

[nicanary]

It's been a puzzle twice already! Now merged.

[FrontMan]

The attachment...at last.

[FrontMan]

.....and a few seconds fame on YouTube..........https://youtu.be/xDhkTMn5-gA