Beschrijving
Bishops Heritage were commissioned to build the car, by a very good client. He has always been interested in the Octopussy film car, and since the whereabouts, or even the existence of the original film car are unknown, we set about recreating the car, in as much detail as possible, from pictures and period information.
The first task, was to find a suitable ‘base’ vehicle from the era of the film, and or course left hand drive.
We located a 1982 left hand drive 2 door Range Rover, in the south of England, which had recently been imported from France. It was the perfect base vehicle, the correct year, and a complete vehicle.
By all accounts, the research we carried out indicated a company called Rapport built the original film car, which was named the Huntsman. They would also have started with a 1982 L/ H/ D standard 2 dr, before modification.
Once the vehicle was in our workshops, we set about a full body and mechanical overhaul. The engine had a full rebuild, along with carburettors and associated ancillary items. All driveline items where checked/ overhauled. All brakes were replaced along with all suspension components. We refurbished the original ‘Rostyle’ wheels, and fitted a set of new tyres, plus much more.
We then set about modifying the body shell, using pictures of the film car, and rapport Huntsman pictures from the archives. The vehicle was fully painted in the film car colour of Russet Brown. Bespoke seat frames made for the rear of the vehicle, adding lap belts, which were not used in period! The interior was fully trimmed in Palomino vinyl, again, a period colour and material.
The original vehicles seats were trimmed in ’teddy bear’ cloth. We opted to trim the seats in a more practical shower proof ‘rip stop’ canvas. This is also harder wearing. A bespoke ’tonneau’ cover has been made for the vehicle, to protect the interior if kept outside.
We have a pictorial record of the build, which we provided to the client.
The vehicle is purely for sale, as our client does not really have a use for it! He wanted us to build the vehicle, to satisfy a life long ambition. He has many other vehicles, several which are with me.
The vehicle is now UK registered, and available for viewing and test drives. It could, of course, be re-registered overseas if required. The asking price for the vehicle is £95, 000 GBP.
