Description
ASHLEY 1172 GRAND TOURISMO COUPE 1963
An extremely rare opportunity to buy one of only 37 known cars according to the official Ashley Laminates Sports Cars Registration Index Archive. The Index records 36 coupes so this is the 37th known to have survived. It has yet to be added to the register. It is a genuine Ashley 1172 GT Coupe, not an MG Midget/ Austin Healey Sprite conversion.
Ashley Laminates was formed in 1954 by Peter Pallandine and Keith Waddington at Loughton in Epping Forest. The first production body was a simple open two seater to fit the 6ft 9 inch Austin 7 chassis. In late 1958 the new style 1172 shells were introduced to fit the 7ft. 6 inch Ford chassis and the fixed head coupe Grand Tourismo (GT) evolved, the total recorded number still in existence totalling 37 including this car. This design formed the basic shell until the end of the company in 1963. Ashley then went on to make various fibreglass panels, bonnets and hardtops which became the basis for so many so called Ashley GT conversions, utilising AH/ MG Sprites and Midgets as the base component for the conversions.
This car has seen little use during the last 40 years having only had three registered owners from new. A genuine rare ‘Barn Find’ in original unrestored condition, now running and driving, it is ripe for a sympathetic restoration. The recorded mileage of approximately 13000 miles is more than likely correct.
The bodywork is all original, albeit tired and faded with age, but very straight with all the glass, brightwork, windscreen, rear screen and sliding side windows intact. All the lights are there. The steel wheels could do with a refurbish and come with the original chrome hub caps. New tyres and tubes have just been fitted on the rear wheels since the old ones no longer held air.
The interior is original and unmolested, with the very purposeful dash being complete with its ‘aircraft like’ display of gauges. The original rear seats are still there as are the door cards. The floors and chassis all appear to be fine and there are the old carpets and mats still in the car.
The engine is the 1172 Ford side valve with an Aquaplane manifold and twin SU carburettors for better performance. She starts and idles well.
A very worthwhile project which when completed will be eligible for many historic events ; The Circuit de Ramparts in Angouleme , where it would be up against Mini Marcos’s and Austin 7 specials and
possibly even Goodwood if you know the right people.
The car is tax and MOT exempt by virtue of its age. She’s 62 years old!
There is a large folder of paperwork with the car and some history about the cars and the company that manufactured them.
There is also an assortment of spare parts ; a set of coil overs, a spotlight and various bits and bobs in an old tool box in the boot. A rare chance to save and bring back to its former glory one of the few remaining Ashleys which represent a part of Britians' motoring heritage.
