Barnfind Aston Martin with the engine of a Lada
Posted on 13-12-2015 at 23:01 by dizono – 6 Comments”
Found in a dusty shed: a pre-1959 Aston Martin full of Russian parts, to the engine. That shed can, of course, but in one country.
As Pablo in 1958 the keys of his Aston Martin DB2/4, he is the happiest man of all of Cuba. Pablo has a successful cigar factory, but has nevertheless be a long time to save up for his favorite sports car in England at the factory to order. The next year however would be a lot of change for Pablo and his compatriots. That night, addressing the troops of Castro, Cienfuegos and Che Geuevara the power and as on 1 January 1959 the sun comes up, the country has a new government.
The United States and Europe, breaking all economic ties. At first Pablo that is not so bad, so he knows for sure that he is the next time in the most beautiful car of the island drive. After a period of time the car starts, however, what cures get, but the parts are not to get or to order. Managed to fasten the car for a long time rolling, until the crankshaft through the block to the outside.
Pablo is considering to one of the still remaining and working American V8 and to buy it, but realizes quickly that this is not feasible. Also for these engines are no parts to get. With pain in his heart, he gives his hard mechanic the job the amechtige four-cylinder engine from a Lada 1200 in the forepeak of the British sports car to scoop up.
Close to the truth
True story? Probably not, but the truth will probably also not far from. Jonathan Ward, owner of the well-known American 4×4 specialist ICON the Aston Martin during a visit to the island on the track. Somewhere in a shabby shed the Aston are days to wear out. Bruised, rusting and not only with the engine of a Lada, the dash and many other parts are of Russian origin.
Despite the huge amounts of classic Aston Martins today to change owner, the barnfinds, would restoration of this copy just once financially unattractive. And actually, it would be a shame to have this copy to restore it. This just needs the museum to be driven, if possible, with shed and all. Secretly, I hope that Evert Louwman meeleest and already a ticket to Cuba on the books is…
The complete story of Ward and more photos check out in Road and Track. With roof @uncivilsum for the tip!