Louis F

update: at the end of the day, i would like to thank everyone for their contribution to this topic. Although i am not 100% decided on this, i think we should just use the stock engine, and whilst being rebuilt, add some performance upgrades. Maybe mess around with the exhaust system to give a more throaty "V8" sound. i am being put off the V8 - swap more, as the work required and the funds required; just use the Vitesse as a learning point, and focus on a different project after. having said that, it definitely isn't a no to the V8 option. we will see what happens after the pandemic has passed and lockdown is over. once again thankyou all, i will be using the forum very much from this moment forward. Louis.

JohnD , good suggestion. I live in the county of staffordshire, near Derby, whilst my Grandad lives to the west of Kidderminster, about an hour from me.

Also, is anybody in this forum aware (or have knowledge of) this V8 Vitesse and it's owner?

wow i did not expect such a response. I agree with what you all are saying, and appreciate your opinions. Whilst i do love the V8 sound, i am aware of the complications surrounding such a drastic transformation. I agree with what Johny said, in that we should see a fully restored Vitesse, as my Grandad's self motivation is not the greatest. I will have to do some more research to see what WE actually want from the car. We would have been attending the PC car show in March, but as you are probably aware, it is postponed until August. Hopefully there are some ideas to be found there. Finally, where should we start on the restoration at this moment in time? i can attach some photos if necessary. Thankyou to you all, Louis

Before offending any purists in this forum, let me introduce myself. My name is Louis, and i have just set myself an account as i have questions, and this community is the best place to look (for answers). My grandfather owns a mk1 1600 Vitesse Saloon. It is in an extremely poor state. It has 90000 miles on the clock, and has been sitting in his garage for roughly 30 years. He is the second owner. I have always been passionate about starting the project, and now, more than ever, am i encouraging him to share the same passion. Whilst i do not live with him, i regularly visit him to help on the car. At this moment in time however, i just keep in close contact to him through mobile devices. He is a member of the TSSC , and has been for a year or so now. As you are probably aware, the 1600 saloon was the most produced Vitesse, and so we (mainly myself) would like to make it unique. (possibly even put a stag 3.0l V8 in it, or possibly a chevy 350 (5.7l) V8 in it!) Both myself and my grandfather are heavily interested in Practical Classics, and have attended several of their shows at the Nec. I prefer American Classics personally, hence the V8 dreams. I would like to own a 1970 dodge charger one day, but the Vitesse is a good start. So, question time. The main question for now is WHERE TO START, and any precautions we should take. Due to Covid 19, i cannot start the restoration, but will be soon on it ASAP. I am happy to provide more information if required. Feel free to criticize, yes really Thanks, Louis.