The Hurricane with lifting canopy predated the Nova as first Nova body unit came out of the moulds in December 1971. Sales of the Richard Oakes designed kit began in 1972 and licensed to the USA in late 1973 as the Sterling and of course the Eureka. (courtesy Specialist Sports Cars by Peter Filby 1974). Hurricane was debuted at March 1969 Melbourne Motor Show so design and build probably predated Nova by 3 to 4 years. Colin
Let's put it into perspective - the Hurricane wasn't built on a VW chassis either and the potential selling price of the Hurricane luxury car would have been several multiples of the Eureka kit car. You gets what you pays for!
But I totally agree that it is fantastic to see such a unique part of our motoring history restored and on display.
I had forgotten the paint was Metalflake orange. Very "out there" for a auto manufacturer in late 60's and all this from the people who stuffed up and did not proceed with the GTR-X (and look how the 240Z sold globally). All in context of the car company that succeeded in developing their market share from 75% to 20% over 40 years.
The Hurricane with lifting canopy predated the Nova as first Nova body unit came out of the moulds in December 1971. Sales of the Richard Oakes designed kit began in 1972 and licensed to the USA in late 1973 as the Sterling and of course the Eureka. (courtesy Specialist Sports Cars by Peter Filby 1974). Hurricane was debuted at March 1969 Melbourne Motor Show so design and build probably predated Nova by 3 to 4 years. Colin
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see this bit of history restored to all it's former glory.
ReplyDeleteDavid
Let's put it into perspective - the Hurricane wasn't built on a VW chassis either and the potential selling price of the Hurricane luxury car would have been several multiples of the Eureka kit car. You gets what you pays for!
ReplyDeleteBut I totally agree that it is fantastic to see such a unique part of our motoring history restored and on display.
Tony
I had forgotten the paint was Metalflake orange. Very "out there" for a auto manufacturer in late 60's and all this from the people who stuffed up and did not proceed with the GTR-X (and look how the 240Z sold globally). All in context of the car company that succeeded in developing their market share from 75% to 20% over 40 years.
ReplyDelete