Re: Ron Ackroyd (NZ) [email protected],[email protected]

From: Peter Westcott, [email protected]
Date: 02 Jun 2001
Time: 21:34:58
Remote Name: 203.96.111.202

Comments

The Milano body you are thinking of (and that Greg has) is based on the Ferrari 750 Monza and was available in a variety of sizes to suit different chassis configurations. In addition to the Milano roadster there was an Italia GT (and some very rare Italia roadsters, of which I have one) for chassis up to Healy 100 and TR2. After that JWFs were avaiable as a GT on their own proprietary chassis accepting Holden mechanicals. The GT project disappeared in South Australia after a venture to produce them with Valiant (Valano?) mechanicals foundered. The remaining Milano moulds were sold in the early eighties to a company in South Australia (again!) who extensively modified them to produce an Alfa-based low-volume car, the Ricciardi. They are more interested in selling complete cars and I think the body now is far too large for a A7 chassis but give them a try. JWF had a very good reputation for high quality bodies with features such as double-skinned panels, built-in firewalls, pre-hung doors and good finish. Australian Classic Car, http://www.ccar.com.au/9911/back2.htm, had a good article in Sep 96- Issue 38 that might still be available as a backcopy, there's a red Chev on the cover. You might also try your local motorbook store. There is also an excellent book on Australian specials but I'm on assignment in Wellington for another six months and can't my hands on it. You will be interested to know that the Sam Johnson (J in JWF) is still extant and building specials.


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