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DickMorbey
United Kingdom
3672 Posts |
 Posted - 23/04/2017 : 21:44:29
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Now here's a thing: at the very end of this evening's episode of the Durrells there appeared a red PA, registration CSU 421. Not bad to find a British registration on Corfu, although I believe part of the series was shot in Jersey  .
But I'm not sure what to make of this, because that reg belongs to PA0870, which by all accounts must have changed its appearance for artistic purposes, because the records of 2 years ago show that it white with brown swept wings! Oh, and it has an A-series engine...
Might have been repainted? Might be a different car?
On the other hand it/they have hydraulic brakes!
In recent times the car was sold by an owner in Send (Surrey) to another in Chandlers Ford (Hants) The last we know of this car is that it failed to achieve the reserve in a June 2015 Brooklands auction http://www.i-bidder.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/historics-at-brooklands/catalogue-id-ibhi10009/lot-9d8a26b9-8e1a-4887-8039-a4a500c46be4 .
There was a rumour that the car might have gone to Italy, but from what we are told that does not seem to be correct....
Clues anyone?
PS
It's still registered with the DVLA...
Dick Morbey
PA/PB 0743
Frieth, Oxon, UK |
Edited by - DickMorbey on 23/04/2017 21:47:41 |
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Simon Johnston
United Kingdom
5983 Posts |
Posted - 23/04/2017 : 22:37:18
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The red car looks to have the same badge bar, rear lights and centre laced wheels.
Registered with the DVLA as 'SORN in place' and also colour is listed as 'cream' so perhaps currently abroad (and re-painted) but with a SORN in place to keep the number (which looks to be an age related one rather than its original one). It was apparently originally a four-seater and a University Motors demonstrator.
Simon J
J3437 |
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graham holdsworth
United Kingdom
424 Posts |
Posted - 24/04/2017 : 07:59:29
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| I did notice on the TV that the car still appears to have brown trim. |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2493 Posts |
Posted - 24/04/2017 : 09:22:39
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As regards the hydraulics, I notice both red and chocolate & cream have 8 inch, or could they be 9 inch drums? Also both red & white have appropriately coloured headlamp back shells. Both have flat topped aero screens, but the luggage rack & MGCC badge have gone.
Looking at the auction details, it seems that the gearbox is also "A" series which might make it a more suitable candidate for driving by an unschooled actor?
Dick, this doesn't look like any part of Jersey I've seen. Laurence Durrell of course lived in Jersey in later life. Could it be that they will indeed film some later part there for that reason?
Dave |
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graham holdsworth
United Kingdom
424 Posts |
Posted - 24/04/2017 : 12:39:38
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Dave. It was Gerald Durrell that lived in Jersey and started the zoo and wildlife trust, but that was not until 1959. The tv series is based on his delightful biography, 'My Family and Other Animals 'set in the 1930's. His elder brother Lawrence Durrell the writer lived in France.
Sorry Dick, went off at a tangent there !
Graham |
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DickMorbey
United Kingdom
3672 Posts |
Posted - 24/04/2017 : 13:31:07
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Don't worry Dave Graham - in fact I did read somewhere that the island of Jersey was used for some for the filming..
Dick Morbey
PA/PB 0743
Frieth, Oxon, UK |
Edited by - DickMorbey on 24/04/2017 16:09:27 |
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Oz34
United Kingdom
2493 Posts |
Posted - 24/04/2017 : 14:35:10
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You are of course right Graham. I knew there was something not quite right about my statement!
Dave |
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Peter Seager-Thomas
United Kingdom
15 Posts |
Posted - 16/05/2017 : 09:42:05
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CSU 421 was built up from a bare chassis and axle in the mid/late 1980's by a friend of mine.
I think the engine, gearbox and rear axle came from a 1098 Mk II Midget, the total cost being rathe less than a secondhand P Type head. The rear axle was of course too wide, so had an inch or so taken off the ends. Thus the 7" drums at the rear. The front axle was P Type but with TA/B/C brakes fitted, hence the 9" drums at the front! The wheels were oddities from Mike Dowley in that they were 19" centre laced, but with flanged rather than rolled edges.
The radiator shell was P Type but housed what I think was an Austin 1800 radiator.
The body tub came from Mike Dowley, I think all the other panels were by courtesy of jumbles. The speedo/tacho was home-made, the flyscreens were also home made, being built up from brass channel.
With two small daughters to carry around, the area behind the seats was fully upholstered.
This car, despite its lack of provenance, always seemed to crop up in photo shots, and it looks like that trend will continue!
Peter. |
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Colin Butchers
United Kingdom
1477 Posts |
Posted - 17/05/2017 : 11:05:49
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The little car has done well - considering it is a bit of a mongrel.
Colin B. |
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DickMorbey
United Kingdom
3672 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2017 : 22:12:14
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According to Mark Hyder-Smith who I think resides on Corfu:
I saw your posts from April about the above car appearing in “The Durrells” and you may appreciate an update on its life.
As you will see from the attached Facebook link the car is still on the island of Corfu (the next series is in production). I can’t tell you where it’s come from but appears to be alive a well in the sun here in Corfu. As with the other car used in “The Durrells” it’s transported around the island on the flat bed as the local roads can be a little dodgy at times.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=450205068668634&set=pcb.1419626484780888&type=3
Dick Morbey
PA/PB 0743
Frieth, Oxon, UK |
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Hamish McNinch
United Kingdom
108 Posts |
Posted - 13/07/2017 : 16:42:53
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| The car is now for sale on EBay with a starting price of £22,000 (reserve not met). Somewhat hopeful, I would guess. But who knows. Good start for a project if you happened to have a spare engine and box... |
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Orstin
United Kingdom
633 Posts |
Posted - 14/07/2017 : 17:53:24
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I can't seem to be able to find it, Hamish, could you post a link perhaps? Ta...
So many dynamos |
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MIKEB
United Kingdom
76 Posts |
Posted - 14/07/2017 : 23:04:26
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I too had trouble finding this car but tracked it down eventually at item number 112479947406. It is noticeable that none of the alleged modifications seems to be mentioned – wrong engine, gearbox and back axel. Caveat emptor!
Mike |
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Simon Johnston
United Kingdom
5983 Posts |
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Simon Johnston
United Kingdom
5983 Posts |
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Colin McLachlan
United Kingdom
987 Posts |
Posted - 15/07/2017 : 09:24:21
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I've tried to stir things by asking on eBay what engine and gearbox are fitted, and details of the brakes.
Colin
Markinch, Fife.
PA 0613
MG3242
Register No. 2591 |
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Topic |
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Mystery PA on ITV's 'The Durrells'
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