I just got home from the Spring Classic Car Auction in Toronto this weekend. I saw the car in person, took lots of photos, saw it cross the block, and met the new owner (a gentleman named Bill H.).
I'm not pretending to be an expert here, nor could I actually see/locate any manufacturer's identification, but from what I could tell it looks like this is a Shell Valley Cobra replica which has been customized/modified somewhat by the original builder. Shell Valley used to have a "dealer" in Ontario, so there are a few of them kicking around.
The frame was constructed of rectangular tubing with two straight, longitudinal members running parallel from front to back.
Strangely, there were no inner fenders up front...
Some elements of the bodywork looked very much like Shell Valley, in particular the shape/height of the nose and grille opening, and the wedge shape of the hood scoop.
The cockpit opening seemed elongated aft of the seats...is this a modification?
The dashboard was customized, with ol' timey Ford gauges...but note how much the fibreglass has been thickened around the doors and cockpit edge...
The fibreglass was thickened around the engine bay too, and are those latches custom or stock Shell Valley?
Does Shell Valley use stalks like these?
Look through the side vents and you'll see that the footboxes block the back half...
The trunk was full o' junk, and didn't reveal many clues...unless you see them...
The wheels used five lugs...
The hammer price was $41,500 CAD plus 10% buyer's premium...
(Note, the dealer had been asking $49,995 on AutoTrader for months.)
The car was registered as a "home-built vehicle" (VIN number starting with HOM...), which is incorrect for a kit car. Hope it doesn't cause the new owner troubles when it comes to plating and insuring it...
So what do you guys think: Could it be a Shell Valley?
Pretty sure it's a Shell Valley...
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