My dad has a locost which he bought as a kit and then built (I think). He was a mechanic for BWM and then Mini for over 30 years. We aren't sure why but he had taken the gearbox out of the car and then he passed away in 2018. The car has been sat in the garage since then. My nephew who isn't mechanically minded would like to get the car back on the road. We don't know if it starts as at the moment as we can't find the key. Is it best to get more of a kit car specialist to look at it or would a local mechanic be able to do most of the work? It may need a new engine, gearbox, wishbones(?) and general service - brakes etc, etc. The bodywork is generally good. The car is Oxfordshire based. Thanks! Susan

Evening, and welcome in.

It's always nice bringing an old car back to life. Things you'll want to do first is identify components such as engine, axles etc. We can absolutely help with that. You can upload photos via the archive. You also need to find the v5 for the car, as that will help with details such as what chassis, age etc.

Regarding getting it running, probably most mechanics could, but you might be best finding someone who actually enjoys older engines. Assume the fuel in it will be knackered, so it'll need cleaning out, plus new battery etc.

Good luck! Hopefully someone local-ish can help more.

Welcome.

Whilst it may be an easy task, from your brief run down it could also run into £thousands.
I'd advise strong caution before you start spending money on it, but there are many good people on here and locally local to you for a brief look over by someone who understands the wider picture and legalities around them as much as just diving in and trying to "get it going" would be a good start.

I hope tis also helps

Did he finish it, get it registered correctly, and get it on the road?

Welcome Susan

We can offer better advice if you have a few pictures you could share

Thanks, the car was running, registered and on the road. I've uploaded a few details / photos. The engine has been manually turned and it went round. In the process of getting a new battery.

Hi Susan and welcome to Locostbuilders,

If the gearbox was taken out it may have been:

1. To replace the clutch (between engine and gearbox).
2. To rebuild (or replace) the gearbox.

As others have said, a local mechanic / garage may be able to assist in getting the car back together and roadworthy.

Equally a local Locostbuilders member may be able to assist.

However you go about it, make sure you and your nephew have the budget available. There will be costs associated with parts and labour.

First glance at the pictures tells me this is a "Locust" which was kinda the Locost predecessor. More information here: https://www.locust.org.uk/about/about.htm

It was constructed slightly differently. The main differences are;

1) Ford Cortina front suspension
2) Ladder Chassis, made from square section Steel tubes and a Wooden body tub and fibreglass panels for the nose and wings etc...

It should still be a Live Axle rear suspension/axle and it clearly has a Ford X-Flow engine probably with a Type 9 Ford Gearbox.

It doesn't make much difference to the jobs you're talking about but worth bearing in mind.

[Edited on 30/9/24 by JAG]

Looks like a fun little project.

If you were local id offer to help.

As others have said, it won't be a cost free activity to get it back on the road - labour at garages is particularly steep - think in the order of £1000 + to go over it and put back together - more if big bits are missing or broken.

looks to be a t&j locust, ford based running gear, probably plywood side panels, original locust design was a paper plan car. by john cowperthwight who designed moss cars and the midge as well
ford mechanicals are easy, the rest is just made up as you go along...

nice to see a proper vin for it, and associated numberplate.