This is another fine example of a well undertaken restoration of a classic Fastback. The 'Imperial Red' Rapier below belongs to Leif Gaarde of Denmark. He gives us a brief history of his car below:
As a Rootes car owner since the late fifties, owning and driving many different types since then, the Fastback you see here was found and bought early in 1984.
The Fastback is a very rare car in Denmark. Mine with chassis number B342007304 is a 1969 model, which was in a very tatty state, the body being repaired with plastic padding in many places, and also a wrong engine was fitted - however inside the car it was spotless.
The car was taken completely apart and the body was sent to a panel workshop for almost a year, having many panels such as both wings replaced. Meanwhile, I took care of the mechanical items, and everything that I thought needed replacing, were purchased mainly new from the UK. Any parts that could not be found new, had to be sought from scrapyards during the summer trips to Britain.
Finaly the car was resrayed in a Red a little darker than the original Signal Red (122) - I chose Imperial Red (165 PSR) - a more modern Rootes colour, but I have never regretted it since. The whole 'operation' took close to 4 years of my spare time. And the cost? Well thats a secret - but it was very, very expensive. The car was finished for the summer of 1988, where it was used for its first tour to a Rapier national rally - that year in Bowood House, Wilts.
After finishing the car, for the first 3-4 years I only used it in the summer time, but since then I have used it as my daily transport (about 45 miles every day). Today after standing outside in all kinds of weather, salt from the roads in winter time, and close to 100,000 miles more of my use, it needs in the coming summer time only minor repairs to the body work.
The Fastback is still an eye-catching car even today, because only 4-5 of this type are on the road in Denmark, and are still a lovely car to drive. Hopefully, if possible (if parts can still be sourced) it will continue to be my daily transport, but I also run a Minx Mk8 in the summer time.
Leif Gaarde, Denmark.
Leif sadly passed away, Good Friday 1998. He founded the Rootes Club of Denark, as well as visiting England whenever he could. He will be sadly missed, and his beloved cars will be looked after by maintained by local club members.
