Very early GTA differences

[stephendell]

I’ve posted up some pics of the slightly different rear lights previously but have found more differences when taking the car apart.

It’s a very early Atmo chassis 6 from 1985.

Instead of the usual angled flat plate to support the radiator at the front there is box section and completely different rad mounts. The welding and paint appears to be original and there is no sign of repair.

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1990 GTA for comparison

[stephendell]

Yes that’s what I’d expect to see (albeit without the sexy rad)

Here’s a pic of an upright confirming the car was built in 1985

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The paint has survived really well.

It's just like Time Team,I think Stephen is turning into Tony Robbinson.

[stephendell]

Some more differences.

LH scuttle panel has a completely different cut out for the wiper arm. Sadly cracked.

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Ignition lead guides are normally on the sides of the air filter canister. Here they are riveted to the underside and a completely different design. The welded brackets on the side where the guides normally push in are missing.

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The air filter housing looks to be identical to that on the A310V6, which seems logical.
This is mine before it was blasted and powder coated.

[stephendell]

Makes perfect sense and then they must have modified it later to suit to the GTA engine bay.

I hope I haven’t just dismantled a pre-production or prototype

This one will be going to get blasted and powder coated next week.

Ho far have you got with it can you put it back together

[stephendell]

It won’t be going back together here but someone could always buy the shell/chassis

Makes perfect sense and then they must have modified it later to suit to the GTA engine bay.

I hope I haven’t just dismantled a pre-production or prototype

This one will be going to get blasted and powder coated next week.

If you look closely at the photo of my filter housing you'll see a date marked in yellow next to the opening for the dual choke carburettor.
If you look at yours it may also have a date that might place the filter housing in a particular time band relative to A310V6/GTA production. Have a look before its blasted!

[stephendell]

Makes perfect sense and then they must have modified it later to suit to the GTA engine bay.

I hope I haven’t just dismantled a pre-production or prototype

This one will be going to get blasted and powder coated next week.

If you look closely at the photo of my filter housing you'll see a date marked in yellow next to the opening for the dual choke carburettor.
If you look at yours it may also have a date that might place the filter housing in a particular time band relative to A310V6/GTA production. Have a look before its blasted!

Oh yes I see it when I zoom in. Will take a look!

[stephendell]

Good call from johnb

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08/10/80

Mine is 6 June 1980.

If the GTA was launched in 1984 is it possible that A310V6 filter housings were used for the GTA for such a long period? Or, as you say, is the car that you have a very early example, possibly pre 1984?

GTAs that I've seen have the air inlet to the housing at the rear of the car whereas on the A310V6 it is pointing towards the front of the car, angled to the offside air intake behind the rear quarter light. Where is the inlet on yours?

[stephendell]

You are right it’s not pointing to the rear of the car like a normal GTA atmo.

I’ll look and see where the air intake aperture is cut into the fibreglass.

[stephendell]

On the rear 3/4 glass:

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I’ve seen V6 GT before on some cars although most UK atmo cars just have V6