One of the most compelling things about the idea of building a kit car is that it's like a freshly stretched canvas, a foundation upon which a builder can project their personality, their taste, and aspirations. The experience offers a chance to turn one's automotive vision or dream into a reality. As someone who spent their teenage years endlessly sketching exotic, imaginary cars it has always been a tantalizing concept to yours truly.
Those among most talented and artful builders of such kit cars or bespoke "one-offs" are truly inspirational to we mere mortals. There's something very personal and powerful about their work. Those of us yet to accomplish such ambitious projects can only revel vicariously in their achievements. Their creations are proof that it can be done, despite the many daunting challenges inherent in taking up the task.
In the past, this publication has featured a few of these rolling pieces of art such as Brian Thompson's amazing "Mirov 2", inspired by a fictitious Russian sportscar from an iconic 1980's ad campaign, built using one of the two rolling mock-ups seen on UK TV. Another example is the sensational "01 Diablerets" hill climb special, a creation of the Swiss brothers, Michel and Philippe Borghi. One of the most popular articles on Rare Component Cars, to date, concerns the "Beradino", a decades long passion project built by Germany's Johannes P. Paulussen. All are masterpieces, as unique as their creators.
The subject at hand is the work of American builder, Steve Briscoe, and it is yet another example of visionary rolling sculpture. It is called the "Novetta" and its creator describes it as "a sports racer built in the unique mold of the popular class of small bore, independently built 60’s race cars conceived to compete with factory cars such as Elvas, Ginettas, Porsche 356’s, and the beautiful Alfa TZ’s of the day". An apt description and this magnificient build absolutely nails that whole ethos down to the finest detail.
 |
| The Novetta Chassis |
This all starts with the chassis, which is a ladder frame in box-section steel tubing, with an integrated roll-cage, and reinforced side sills for safety and some extra rigidity. Its suspension consists of tubular front A arms, with rack and pinion steering, up front and a narrowed 8’ Ford live axle controlled by unequal length four bar system at the rear. Coil-overs adorn all four corners. Firestone tires wrap forged, lightweight alloy wheels.
Motivation comes from a 2.0 Liter engine sourced from a late model Ford Capri with twin Dellorto carburetors, a high-performance overhead cam, stainless steel exhaust headers leading to a single side-pipe exiting the Novetta's bodywork on the passenger's side. Cooling duties are handled by one radiator, mounted in front of the motor at roughly a 20 degree angle, and an electric fan. Power is delivered through a 4-speed manual gearbox to an 8" Posi traction rear-end from a '67 Mustang.
 |
| The Novetta interior |
The 1960's racecar aesthetic continues in its interior appointments. The driver is greeted by weight saving fiberglass bucket seats, wrapped in pleated vinyl. The dashboard is dominated by a large tachometer (clocked to redline), flanked by tape-labeled generic switches and a full array of VDO gauges. The driver inputs directions with a thin, wood F.I.V. wheel and shifts with a handmade 917 style knob. Seatbelts with dated, military spec, quick release buckles keep the driver and passenger safely in place.
All of this is wrapped in curvaceous fiberglass bodywork with classic proportions, in keeping with the theme. Fans of vintage American kit cars may be reminded of something familiar when looking at the Novetta. Its lovely shell began life as a FiberFab Banshee (aka Caribee) but it has been significantly modified from stock.
 |
| The Novetta |
Gone are the Banshee's gull-wing doors, being replaced by a more conventional setup. The wheel wells were also reworked with gently flared arches, allowing for a more muscular wheel and tire fitment and making the body appear to sit lower on the chassis. The plexiglass backlight was also changed in favor of flat rear screen with aircraft style vents, surrounded by subtle buttresses.
The front and rear fascia's were revised from stock as well. Its grille opening is reshaped in a manner evoking a vintage Lister or Aston Martin, with teardrop shaped pods on either side housing auxiliary lights. At rear things don't deviate too far from the original shell, but the ducktail spoiler has been reshaped and part of the rear surface is inset from the bodywork, with vents added between the taillights, Novetta badging, and provisions for a license plate.
 |
| The Novetta uses many vintage parts to get that "period correct" look |
Other interesting details include use of the windshield from a '63 Corvette, trunk hinges from a Mini Cooper door, MGB trunk handles on the doors, a vintage Enots quick fill fuel cap feeding a 15 gallon aluminum tank, Lucas lights of various types for the pit light and indicator lights, as well marker lights from a Maserati. 1950’s Pontiac tail lights signal braking. Mustang fog lamps help fill the grill. The Novetta's color is "Boxwood Green", originally found on 1950's vintage Ford Trucks, with accents in Baffin Blue.
Taken as a whole, the Novetta is a stunningly beautiful car. The craftsmanship and attention to detail found in this build is evident wherever one looks. It masterfully accomplishes its goal of capturing the essence of 1960's road racers with period correct styling and vintage parts galore.
Cars like the Novetta are what this hobby is all about.
Sources:
Steve Briscoe
 |
| The Novetta at sunset |
 |
| The Novetta, in progress |
 |
| The Novetta, in progress, at rear |
 |
| The Novetta, with appropriate packaging |
 |
| The Novetta with competition |
 |
| The Novetta at rear |
 |
| The Novetta at home |
 |
| The Novetta, getting some sun |
 |
| The Novetta, in its garage |
 |
| The Novetta, shot by Rob Mains Photography |
 |
| The Novetta, at rear, shot by Rob Mains Photography |
thanks
ReplyDelete