XU1 12 month ground up rebuild

by Ian Walshaw

Ian Walshaw (NSW GTR and XU1 Owners Club) purchased the Red LJ GTR XU1 from me in December 2002. He was hoping to have it completely rebuilt within around 18 months. The vehicle needed extensive rust repairs and a full rebuild. To date the vehicle is only weeks away from being registered. He conducted all the rust repairs himself with little assistance from experts. He is a tool maker by trade. Although I had panel beaters inquire about the vehicle when I had it for sale, they all were too scared off by the extensive amount of work that was needed to bring the vehicle back to its original state. This was no issue as far as Ian was concerned, he just stated that it was original with all the tags and the JP engine and he could fix it. When we agreed on a price he shipped it back to Sydney and had spent the last 16 or so months painfully restoring it. The engine has been fully rebuilt using XU1 spec parts. The interior is currently being revamped to the original XU1 specs. All in all it has been a huge project. Ian has kept me up to date with where the car is up to and has sent on several progress photos for us to learn from. When the vehicle is completed, he will be bringing the car down for us to look at. Ian is happy for anyone to contact him who are interested in doing something similar. Contact can be made through me. The Car Specs: 1973 LJ GTR XU1 model Salamanca red in colour 4 speed M21 3.08 banjo diff Sprintmaster wheels Ian's car is now registered and being driven regularly and thankyou to him for keeping us up to date with the progress shots.. Gerry Ward (CTC)

Some photos of Ian's GTR-XU1 on a Canberra Torana Club run.

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