What ever happened to the Special One?

[sprint95m]

The Special One?

I miss Jon Tilson from this forum. A lot.

He very often talked about his early Dolomite to which he he had fitted a TR7 engine, this obviously being his favourite.
I remember that after Jon sadly passed away this car was sold, but whatever happened to it?
Some time ago I did see an advert on Facebook for a K reg red TR7 powered Dolomite, which was looking rather down at heel, I did wonder if this had been Jon’s?

Thanks
Ian

[Howard81]

That was ERO456K

It was given a through going over by James467 after Jon passed, and I am pretty sure it reappeared on eBay (or it may have been the same Facebook add) a couple of years after that.

viewtopic.php?t=33511&hilit=jon+tilson+1850

[sprint95m]

Thanks Howard the registration is helpful….

I have just done a Gov check and it is showing as SORNed.
It also states the engine capacity is 1854 so now longer TR7 powered?
The main thing is, it is still in existence, maybe just used for the summer?


Thanks
Ian

[Ralph]

Probably just didn`t notify the DVLA of the engine swap to save a lot of agravation. I tried to let them know when I fitted a 1098 engine to my 850 Austin van. They wanted receipts from where I bought the engine (already had it from a saloon I scrapped), an engineers report on the fitting !, and an emissions test certificate. They sent me the V5 back with the colour change done, but wouldn`t change the engine capacity until I provided all the above, so I just ran the van listed as an 850cc for 10 years.
Ralph

[Howard81]

I don't think Jon ever changed the logbook if I'm honest!

It almost certainly does exist, but most classics are weekend or occasional cars so I am sure it'll surface again at some point.

[xvivalve]

Sid Bennett bought it originally after James fettled it, but the current owner (as of mid 2024) Joe Chesney appears to be ‘going to town’ on it. Seemingly in good hands:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/officia ... 2/?app=fbl

[sprint95m]

Thanks for posting the link.

It is good to learn that the car is getting restored.
Hadn’t seen the post as I am not that into Facebook
who keep bombarding me with adverts


Ian