For further information call Steve on the above number
or e-mail steve@hallsgarage.co.uk
The TIFOSI RANA Replica
The TIFOSI RANA Frogeye-inspired replica offers an exciting option for the classic car enthusiast wishing to own an icon of the golden age of British motoring. The TIFOSI RANA has real heritage whilst allowing the owner to express an element of their own imagination in the finished article. Most custom cars allow the owner to build into their car an element of their own personality and expression, but in the case of classic styled replicas very few have any real feeling of heritage. This is due to all the character of the original being lost through the extensive use of modern parts taken from the bland and anonymous family saloons and ‘rep mobiles’ used as donor cars.
The TIFOSI RANA successfully retains a significant amount of the original’s character and appeal by using the MG Midget as its basis. The MG Midget can trace its roots directly back to the original Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite and apart from a rear spring upgrade and front brakes changing over to discs, has had no major structural changes made to its monocoque construction throughout its production run. This means that your finished TIFOSI RANA car automatically inherits the pedigree and history associated with the original inspiration. The TIFOSI RANA requires no SVA inspection and entails unbolting all of the outer panels forward of the windscreen scuttle (i.e. the front wings, bonnet and front panel) and cutting away the outer skin of the bodywork to the rear of the door shuts.
The new front section of the bodywork can now be securely located using the TIFOSI RANA's specially manufactured front mounted hinge mechanism, which utilises existing mounting holes in the donor car’s chassis rails, and the rear section is then riveted/bonded in place using special adapter plates for the boot floor. Because of the quality of the panels, preparation for painting is made simple as there are few if any flash/moulding lines to remove. Apart from the fitting of any of the TIFOSI RANA options, the completed car now simply requires painting in order to complete the project.
ENJOY!
Three variants of the TIFOSI RANA are available.
Standard
The Standard package is the perfect option for owners who want a car that to the casual observer appears to be the same as the original but offers the more modern luxury of wind up windows, which would have surely been the natural evolution of the original ‘Frogeye’ had the body style not been superceded with the ‘Midget’ shape. The build of this version is further simplified with the retention of the standard donor car dashboard, keeping shell modification and wiring alterations to a minimum. The quality of the body mouldings is such that there are few if any flash/moulding lines to remove.
Authentique
The Authentique package is similar to the Standard package, with the addition of replacing the doors with the original ‘Frogeye’ style, and fitting the shaped scuttle panel to replicate the original’s interior body line. The replacement dashboard is then fitted to complete the conversion. If an original Mk1 Sprite windscreen is fitted, standard ‘Frogeye’ soft tops and hardtops can be used.
Custom
The Custom package allows the owner to precisely specify the new TIFOSI RANA including engine, gearbox, transmission, suspension, paint and trim, to enable the owner of the new car to truly ‘live the dream’.
