Sports Car Classics have three starting points for a dream coupe build, and it looks like the possibilities are only limited by the size of your wallet.
One of their starting points seems to be 2G50205 that was for sale in Missouri. This one is enough to make you drool.
I have not seen any of their work, or visited their facility, but its hard not to get excited thinking about the possibility of building up your dream V12 coupe. OK…since we are just playing around, what would be my dream build?
Engine – How about the last version of the V12. A ’95 or ’96, 6.0L, 312 HP engine with the short lived Nippondenso distributorless ignition system. Alternatively, on the other end of the scale, an early V12 (like the ones in our car) rebuilt to gain 100 HP or so. Unlike American V8’s there is not a clear path, or lots of support for an engine build like this. These guys seem to be the most knowledgeable on getting power gains from the V12
Transmission – manual of course, 6 speed preferred.
Exterior – I get the sense here that my tastes are different from the mainstream. I would like this to look externally like a stock car, not an updated resto-mod. Vinyl top, chrome wheels and would need to do some thinking on the color. Definitely the Euro bumpers and larger headlights.
Interior – I have always felt our interiors could use a little help. Have seen some redone with all leather replacing the vinyl panels, but would like it to look stock from any casual glance inside the car.
Suspension – could use some stiffening without it becoming too harsh. Some adjustable shocks, but keeping the stock springs and ride height might be enough. Could try a bigger roll bar as well. Other than upgrading the rotors and pads, not sure the brakes would need much help. Might want to play around with different steering racks to see if I could get improved feel.
I am interested to know what your dream build would be.