specifications
Dimensions
The vehicle’s total length clocks in at 5.21m (17.09 ft), whereas the height varies for each section.
From the ground to the radiator front it measures 1.41m (4.62 ft), at the dash it is 1.56m (5.12 ft) high, and at the rear capping 1.49m (4.89 ft) high.
With such sizeable dimensions the Ogilvy Speed Special is surprisingly light, weighing in at 1740kg (3836 pounds).
Currently it seats 5 people, but there is sufficient space for additional seating to be added which could expand the maximum capacity to 8 or even 9 people.
Body
The body framework has been constructed in a combination of 50mm thick jarrah and double sets of 25mm marine ply.
The entire floor area is made from two sheets of the same marine ply with three hatches cut into it to allow direct access to the rear axle handbrake assembly, the fuel tank’s electrics, and the gearbox.
Engine
The engine is sourced from a Holden Commodore 5L VS V8, in fact a former WA Police vehicle.
Originally it had an automatic transmission, but it was meticulously removed and rebuilt (with new pistons, lifters, valves etc) to convert it into an aspirated motor.
It now boasts a new distributor, an Edelbrock inlet manifold, and a Holly 600 down draft carburettor with a manual choke.
dashboard
Burled walnut veneer laid atop a 16mm marine ply base, the dashboard features sleek black-faced Smiths dials that were custom built in Wales.
Despite matching the appropriate style of the car’s target era, these dials are fully digital, and there are no cables powering the speedometer or the tachometer.
Headlights
Originally taken from a 1930s Rolls Royce, the Lucas P100 Bullseye headlights were rebuilt in England (and converted to halogen bulbs) over the course of nearly a year before they were brought over to Western Australia.
Wheels
The wheels are a bespoke design and were cold-rolled and hand-welded in New Zealand. Each has been punched and laced with 76 spokes.
Two spare wheels are provided, one on each side of the vehicle.
Hubs
The aluminium hubs are a meld of old and new.
Originally cast for a 1931 De Soto that had 5 studs, the hubs had to be filled with aluminium weld and then re-machined so it would fit the 6 stud 14mm brake drum units.
axles
The original axles were specified for the rigorous requirements of a 4-tonne truck. The rear axle also includes an incredibly strong 11-inch differential.
In accordance with truck protocols, the left hand side wheel nuts are left handed threads, whilst those on the off side are the standard right hand threads.
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Overall.............................5.21m (17.09ft)
Front number plate to dash..........2.66m (8.73ft)
Axle distance (wheel span)..........3.65m (12ft)
Bonnet..............................1.45m (4.76ft)
Radiator to dash....................2.32m (7.61ft)
Overall width.......................1.84m (6.04ft)
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Rear body top rail/capping...............1.49m (4.89ft)
Top of dash..............................1.56m (5.12ft)
Top of radiator..........................1.41m (4.62ft)
Overall rear width (including capping)...1.34m (4.39ft)
Wheel (tyre) circumference...............2.69m (8.82ft)
Wheel diameter...........................856mm (33.7in)
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Length.................................2.31m (7.58ft)
Width (front)..........................0.5m (1.64in)
Width (rear)...........................0.3m (0.98ft)