breezy
New kid on the block
Posts: 1
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Post by breezy on Dec 8, 2020 12:33:16 GMT
Hi all am new to the page.
My name is Ben breeze and my dad was the founder of Eagle kit cars (Allan Breeze) He also part owned dutton kars with his cousin Tim dutton.
Sadly 5 years my dad passed away.
I am now thinking I'd like to get myself an Eagle kit car either as a project or running.
But I'm also very keen and interested to get some of the magazines which had bits regarding my dad.
I'm a dad myself to 2 beautiful young daughters and 2 step sons and would like to show and tell them about their grandad I guess it's become of a sentimental thing for me now.
Would be great to hear from you all
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Post by Peter on Dec 8, 2020 13:29:53 GMT
Well hallo again Ben, It has been a long time since you contacted us, I thought you had lost interest but very pleased to see you on here again. So to hear of Allen's Passing, he contributed so much. he will never be forgotten.
Had a brief exchange of emails with Tim Dutton a few years ago to establish dates, model changes etc so I can answer, with some accuracy, questions from members and fill in gaps in the brands history.
There are quite a few magazines and advertising literature on eBay most of the time, but not sure how relevant they would be.
Probably as interested in what you remember as much as you are in us.
There will be RVs of various models popping up from time to time, just check the posts but SSs are getting rare as many have been lost for their VW and Ford components and bodies scrapped, something that used to put me in a right tizzwoss but as Poly creations in Belgium now make all the parts but not kits, not so much. Quite a few photos on the club web site too. www.eagleownersclub.org.uk
Hope you find something and keep us up to date, not much action on here it seems but a lot of people pop on and look without saying anything,.
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Post by neilsmith on Dec 15, 2020 19:16:39 GMT
Picture of allan in 1983 outside Eagle Cars Factory.(peter road, commerce way, lancing, West Sussex). From an article of 'Kitcar' magazine in 1983. You could buy a vw based kit for £1450 including VAT. It included all glass, door handles, door catches, locks, door seals, gas struts, wiper motor, pop up headlamp assembly including motor, front and rear bumpers, dashboard, rear lights.
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Post by Peter on Dec 17, 2020 16:49:54 GMT
Picture of allan in 1983 outside Eagle Cars Factory.(peter road, commerce way, lancing, West Sussex). View AttachmentFrom an article of 'Kitcar' magazine in 1983. You could buy a vw based kit for £1450 including VAT. It included all glass, door handles, door catches, locks, door seals, gas struts, wiper motor, pop up headlamp assembly including motor, front and rear bumpers, dashboard, rear lights. And a nice MkII in the background, which answers one question, when as the MkII introduced?. 1985, That means it was developed by Allen and Tim NOT Roy Budd as I had previously thought. 1995 and I paid 1600 from Roy Budd, but missing door cards and A post trims. Still a good deal as a 'cancelled order' as long as it as black. Would love to get some more information on the development of the cars but I guess that boat has unfortunately sailed and Roy is retired in France and wants nothing to do with the past..
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Post by neilsmith on Jan 10, 2021 11:14:10 GMT
I found a sales brochure from spring 1988. There is a cover letter from Reg Budd, and he says in the letter that he became the director of eagle cars in 1986. So I am not sure, but I think he must have developed the SS into the series 3 shortly after taking over. The photo isn't very clear though. You may not be able to read the print.
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Post by Peter on Jan 10, 2021 15:39:15 GMT
By the power of Greystone; or rather Paintshop Pro 5 Also super pleased to say Cad Caddock who was Forman and builder at Eagle Cars from 1985 to end is now with us on Facebook and I hope will become a regular contributor on the forum. Lots of information that I thought was lost with Allen Breezes passing last year but hurrah, there is hope yet.
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Post by Peter on Jan 10, 2021 16:52:33 GMT
So I strained my eyeballs, (you were not wrong Neil), already buggered up by to much arch welding and typed it all out again for posterity.
Dear Customer, Thank you for your recent inquiry. I have pleasure in forwarding your information pack which I hope you’ll find interesting and informative.
Let me begin by telling you something about myself and my company, Eagle Cars was established in 1981 and at the time I took over as managing director in mid-1986 the company had established a strong reputation for quality with a range of exotic sports and utility vehicles. My involvement with Eagle came as a result of developing the very popular RV and once in charge of the company I was determined to introduce a programme to improve even further the already high quality of our products and to increase the range. I am pleased to say that we have achieved both of these aims.
As you will see from the enclosed sheets the Eagle range stems from three families of cars, the SS, the RV and the very latest, the stylish M2. The only gull – wing kit on the market the exotic S/S started life based on the VW chassis and running gear but customers demand for a front –engined version utilizing Ford parts was so great that we introduced a Cortina – based version which comes with it’s own purpose - built tubular steel chassis. And for those people who admire the lines of the S/S but prefer an open-top sports car we produced the 2 plus. Then we have the popular and rugged Eagle RV, a tough and on- off - road , go anywhere recreational vehicle which inspired us to produce the new Eagle 4x4 based on the all-conquering Range Rover. With a 4x4 Eagle are unique in being the only kit car company able to offer a kit based on four-wheel –drive technology. As an off-road enthusiast myself with many years experience of competing in off-road competitions the RV 4x4 are my particular favourites.
The very latest model in our line-up is the elegant M2, the result of a joint effort between ourselves and Milan Automotive, our German agents. The shape and style are all our own work and we are particularly pleased with the outcome. The M2 utilises th Ford Sierra components, suspension, steering and brakes with engine choices including the 4-cylinder 2.9 litre V8 units. You may even wish to fit the Sierra four-wheel – drive thereby making the M2 a car for the 1990s
When it comes to building our kits I am often asked the pertinent questions,. How long will it take to build? And how do I know I’ll be able to finish it? Many companies quote impressive build-up times for their products in an attempt create a false impression of how quickly you can be on the road! My answer is always that it can take as long as you like. The secret is in enjoy what you are building. As for being able to finish te kit, we at Eagle cars like to think we have taken the pressure out of assembly by supplying the kit with as many of the difficult jobs already done, All you have to do is mechanical parts from the donor vehicle using our step by step build-up guides,. If you have any troubles we’re at the end of a phone. Then we have trim packs and a whole range of accessories to enable you to finish your Eagle to your own particular taste. Also there is an Eagle Owners Club who are always willing to help with advice.
Building a kit kar, particularly something like our exotic SS is all about realising a dream. And realising that dream at a price you can afford. When finished you’ll have the satisfaction of enjoying the results of your efforts _ not to mention creating enormous interest from other enthusiasts.
Look through our brochure, I’m sure you’ll find it interesting. When you do decide which is the model for you, simply fill in the details on the order form and return it to us with your deposit. We will then confirm your order and give you a delivery date. I don’t think you will be disappointed. After all, 1,000 satisfied customers can’t be wrong.
Your sincerely
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