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Posted

Ok, I've been building this for the last 40 years and it's time to do some more work on it while I still can!!!

An old mate of mine, now deceased, gave me two Cox Cheetah bodies. One had the roof broken off so I built that first as the Crosal roadster but kerbside. I then started this as a full detail version and have been on and off it for the past 40 years.

All the frame is scratch built, a Corvette provided the rear suspension and the front is scratch built but not finished as I have yet to fit a rack and steering column.

The engine is from the donor Corvette.

Time to start again, wish me luck.

Dave B IMG_20250627_121043281.jpg.6c09ec7b8d7c6e8c1e0a139539950c2f.jpgIMG_20250627_1212117292.jpg.28a7365c54086b5fd41631c27e9617a0.jpgIMG_20250627_121329281.jpg.83408310b82a1307d38c449d3681b759.jpgIMG_20250627_121351994.jpg.b0673c1f2c9679b4b6c9b6fb4f7c40a5.jpg

  • Like 8
Posted (edited)

The Cheetah alongside the Shelby Daytona Coupe are my favorite all time sports cars. I remember when the Cheetah was introduced in Hot Rod magazine, it was love at first sight. Looking forward to this build.

Edited by TarheelRick
  • Thanks 1
Posted

Right, I installed the steering column and rack then realised I had the radiator surround incorrect.  Luckily I managed to remove it and leave the steering intact.

Replaced the surround and added the additional engine bay shielding.

Now to finish the engine bay and interior then concentrate on the headers.  Leaving those until towards the end of the build.

Pretty happy with how it's looking at the moment.

Dave B 

IMG_20250704_130027012.jpg.015e071bd7234a47b2ec83c48e1e4af6.jpg

IMG_20250704_130108235.jpg.b05b80b97781932131a47c770f80b264.jpg

  • Like 6
Posted

Obviously had a senior moment many years ago when I was young, I've just removed the alternator seen in the previous pics.

Dave B 

Posted

Not sure if anyone's interested but I found my original chassis drawings in my Cheetah folder.

I drew it to scale, 1/24, and laid the framework on it for the build.IMG_20250707_134900040.jpg.3aeed7da178e7518be774b2d2154fc54.jpg

Dave B 

  • Thanks 1
Posted

It’s looking very good. Your scratchbuilding skill is top notch.

I too would like to attempt this build………someday. All I have now is a body.

  • Thanks 1
Posted
3 hours ago, Mark W said:

...

I too would like to attempt this build………someday. All I have now is a body.

Since it's taken me 40+ years Mark you'd better start now!!!!

Dave B 

Posted

Apart from the front suspension this is the part I was most concerned about making, the headers.

They're making good progress as you can see.

Dave B 

IMG_20250708_113007441.jpg.3cff4092ba60566e0543ccb25bccf99d.jpg

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

Not the most aesthetically pleasing on the eye car, but interesting as a bit of an oddball model build just the same.

Nice to see models being built of more unusual cars and this project is taking shape really well. A blend of kit bashing and scratch building techniques unfolding should yield a very unique model.

Edited by Bugatti Fan
  • Thanks 1
Posted

This is coming along really nice.  When I saw your post it reminded me that I had one of those old Cox bodies and that someone had sent me a copy of an old article from the Dec 1966 Rod and Custom magazine on building the Cox body with the old AMT Mercedes Gullwing kit.  Attached is the first page of that article.  I was lucky enough to pick up one of the resin Cheetah kits, along with one of the resin Daytona kits when I got my disability settlement, so one of these days I hope to work on them.  Can't wait to see how your build comes out.

Steve A.

Cox Cheetah p1.jpg

  • Like 1
Posted
5 hours ago, Leo64 said:

...Dec 1966 Rod and Custom magazine on building the Cox body with the old AMT Mercedes Gullwing kit.  Attached is the first page of that article...

Thanks Steve, I also have that article and even had a trashed 300SL. Started to build it but decided the scratch built chassis would be easier.

Dave B 

 

 

Posted

Well, the finishing line is in site but the chequered flag is yet to drop.

I've finished the chassis and am starting on the body. Shouldn't take long but I do have to wait for some more decals so around 2 weeks should see me finished.

Look for it next 'Under Glass'

Tks for your comments.

Dave B

IMG_20250711_090316223.jpg.5a634f3cacaf4e784ab386f944040e75.jpg

IMG_20250711_090210442.jpg.092efc25219236c93454160c8c63ba29.jpg

IMG_20250711_090146838.jpg.b5a5eab8e4293aa2057aa4624c2f8c85.jpg

PS I've fixed the headers in the photo, they are now spaced the same!!

  • Like 1
Posted

Outstanding scratch work.

I have a Cox Cheetah slot car kit new in box. Wish I had the nerve to attempt something like this

Have been following, looking forward to the under-glass completion.

  • Thanks 1
Posted
1 hour ago, magicmustang said:

I have a Cox Cheetah slot car kit new in box.

Tks Gerald, I wouldn't use an unbuilt Cheetah but you should look around for an old used one.

Dave B 

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