Author Topic: Solved - NEH 78: Interstyle/Mallalieu Microdot by Bill Towns  (Read 1059 times)

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Offline Carnut

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Solved - NEH 78: Interstyle/Mallalieu Microdot by Bill Towns
« on: November 13, 2009, 07:43:12 AM »
1 point for naming this:
« Last Edit: November 23, 2009, 06:20:09 PM by Carnut »
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Offline Carnut

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Re: NEH 78
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2009, 09:25:27 AM »
It's up to the Experts then..
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Offline Djetset

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Re: NEH 78
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2009, 11:26:44 AM »
This is the Microdot, a prototype by William Towns (Interstyle) for a city car, variously powered by a Mini and Daihatsu engine.  Interior access was via a rear door, as per the William Towns Minissima.
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Offline Carnut

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Re: NEH 78
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2009, 11:30:13 AM »
It is!
1 point for you.
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Offline Djetset

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Re: Solved - NEH 78: Mallalieu Microdot by Bill Towns
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2009, 01:48:54 PM »
Interestingly, although Bentley-modifier Mallalieu acquired the rights to build the Microdot, they never actually got around to building a complete one, as they went bust before the first car was finished. 

Your photo looks like it was taken at one of the great kit car shows that William Towns used to host in the garden of his extensive grounds in Kineton, Warwickshire.  In the backgound is one of his many Hustler variants, plus his legendary six-wheeled GMC camper, which he had resprayed in the distinctive Aston Martin pale green metallic that he painted many of his cars in.  Oh, the nostalgia!
A car is for life, not just for Christmas.

Offline Carnut

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Re: Solved - NEH 78: Mallalieu Microdot by Bill Towns
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2009, 06:19:09 PM »
Yes, I thought the cars in the background would be a dead give-away but apparently not.
No doubt you knew the Microdot anyway, Djetset, without the background clues!
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Offline Djetset

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Re: Solved - NEH 78: Interstyle/Mallalieu Microdot by Bill Towns
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2009, 04:04:23 AM »
I knew William Towns quite well.  He was a very talented designer and a lovely chap too, who sadly passed away far too soon.  His design for the late 70s Lagonda is still one of my all-time favorites.
A car is for life, not just for Christmas.

Offline Otto Puzzell

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Re: Solved - NEH 78: Interstyle/Mallalieu Microdot by Bill Towns
« Reply #7 on: November 24, 2009, 05:38:54 AM »
I knew William Towns quite well.  He was a very talented designer and a lovely chap too, who sadly passed away far too soon.  His design for the late 70s Lagonda is still one of my all-time favorites.

While I never met the man, but I agree that he was very talented. One of a handful of designers with an unmistakable "look" to his work.
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Offline Carnut

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Re: Solved - NEH 78: Interstyle/Mallalieu Microdot by Bill Towns
« Reply #8 on: November 24, 2009, 01:24:16 PM »
Well he certainly liked his straight lines!
Interests in life:  Cars, cars, cars - oh and ..er..cars