Solved - NEH 1234: Falcon Mk3 - 1959

[Carnut]

What's this and from when does it date, for 1 point?

[Carnut]

Experts?

[SACO]

1959 Falcon MK3 Caribbean

[Carnut]

1959 Falcon MK3 Caribbean

That's it.
Originally it was called the Mk3 then later the name changed to Caribbean.
One of the better-looking specials.

[Otto Puzzell]

Same as this?

http://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/index.php?topic=15150.msg138287#msg138287

[Wendax]

Same as this?

http://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/index.php?topic=15150.msg138287#msg138287

Same basic body shell, but different engine and different builder.

[Otto Puzzell]

So, it's a kit?

[Carnut]

So, it's a kit?

Yes. 
Falcon was founded by Peter Pellandine in the mid fifties (isn't he a member on this forum or is that his son?) originally to offer a sporty body on the Austin 7 chassis.
This Mk3 was introduced to use the Ford 7'6" chassis and its usual engines (which means the old Ford Pop and the 1172 cc sidevalve motor) but later was offered with its own bespoke chassis.
It was certainly one of the better kits.
The body was used for that DKW but of course that's a different car.
I posted the Convertible because a) it's so pretty and b) it was much rarer than the Coupe; in fact I'm not sure any number were ever made.  Most Mk3's/Caribbeans I've ever seen pictured are Coupes.  Here's a picture of one:

[Otto Puzzell]

I hate to be a buzz kill (there's that term again! ), but is every iteration of a kit car considered unique, due to a different engine or other components?

[Carnut]

I hate to be a buzz kill (there's that term again! ), but is every iteration of a kit car considered unique, due to a different engine or other components?

Generally I would say no, but I think it depends how unique or special that other version is.  I think the DKW-engined one is different enough to be its own puzzle rather than a Falcon Caribbean puzzle.

However, in the case of my puzzle this convertible has never featured anywhere before on AP as far as I am aware.

[Otto Puzzell]

Fair enough. Thank you