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Custom TransAm........Celestial


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Posted

This should be in the customs thread really but here is a real shot in tthe dark. In 78/79 there was a custom TransAm called Celestial built by the Etheridge brothers who were very well known customizers of the day. Has anyone any info or pics of it.........or info on what has happend to it since? I know it was a Street Machine cover car. I was 13 in 78 when i first saw it..... and it was/is love. Where are you now babe?lol.

Posted

When I get home at the weekend I'll scan the article for you :?

Posted

I saw it a few years ago in the Lakeland Motor Museum at Holker Hall, but I believe that's now closed, so I'm guessing the stock would have been sold off. I was rather surprised to come across Celestial in such a place! It still looked good though, 20-ish years after it was campaigning round the shows.

Posted

coolcool5.jpg

Date of Liability 01 11 2011

Date of First Registration 01 11 1977

Year of Manufacture 1973

Cylinder Capacity (cc) 7200cc

Vehicle Status SORN Due to Expire

Vehicle Colour MULTI-COLOUR

Posted
I saw it a few years ago in the Lakeland Motor Museum at Holker Hall, but I believe that's now closed, so I'm guessing the stock would have been sold off. I was rather surprised to come across Celestial in such a place! It still looked good though, 20-ish years after it was campaigning round the shows.

 

The Museum hasn't closed - it's moved to bigger premises not far away (just off the A590 at Backbarrow). Strangely, Celestial didn't make the trip to the new museum. As the cars were all seemingly driven between the museums (where possible), I think it may have been one of the unroadworthy exhibits. There was some disquiet about the move as well, as some felt that it was being a bit ungrateful to Holker Hall to up sticks after they had promoted the museum in their own literature and given it a home for a couple of decades - perhaps Celestial was owned by someone who didn't approve of the move?

 

Anyhow, the new place is well worth a visit - they have loads of old shite, including a beige Marina.

http://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/index.php

Posted

Is it just me, or is that car a bit pants? Like, 'belongs in the wanky kustom cars thread' pants? It's got a bloody tailplane, ffs...!

Posted

I've always dreamed of creating something like that. It would be something like my ultimate car. Though with a manual box and a supercharger. The engine size points to a 400 inch big block so it should go well.

 

I do like the DVLA description "SORN about to expire" - it's almost a threat; as if the thing will return to the road after breaking free of manacles and kill everybody. I can imagine some West Midlandeer in a high viz jacket frantically trying to prevent the thing coming out of hibernation.

Posted

I think it still looks awesome, I remember it appearing at the Doncaster Custom Show year after year along with the stretched Capri that's still around and the V4 powered RWD Mini that's recently been rebuilt by the original owner/builder, to get a full appreciation of these types of Customs you have to have been around the scene in the 70's and early 80's, compared with the dross Joe Public were buying in their droves things like this were a breath of fresh air. Many iconic custom cars have survived though sadly too many, like the fad T's, are hidden away in private collections covetted by those fortunate enough to have the funds and who "get it"

Posted

"hidden away in private collections covetted by those fortunate enough to have the funds and who "get it""

Ooopsy.

I have Roger Hamiltons old A60 pick up, WOM 749J sat in a lock up.

Owned it since I was errr 22, 37 now and rebuilt it from the floor up as had been used as a builders wagon!

Oh and it's not in a private collection and I'd have more funds if I hadn't bought it!

Posted
coolcool5.jpg
Date of Liability 01 11 2011

Date of First Registration 01 11 1977

Year of Manufacture 1973

Cylinder Capacity (cc) 7200cc

Vehicle Status SORN Due to Expire

Vehicle Colour MULTI-COLOUR

 

I'm surprised I've seen no schemies driving around in a Saxo with such a fin!

Posted
I have Roger Hamiltons old A60 pick up

 

The lowered burgundy one with fender skirts?........... 8)

Posted
I'm surprised I've seen no schemies driving around in a Saxo with such a fin!

You can, off the shelf 8)

 

OMG VAT IS SO COOOOL I MUZT GET 1 4 DA BX :shock:

Posted

i saw and photographed Celestial at Blackpool Nordarama custom show in 1983, unfortunately my theiving brother nicked most of pics a few years later

 

 

the car appeared on ebay last year sometime, got up to about 8 grand, but the reserve wasnt met

Posted
I have Roger Hamiltons old A60 pick up

 

The lowered burgundy one with fender skirts?........... 8)

 

Yep thatsthe one.

I had no idea of the history when I bought it.

I Google Imaged the reg the other day and the things life history is on there, it's currently the stepside purple version.

I've been after a standard bed / back end for years to tuck the ladder bar back end under but no joy!

  • 6 months later...
Posted

Hi everyone, just came across this and it made giggle. Celestial is alive and well, she is currently having work done by my fella, I heard the engine the other day and WOW!!! The plan is to get her back in shows in the next few months.

Posted

Hi everyone, just came across this and it made giggle. Celestial is alive and well, she is currently having work done by my fella, I heard the engine the other day and WOW!!! The plan is to get her back in shows in the next few months.

Posted

Thanks for the update

 

any photos please?

Posted

Thanks for the update

 

any photos please?

Posted

I knew David Etheridge and even went to school with his newphew!

 

I saw Celestial and even rode in her! she has such a fantastic look and the sound.... WOW. My parenet even sold painting made by David (they were custom sprays on steel and framed)

 

I'd love to see this car up and running again so please keep this thread alive with pics etc. Or maybe get in touch so I can see this dream car again! I never did figure out how to open the doorsBut I was 9 at the time!

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