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We found a pair of pliers inside the chassis rail of my 1938 Alvis Speed.

NB's report of the inscription inside the Porsche body shell reminded me of a strange discovery found during the restoration of my 1938 Alvis Speed 25 some twenty years ago. When the ash body frame was lifted off the chassis rails, a packer was discovered spacing the body rail from the top of the metal chassis. The restorer scratched his head, then found that, on the other side of the car, there was a pair of pliers sandwiched between the timber frame and the chassis rail. The car was built by Vanden Plas Coachbuilders for its stand at the motor show. Clearly the pliers were accidentally left on the chassis, and the other side was spaced to create symmetry. Being hand-made, all other panels were then fabricated to fit.

Asked on 20 April 2013 by GB, via email

Answered by Honest John
Many thanks. That's a lovely story. By far the best so far.
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