1934 Frazer Nash - Don Geisen's Frazer-Nash

Don also paid close attention when picking up other parts for his ride, such as the large-lens headlights, dual side-mount wheels, and early MG turn signals and bumpers. The emergency-brake lever, mounted on the exterior of the cockpit, is believed to be from a '30s-era Chevy truck, while the long four-into-one exhaust that sweeps down the side of the car is faux, because the VW motor out back uses a different exhaust setup altogether.

For more of a vintage feel, leather straps are used to tie the hood and spare wheels down, and gas is filled through the radiator cap atop the grille, which was flash-chromed. Most kits have bulky and squarish boxes hanging off the back of the body to hide the VW motor, but Don studied photos he'd taken of real Frazer-Nashs and built realistic-looking steamer luggage to cover the engine compartment. Even the windshield posts didn't escape attention as Don first made a set from wood then, with help from machinist Ed Archibold, milled a new set out of aluminum using a low-speed router with a carbide blade.

Inside the cockpit, VDO gauges (complemented by a '61 Triumph speedo) fill the wood dash, but future plans call for a recessed dash and a full set of English gauges. The steering wheel is an EMPI-GT copy, and Don used wide-pleated antique black leatherette to cover the bench seat. Though the car does have a working convertible top, Don isn't happy with the current choice of fabric, so he'll be recovering the top with black canvas soon (he owns Geisen's Auto Upholstery in Laguna Hills).

Geisen may regret selling his MG-TD and TR3 all those years ago (he still owns the Model A and his '47 Buick), but he still gets excited about what the future holds for his roadster, even after owning the car for more than 20 years. Refining each little design element and searching out just the right piece at swap meets or online is what keeps him going on the project. Don is also interested in putting together a national registry for Frazer-Nash kits, so if you have one, know where one is, or have some pictures of the ones you used to own, contact Don at don.geisen@gmail.com. He'd love to talk to you!