A rare sight at auction. What is the status of this car? I know little about them, apart from having seen some race in historics in the 70-ies and 80-ies, and they are sexy machines. How competitive could a birdcage be (made) in today's historic arena? Best, Jack.
Jack, amongst the 50s sports racing cars the T61 Birdcage is a very competitive car. No car brakes better and is more precise in handling. The engine is a gem - but vibrates a lot as its technically at the end. So no tuning of the engine is possible. New made blocks improved stiffness. Also an upgrade on the suspension is not possible. As of this car, chassis #2461 - it was crashed and totalled in the UK in the 70s. Only few components like the engine and rear hubs survived the crash. The remains were sold to Mr. Holterbosch in the USA. While constructing the new chassis the car was sold to Germany. The new owner finished the chassis job incl. a new coachwork and kept the car for over 10 years. The original but very damaged chassis is still existing in the UK and used as an umbrella stand! Despite the engine and some suspension components the car is "new".
