The White Knight, companion to Black Bart, is nearing completion.
Like Black Bart, the White Knight a.k.a. "Catywumpus" is an Alfa Monza which has had a
flat-crank Rolls-Royce eight-liter straight-six engine rudely stuffed between its frame rails.
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It all began innocently enough with test-fitting a Rolls-Royce engine.
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Holy poops, is that a gold plated flying lady radiator mascot? The headlights
are linked to the front wheels so the driver can see where he is going.
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Still no draglink, but a dandy brown leather has been installed, and those
giant one-off wheels and tires are from Brian Yingling in Texas.
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A huge oil cooler is peeking out from under the frame rail. The exhaust pipe
is right in front of it. Perfect fit of hoods is not an option.
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Still plenty to do, but not on the list is fixing the trim strip and painting over the
red underpanel. Adding a steering arm is.
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Now we are talking--an eight-liter (litre) PII engine with three Schebler carbs
(The carburetors are left-overs from the Black Bart project--waste not, want not.)
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Hydraulic brake cylinder has been installed on the firewall. Plenty left to do, but paint job--semi-flat
white rubbed with newspaper and various workshop schmutz--is nearly finished. (Shown here
prior to newspaper rubbing and general abuse.)
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A wacky variation on the traditional Brooklands screens is sure to drive
the traditionalists nuts, but the passengers will appreciate the added
protection. The big question: to chrome plate or to paint. . . .
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Scruffy chrome was the final answer.
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Engine compartment is looking suitably stuffed full of , well, stuff.
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An interesting factoid is that the nose, sidepanels and hoods are easily removable,
which makes this jammed engine compartment easy to access for additions or adjustments.
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Strange, wrinkly leather has done a dandy job on the seat and dashboard.
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The batteries hide under the seat cushion and make lights possible.
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Lighted, the headlights are slightly less obnoxious, but still quite obnoxious.
They steer with the front wheels.
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The sunlight makes the Cattywumpus look ready to go.
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Like Black Bart, this looks like a hot ride.
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Outrageous from any angle.
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Studying all of the small details will give hours of quiet fun.
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Ready to hop in and drive away .
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