NEW PROJECT ARRIVAL! Can We Build The British Leyland Hot Hatch That Never Was??

[@iandonkin6762]

I’m struggling with the thought of cutting up an Integra Type R to build an Allegro, no matter how well it may turn out, but if anyone can make a good job of it, you guys are right up there. Some of the design sketches suggest that it could be quite muscular - that’s probably the best way to excuse it…

[@ralphmillais5237]

Yes, I winced a bit too. I hope the shell goes to a good home.

[@ChristopherHallett]

No doubt the shell is rotted to the point of no return.

[@secretsquirrel3793]

The renderings look a bit Allegro 6R4. A whaaaa?

[@chrisclark4813]

A nice sleeper design would be cool. Just a couple of Roundels (no numbers), with slight wheel arches.

[@pugmanick]

This is the first project I have misgivings about.... :(

[@alanward992]

Question: How many projects are waiting in the pipeline? ie. How long from when a project is okayed to when it actually starts?

[@philtucker1224]

I think they said between 2 and 4 years…

[@Tinman3008]

Hang on, isn't the Late Brake Show building a hot Allegro? Theres only one way to sort this out.........FIIIIGHT!!!!

[@retropowercars]

A build-off you say!? We've discussed it 😉

[@tilsontv5654]

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!!!!!

[@booniespur1882]

@thelatebrakeshow Who's going to win the race?

[@rocklover7437]

Jonny is keeping the original paint work patina so he fails

[@matthewmcmullan9669]

As much as I love retro power, johnnies allegro is going to be insane,k20 turbo 😁

[@gasketnineninenine8922]

Question (for the new format where they’re answered at the end). Cal/Nat, the quality of your work is truly spectacular and I’ve loved all 129 episodes, but wondered whether you typically put your vehicles through a BIVA (SVA) test given that most of them have some quite extensive modification to their shells. Obviously the testing of Gordon’s car and the Stratos kit were covered, but it’s rarely mentioned otherwise.

[@155andRising]

Much prefer the format this week, having all the fabrication first and the building afterwards makes much better sense to me. You’re compelled to watch right to end to get the final goods . Can’t wait to see your interpretation of the Allegro and how it will Compton Fab Cos . Great episode chaps 🙌🏻

[@retropowercars]

Cool, glad you enjoyed. Noted, re. the format

[@DuncSmith]

@@retropowercars 100% on this format, makes much more sense from a 'following the workflow' perspective. I hope you can deliver on those white and orange renders of the Allegro, they look awesome!

[@PoshTimmy]

Second the comment on the format, fab and paint before final assembly makes sense 👍🏻

[@mikesautotruckrepairinc.cr5621]

@@retropowercars Much better and i had suggested this a while ago.

[@FabCoUK]

Finally, a RP project I can get excited about 🤩😝

[@retropowercars]

👍

[@andyfairchild2383]

Question… have you ever had a really expensive design fail? One of those where you’ve gone so far in time and materials but just run into the wall of nope, just can’t make that work? I work in a completely different industry but have had that happen before 😱

[@jerehada]

The Jensen must have been close…

[@weatheranddarkness]

@@jerehada I don't get the sense from any of the updates that it was ever going to hit a wall, just that it was an inordinate amount of work to bring it up.

[@donlunn792]

As an ex car mechanic, who was always into tuning. What a beautiful place to work. I worked for Hartwell Motors tuning dept, back in the 60s I wasn’t there very long but I enjoyed working there. But your place is just next level. Love it.

[@troyboy4345]

That Allegro is already my fav project by far, you lads have been involved in .... many a good watch incoming !

[@johnti1653]

My question... What is the plan for wheels on the Jensen? I find that the most intriguing build that you've ever done, and can't quite imagine the end result, but in particular I think the wheels will be a vital part! Thanks, J

[@Chamba1977]

They were black wire wheels on the renderings if I recall correctly.

[@mhsurfer6713]

Allegro with Integra underpinnings….what a challenging and innovative project. You guys have no limits, and absolutely fearless! Can’t wait to see that taking shape. 👍

[@155Ringman]

Have a deep, probably quite dark, soft spot for Allegro's, my dad had a 1.5 as a company car in 1977-80 and the fact that it had a 5 speed gearbox was a revelation. Ride and handling was good in the context of the mostly leaf sprung competition. Had a few issues with it such as wheel bearings etc which were solved by us at home rather than the dealer. Gear linkage was a bit ponderous but was nice if changes were not rushed. One of my cousins had a Mk3 1.5 that had twin carbs and was actually a really good update, handling had been drastically improved, a bit more performance and a good gearchange that didn't have to be used with as much care. Years later in the 90's, I had a Maestro that I built with a 1600 R Series (developed from the E-Series in the allegro/maxi but with a vw golf gearbox). I had used the DCNF carbs out of the MG1600 Maestro along with a ported head, cam and lightened / balanced bottom end to get 145bhp which was reasonable from a 1.6 8V engine that had it's origins in the 60's. Had plans to do a stroker 1800 version of the engine using a modified 1750 crank or just put a K-series in it but ended up buying an Alfa 155 instead lol. Sounds like another great project you have, look forward to seeing it progress!

[@LizardCustom]

All the Best of British with the Allegro project , as an ex Bodyshop Foreman/Manager for a Rover Main Dealer in the 80s the tolerances will be quite challenging !!! I bought my Mum one but only to use as a Colander/ sieve for veg ?? Seriously all the Best look forward to the build.

[@CraigHair]

Question: Are Stu and Tom aware just how admired they are for their skill? (not taking away from anyone else of course)

[@GetUpFalcon]

As an integra owner id say this is pretty contentious!! The drivetrain is superb, but the chassis is better. The double wishbone set up in EG civics and DC2/4 integras is beyond comprehension considering these cars were sold as a housewives runabout.

[@chrisclark4813]

Have hit my thumb knuckle so many times, I shiver with pain just mentioning it. Good luck Tom, build that guard.

[@blackdoublezero]

that Landcruiser inlet manifold !

[@moonface978]

A dolomite sprint is begging to be given the retro power treatment, but I suppose if it’s not on the list it’s not being built

[@chrisslater3174]

The thought of this is sacrilege of course, but the R5 GT Turbo-esque rendering with Integra underpinnings had this 80s hot hatch fan right on board. Times that by a spot of Retropower over-engineering, and this is set to be a great project!

[@Dirkjan78]

Bedtime stories with retropower. Are te best bedtime stories. 😉

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Now this will be good!! I always wondered what a ‘proper’ hot Allegro would be like - the Equipe and early SuperSports were mildly warm, to say the least!

[@craigvirgin8461]

Question: How do you avoid the Intelgro ending up in a Q plate? I've never managed to get my head round these rules/laws. At what point do you replace so much of the BL structure with Honda that it's no longer registerable(?) as an Allegro? Will it stay on the Allegro V5 so it comes back as the correct appearance if the rozzers look it up? Does an IVA solve the problem by getting a new V5? (Sorry, that's four questions!)

[@theengineerium2493]

If you have documentation that the engine and other major components came from the Integra they're stripping, The finished car will get a registration plate of the same year as the Integra. Unlike a Q plate, you can then change it to whatever (probably older) reg you fancy

[@rlaw22]

Whilst I agree that a hot hatch Allegro is a fantastic idea I'm afraid that I can't agree that sacrificing a fixable DC02 is the way to go. If the DC02 was a complete write-off that would be different but a bit of rust isn't a problem and these cars are appreciating modern classics and should be saved not destroyed, even if it is to create a kick ass Allegro.

[@Zaranathax]

More than a little Project Binky about that Allegro project! And I agree with Cal that the Allegro is a good looking car!

[@alanward992]

Question: Has anyone wanted you to build a Retro Ford Transit Mk1 LWB Van ? (There are some good ex Fire brigade ones around in Germany.)

[@richardhintonracing]

This is the one to build kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5iZiJeYpLBkpLs

[@andrewboulton9928]

What is the average cost in pounds of a Retro Power vehicle to a customer?

[@covvy]

I think we can safely say six figures. It would vary on how much custom metalwork etc but I'd guess £100k-250k upwards depending on spec, given that the Redux BMW is £330k and obviously has a profit margin (for both companies) and donor car cost built in.

[@martingardener90]

I think it's probably a case of "if you have to ask how much it's going to cost you - you can't afford it!"

[@KristonAbbott]

It’s what you would get if the Late Brake Show was crossed with Project Binky!! This really looks like a great project. Can’t wait to see where this goes!!!!!

[@ralphmillais5237]

Whatever happened to those Binky guys?

[@truckatadders]

​@@ralphmillais5237still going

[@JohnRolyAU]

@@ralphmillais5237 Nick hasn't looked very well for years

[@petelattimer6808]

@@ralphmillais5237 electronics are being created for Binky, from what i can gather. still progressing, albeit even more slowly than before.

[@philtucker1224]

Cal I quite like having the body shop work first as its a logical order of things. I appreciate you will want to do an intro first of course.

[@johnkelly2098]

Last week I discovered and binge-watched Fabco's project and the results so far are fascinating. I can't wait to see this one develop in your hands.

[@K1lostream]

Ah someone needs to run a sweepstake on who's Allegro's gonna be finished first, this one, or Jonny's? Jonny's got fewer people to work on his, but he has a head start! :edits: I commented as soon as I saw the credits- I should have waited for your opening remarks!

[@seaangling]

The “INTEGRO” or more fondly known as the “AGRO”. What an amazing project choice and you’ve certainly set the bar high. I tip my hat to you fellas and can’t wait to see how the project develops.

[@retropowercars]

Allegra or Integro.. that is the question haha

[@seaangling]

@@retropowercars I think Allegra sounds too much like a popular smart speaker although that could be fun.

[@gavinbuxton8330]

All Agro would be my choice for what that isn’t worth

[@huwdavies6650]

​@Gavin Buxton that name has already been taken.

[@gavinbuxton8330]

@@huwdavies6650 dang! Just when I thought I’d managed to think up something clever and original! Haha. Never mind!

[@paulpobsanderson6219]

Fanbloodytastic project. This is the 3rd Allegro project I’m watching being done now.

[@Chamba1977]

Now for something completely different! I've been waiting patiently for this one, it's going to be such an interesting project to watch and all the better for it for being a humble Allegro - who doesn't love an underdog?! Respect to you guys for taking this project on 👍🏼

[@alexbrown1995]

As a matter of fact, I don't like one particular underdog - I still remember push starting my sister in law's bloody awful Austin Maxi. In deep snow. On Christmas day. 30 something years ago.

[@Chamba1977]

@@alexbrown1995 that sounds like what (bad) memories are made of 😄 I think this underdog will be ok on that front, what with Honda underpinnings.

[@alexbrown1995]

@@Chamba1977 Especially with the Retropower mob doing their magic 🙂

[@shoutykat]

The Allegro rendering at 4:21 in white with the orange stripes is fantastic! Really hoping the owner leans in hard to 70s funk. Double bonus points if they get properly luridly coloured seat inserts.

[@gixerloon]

Just seen your YT stuff and builds on the go, what can I say but really awesome build quality, I've watched a lot of car build stuff, especially from the USA with Gas Monkey, and Kindig Design builds and I have to say your build quality, attention to detail and finish, is for me, just amazing and easily as good as the best the U.S. has to offer and better in a lot of ways, I don't want to denigrate other car builder in the UK doing amazing work but, quite probably the best in the UK from what I seen in this video, if only I had the money to have you build me something interesting, 4 years is a long time to wait for your dream to materialise. loving your work fellas. 👍👍👍

[@ivar5433]

Please push the Allegro in the sea and restore the Integra 😅

[@retropowercars]

😆😆

[@davidyates748]

As a Honda fanboi it took me a few minutes to come to terms with dismantling what looks like a good example of a DC2, however a couple of things turned me around - firstly it's a UK spec car, and secondly I know how much of a rot box these things can be whilst looking Ok on top. I genuinely can't wait to see the Allegro build progress, I know you'll make it everything that BL couldn't!

[@AdamEwart]

The moment the penny dropped, about 3 minutes in... This is going to be sick! I once had an Integra (Acura), and can attest, these things absolutely hook...drop that B18C into the Austin....dear Lord above! ❤️❤️

[@iggsy61]

passed my test in an All agro albeit a later one but i always liked the look of them as a youngster and i think the shape of it will make a really good rod

[@Stu_2112]

I am really looking forward to watching this Allegro project. I love the quirkier more left-field projects

[@welz2002]

God seeing that Integra being taken apart was hard to watch 😢 Looking forward to seeing the end result though!

[@damiantaylor7993]

The Allegro was actually quite a cool car in the original designers concept, it was supposed to be a hatchback, and originally it had some intuitive and forward thinking ideas, shame the execution of it went off in a tangent but I still think it had potential 😊

[@TheUlrikkaul]

Allegro as a hot hatch? This is a series i'm gonna love🙂

[@NeilCrossley]

White with orange stripes is just the perfect balance for the Austin

[@chrisclark4813]

Fantastic project, nice little sleeper design, roundels (no numbers), slightly flared arches, BRG obviously, a few extra air intakes. Nice to do a complete LCD dash (but with original dials mimicked). Must have minilites. Hay ho, just sitting here thinking. Best wishes.

[@mattsmith4053]

Woot. Can't wait to see Allegro progress. I reckon you should do some billet split rim versions of the Equipe alloys, but mount the faces on the outside of the lips as a nod to the gopping pokey out centres they all had originally.

[@alanduncan3337]

As long as the end product still closely resembles an Allegro then why not? Looking forward to seeing it progress.

[@jeph-rey]

I love the juxtaposition of Churchill which is going to be a work of art and the allegro , no one can say the builds are not varied.

[@retroscort2687]

When do we get to see details of the John Deere 3050 build?

[@MarioFunk]

Love the idea of the body swapped Allegro! During the intro, I was like, "HUH... Wouldn't it be neat if they put the Allegro body on the Integra floor pan?... Nah, those things are too valuable!" But my instincts were correct and that's going to be a CRACKING build!

[@Stu_2112]

+1 to comments about liking the new format. Fab then build makes more sense as that is how the projects progress.

[@nicksmith4709]

Haha! I thought it said "Rustin" Allegro on the back for a moment!

[@philtucker1224]

Good Lord! Those Escort rear arches look absolutely wonderful!

[@robertf7015]

Total contrast in new arrivals, rock on the Allegro

[@01FozzyS]

Looking forward to the Allegro Type-R!

[@sixtring73]

I approve of the Mk1 arches, I think you've got them just right. I always thought the Mk1 rear forest arches looked a bit odd with those big bubbles. Also love the Allegro renders, it's going to be amazing!

[@russcooke5671]

You are right about the arches. I love the Murray escort. Big arches makes cars look like a Fat bird in a mini skirt. Not a great look😂

[@jamesdeath3477]

I when I was a nipper, I thought the Allegro Equipe was the coolest thing ever! Those graphics. At least it was an attempt to make the thing look modern I guess. Your Equipe rendering looks like it could turn out really well.

[@Braveheart7914-idfl]

Sunday night coffee in hand now happy 😉👏👏

[@dasfunkyzeit8848]

Really looking forward to the Allego build.

[@bongosock]

Really excited to see the progress on the CV8!

[@westaussiejeff1547]

Bloody hell... you are certainly up for a challenge - Love it :)

[@micheltebraake7915]

When the Type-R and the Allegro were unloaded, I immediately had the feeling: the suspension and engine of the Honda go into the Allegro, a little later you confirm this combination. Fortunately, you also quote Jonny Smith's Allegro, which is built by FabCo. I'm curious how you approach the Allegro Type-R project.

[@superchickensoup]

The second design was very cool, almost R5 turbo style

[@MrSharpe95]

That allegro is clean looking 😊 Looking forward to the finished car 😊

[@patrickafonso8080]

Good project an il like the shape of the allegro. I know very well the intégra and the type R have some couple of tricks in the body for rigidity. If you want to keep the Honda driving qualities you need to increase the allegro body. But very happy seeing a project involving a Honda

[@Danger_mouse]

The Integra ❤️ 2:25 The Alegro has ROOM in there for an LS 🤣

[@aDaWaN]

I would have never cut up that DC2 bodyshell, as a Civic shell would have worked equally well. I get how it turns out more to be more cost effective, but in 20 years time those DC2 shells will be worth quite a lot I expect. And those DC2's are very close to my heart, haha! Either way a cool project and looking forward to the end result!

[@retropowercars]

I hear ya, but it'd have to have been a jdm type r civic to have the B18C and that would be even rarer and probably more valuable

[@ralphmillais5237]

I hope the shell goes to a good home.

[@aDaWaN]

Yeah the good B18 engine and gearbox only came in the Integra Type-R. The only budget option would have been a B18C4 from an Swindon built Civic. All Japanese Civics including the Type Rs always came with B16 engines. The suspension and geometry is shared across all Civics/Integra's, so a normal Civic would have been fine for the floorplan. The Type R has specific anti roll bars, springs, dampers and steering rack. You can probably recoup quite a bit of money on the DC2 parts (interior, body panels, springs and dampers). So from a business point of view it makes total sense. Cheers!

[@michaelstapleton7398]

The JDM civics have the b16bs 180hp 1.6... the UK type rs are going to be worth the money in the future because there will be hardly any left. They all rust and get stripped. I do totally understand tho the integra has all the goodies you need 🤷.

[@bigbird2100]

Great video 👍That A+ engine will be worth selling on and the Allegro will get the Churchill sill reinforcement so it can be yumped without bending in half😂

[@springford9511]

Hints and tips. 1. Don't start with a Marina. 2. If you start with an Allegro throw away everything except the square steering wheel as that will make a nice talking point.

[@martingardener90]

Interesting how people laughed at the "square" steering wheel back then and it was soon deleted but half the new cars available today have odd shaped steering wheels!

[@philtucker1224]

Aerodynamically speaking, using that front bonnet scoop idea to feed the air in sounds like a good one, providing the air pressure in that area remains positive at speed, due to the accelerated air flow stream coming off the top of the front grille area. (I expect Gordon has the software to predict that?)🤔

[@phil_p]

Maybe a request rather than a question - could you show us the various escort wheel arches so we can see how your custom ones compare please? There’s clearly a LOT of time and effort gone into making your own but I’m afraid I’m not sufficiently familiar with the alternatives.

[@asadumatitus874]

Project Binky Vibes with the Allegro👌

[@10zoll]

You should ask Steve from MED if he wants to buy the A-Series & Gearbox dont scrap it! Is it a 1275?

[@aneegitwithaspanner6373]

Austin Alegro! Can't you just drop a piano on it like Top Gear would?😂

[@kiwicol7383]

Like your thinking or just drop it in skip

[@ceeF4]

​@@kiwicol7383 Id rather fit the Type R engine and running gear to an actual skip!!

[@andybtec]

Then put the a series into the Integra and make a cold hatch

[@taaniirpratt130]

Plenty of type r converted allegros out there shame to cut up the integra though.... Yes I do own a modified allegro, I'm using the 1.4 engine and gearbox out of a abarth 595 , fits nicely and the power to weight is phenomenal. Best of luck looking forward to it

[@jeffcarter7197]

Perfect combination, looking forward greatly to the Agro project 👍

[@TheXeroid]

Question: As you are morphing the Allegro into a Honda Type R, what about using bits from the Allegro on the remains of the Type R? Less a sleeper more of a snoozer. The sight of a wheezing old A Series trying to drag the Type R into the lead in a traffic light grand prix would be a sight to see..

[@andrewgardner9615]

Sounds a sweet A series.

[@Rabblewitz]

Taking two cars I have little interest in and combining them into something cool? I'm in. 🙂

[@koolerking440]

Good luck. @fabco and Jonny Smith are already doing this.

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

Whatever next I'm seriously looking forward to seeing how much of a monster you turn this allegro into chaps. Allways thought someone should do a Marina coupe, any takers ?.

[@davidpearce8829]

Cant wait to see the Allegro project start Im sure it will be amazing.

[@MrTurk6988]

Use all the Honda parts to fund the build... the parts are worth a mint to JDM fans

[@airwavested]

An AllegRa? Love it!

[@covvy]

Project "All Aggro"? This was my first car, so going to be following this one closely!

[@mortofromoz1]

So, a Retropower version of Bad Obsession Motorsport’s Binky. Or is that Urchfab’s MX5 Prefect? Excellent! “ Make the noise”. Please don’t take 7 years.

[@watrousmark401]

I've got to admit every molecule in my body is screaming "Fix the Integra, let the Austin join it's brethren in the junkyard." I sincerely hope this turns out better than what I'm thinking.

[@chrispy104k]

Exactly what I was about to say. Totally agree.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

@@chrispy104k ditto. The Integra R is a genuinely good car. An All Agro never was. I remember the disdain when it came out ('they turned the elegant 1100/1300 into THAT!), and the shoddy build of the early ones.

[@rennkafer13]

Given who's building it is there really any doubt?

[@moonface978]

Question, what is the process for accepting a build ? I imagine money is high up the list , but are there other criteria, what are the boxes that need to be ticked

[@chrisouthred3205]

So... I've been watching you guys since you started your channel, and this is the project that has finally driven me to comment. This is unnervingliy close to home... I am in AUS and I have an (actually I have two) AS ZC CR-X (that's the gen 1) imported from Japan that was never sold here. I've had a 20yr dream to put the floorplan and driveline from a 2nd gen into it to get the double-wishbones front and rear and factory B16 mounts. Over the years I've just narrowly missing buying so many donors and a few gen 2 Si-Rs, and I was too young and poor when they were going cheap and wrecked and now everything is big money too... So the current plan is get an EF Civic hatch shell or DC Integra shell and make that work. I have B16/gearbox/ECU/coilovers etc etc... just still no good donor chassis. However - my question to you guys is: why not a lower-spec DC2 donor shell? All the stuff that makes the DC2 type-R shell special isn't getting used, it seems a waste. (e.g. the thinner windscreen, the additional chassis bracing, etc.) I assume you'll rebuild the B18C and gearbox, and use all new shocks, so why not just source a base integra shell with an identical floorplan and a separate re-built (and improved) driveline? (Carbon syncro gearbox, tweaked B18C).

[@D4VE26]

From someone wanting to do a 'floorpan swap' I've heard that dvla are clamping down on these because they are comparing them to 'cut n shuts' from back in T' day.. anyone know of this?

[@phillipwood9833]

There already was a Hot Hatch AllAgro. HL 1750.... went like the clappers but handled like a pram.

[@angusnz7910]

Every time I watch you guys I get excited, then go stand in front of my car and loose all confidence. Got a straight NSU ro80 and the engine is brilliant but gearbox toast…also got a W8 Passat I used as a loaner car for family I could never bring myself to sell (purely for the engine…love it). For 3 years now I’ve wanted to w8 motor and box the ro80 but keep scaring myself. Know if this being done ? Or better still, anyone capable of it here in NZ. So envious of you guys…damn I wish I had your talent

[@skynet1.044]

4:23 it needs to look like that, that looks so good!

[@timbetts7377]

Excellent episode, thank you!

[@gordyl9247]

A Austin Allegro powered Honda, brilliant, who'd have thought 😅😅

[@dingo3718]

Have you ever thought of doing a London black cab ,,I've seen someone turn one into a pickup ,,all they have done though is cut the back out lay down some wood and a coat of paint,, kept all the original running gear ,, looked ok but lacked effort.after watching what you all do , well I don't think as far as restorations go ,, what seems to be you building a brand new car ,,, which looks to be pricey,, but what a purchase for those with the money,, love the look of the minor,can't wait to see how the Allegro turns out ,a big lover of older cars , owned a ford fiesta xr2 back in the day until some rat stole it,, kind of lost interest after that but it was a long time ago though

[@TERRYB0688]

Guys, you have a challenge but a worthwhile one it the renderings are any thing to go by you have me hooked. 👴🏻👍

[@huwdavies6650]

The Hostin Allegra! 🫡👌

[@rocklover7437]

Allegro,s have gotten better looking over the years .Kinda like the American AMC Pacer (Wayne's World Car) . They replaced a better looking better driving and better build quality Austin 1100 - 1300 .Plus people hated the none round steering wheel and no 1/4 light window that are a must in a none air conditioned car .