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Monday, 11 January 2021

Ben and the Dutch Peel Viking GT

One of the first to phone me up in the new year was Ben Konst - the man who'd imported the Peel Viking GT to The Netherlands in the 1960s, and who bought back his old demonstrator some two years ago now (several articles here). 

Ben, 79 years at the moment but ever so spritely, had a few questions. He will be going to the Dutch authorities later this week to get the car's registration back on track. As I was around a week later I thought I'd pop in to say hello. And I was pleasantly surprised. The last two years or so Ben had several other cars to work on, but by this time he has started work on the Viking and has managed to buy several parts that had gone missing after we found the car in a German shed. Among them a correct engine with 'magic wand' gearbox, since it had been fitted with a later Innocenti engine with remote type gearbox. 

He is still looking for some parts, among them a set of Mk1 Cosmic wheels, as his car now comes with just one, so if you happen to have a few lying around and want to part with them, let me know. For now: best of luck at the registration office!

UPDATE 14 January 2021: Approved!


Ben Konst, 79 years young, has now started work on the Peel he built 54 years ago
Picture Jeroen Booij

He owns the Healey on the left about as long and raced that throughout Europe
Picture Jeroen Booij

Rear lights and rear window were modified by Ben in '68. He sourced them from a Fiat
Picture Jeroen Booij

Cleaned up now, the interior is still just like it was, including the 'Classic Ten' radio
Picture Jeroen Booij

Innocenti-engine that was fitted is now out. Subframes will soon be painted black again
Picture Jeroen Booij

Ben already found a period correct engine with the 'magic wand' gearbox
Picture Jeroen Booij

This decal can be found on a much-worn rear side screen. Anyone who knows Ronald Lagarde?
Picture Jeroen Booij

Ben bought a set of Mk1 Cosmic wheels in 1968 and fitted them to the Peel, but three of them are now missing. Who can help him out?
Picture Jeroen Booij


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