SPARROW AUTOMOTIVE
(Advertisement)
Classic and Modern vehicle specialists
MOT's, repairs, servicing and restorations
Citroen A series specialist with 30 years 2cv experience,
2cv servicing and repairs,
2cv rebuilds and restoration.
Everything 2CV and Citroen!
Hereford, England
Telephone: 07557 388828
e-mail: [email protected]
web site
MOT's, repairs, servicing and restorations
Citroen A series specialist with 30 years 2cv experience,
2cv servicing and repairs,
2cv rebuilds and restoration.
Everything 2CV and Citroen!
Hereford, England
Telephone: 07557 388828
e-mail: [email protected]
web site
Above: Proprietor Pete Sparrow
Sparrow Automotive
Friendly service
Quality workmanship
On site fabrication facilities
Engine conversions and performance upgrades
Competition cars built, set up, and repaired
Pre-purchase inspections and advice
Nationwide transportation service
Sparrow Automotive is a small friendly business that has customer service high on its agenda. We welcome all makes to our garage as well as specialising in French cars. Yearly servicing, untimely repairs, part and full restorations are undertaken with constant attention to detail and with professional workmanship throughout on both classic and modern vehicles.
Not only is your vehicle reliabity important to us but we also understand the significance of 'originality' in cars as well as detailed history of work carried out on your classic investment. Sparrow Automotive understands that owning a classic car is a passion and realise what support is needed when help is required.
At Sparrow Automotove your car will be looked after with the utmost care and attention. Feel free to discuss any concern you may have with your vehicle and we will be only too pleased to help. Sparrow Automotive has a rare expertise and a passionate enthusiasm that translates into high quality workmanship for our customers, whether repairing, restoring or fitting new parts.
The business is based in Hereford in the West Midlands but major restoration work can be collected from anywhere in the country.
Run by Pete Sparrow, a long time classic car fan and Citroen/Peugeot specialist.
Pete Sparrow had his first rather rusty 2cv when he was 14 years old and was eager to have it repaired and on the road for the first day he could drive. In 3 years he learnt a lot about basic car maintenance and the costs/time involved. On his 17th birthday the car was ready and a love of all cars exploded.
Soon a standard car wasn’t enough and he set about building and modifying a series of 4 cylinder 2cv’s based on the Citroen Ami Super. This gave the chance to learn new skills like welding, fabrication, auto electrics and bodywork. The first car turned out well and soon it led to orders for similar cars. Over 25 variations followed as did a business in 1987; PTS Developments.
The business grew and developed, staff were employed to keep up with the influx of work. More modified cars were commissioned for customers and some interesting vehicles appeared. 1989 saw the start of the 2cv racing championship which Pete helped to create with a group of friends. Pete went on to build his own car and win the British championship 4 times, has done all but 2 of the 22 annual 24hr races to date as well as European rounds of the 2cv racing cup endurance series and 24hr races held at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium.
Pete left PTS developments Ltd in 2012 and now runs Sparrow Automotive using years of experience to restore, repair and service the cars he loves.
Servicing and MOT specialists
At Sparrow Automotive we aim to give fantastic service at a sensible price.
Car repairs can be expensive and confusing. You will get to talk to the guy that repairs your car, be able to ask questions and understand what has been done and why.
The services we offer range from general servicing and repairs, MOT’s and MOT repair work, welding and fabrication, engine diagnostic work, bodywork and restoration, pre-purchase inspections and advice, recovery and transportation.
We are Citroen and Peugeot specialists having 29 years in the trade and we love the classic.
We offer a free local collection and delivery service within 5 miles of Hereford City centre.
Having owned almost every model built since 1960 in one form or another, we can offer a wealth of experience and advice.
Over 50 major restorations and one off builds have been completed in the last 10 years and this forms the backbone of Sparrow Automotive.
Although 2cv’s feature heavily in our history, we have built cars for overland rallies, circuit racing, 24hr and endurance events, sprints and hill climbs, autograss, track days, 4x4 and off road, fast road cars and of course, restorations.
We have on site fabrication facilities including, MIG, TIG and gas welding, shot blasting, low volume engineering work, sheet metal work and re-wiring. We also have a Sun 4 wheel laser alignment system and corner weight equipment for competition vehicles.
At Sparrow Automotive, we treat your car as if it were ours. It is safe to say that restoring cars is not a massive money spinner in terms of profit and in which case you may well ask ‘why get involved’? It is honestly for the love. We want to see the cars that we love on the road and used.
Generally the cars we restore are on behalf of the customer, we very rarely sell restored cars, and this means that you aren’t sold someone else’s rust bucket that has been repaired to a budget. You get to see every part of the job on your own car and a photographic record is kept and given to you when the work is completed. The car is rebuilt to your specification, in your choice of colour and trim. Each one is hand built with care and pride; we remember that it’s our name on the job.
There are various levels of repair ranging from small sections of welding through to complete bodyshell dipping and electroplating. We treat all repairs the same. The aim of any restoration or repair is to keep the car rust free as long as possible, so a thorough protection process is followed using zinc primers, etch primers, 2 Pac paints, quality under body sealants and high pressure wax injection.
A portfolio of our work can be requested:-
Complete restorations
Partial rebuilds
Engine strip and rebuild
Chassis change
Re-sprays
Bodywork
Waxoiling
Welding
Some Sparrow projects past, present and future:-
1997 Paris to Peking 2cv
This car featured a 1962 2cv bodyshell, 1300 GSA Engine and gearbox with twin Weber carbs, Ami Super chassis, GS Hydraulic brakes, GS wheels, adjustable spring rates and shock absorbers, full under body protection, twin fuel tanks, full roll cage and rally trip meters plus navigator aids. The car successfully completed the raid.
Supercharged 2cv
Built originally as a 1015cc Ami Super engine onto a 2cv gearbox, the next upgrade was an Opcon Autorotor supercharger. This involved adapting a SU carburettor, making an interface between supercharger and inlet manifold, making a new oil supply pipework and uprating the brakes. It makes 93bhp at 6psi.
2cv 4x4
This 2cv is built using as Louis Barbour 4x4 kit. The car features a 652cc Citroen Visa engine, 2 x 2cv gearboxes with 25% lower gearing, long travel suspension springs, rear diff lock, thermostatic electric cooling fan and weber carburettor.
Slough 2CV
1955 Slough built 2cv imported from South Africa in 2002. Mostly untouched apart from some ‘African’ modifications like a metal roof and motorcycle tyres. The car has some interesting features for the UK market such as opening rear windows, MPH Jaeger speedo, UK specific bumpers, Citroen ‘front drive’ emblem and steel boot lid. The car was missing many original features which have been painstakingly sourced over ten years ready for its restoration.These cars were for the UK market and other RHD countries. They were expensive compared to other cars of the era. Production went from 1953 to 1960 with a total of 672 being made. Its thought that less than 50 survive worldwide today.
Citroen Ami Super
This particular Ami came in a variety of forms. Initially built using a 1975 Ami Super which was restored, painted purple and yellow and then modified using a standard 1300cc engine and 5 speed gearbox from a Citroen GSA. A couple of years later it was modified again using increased compression ratio and head work and Weber IDF carburettors from an Alfa Sud. Finished off with a paint job of pink flames. The last blue and yellow version saw the Citroen engine removed and a complete engine and gearbox from a race Alfa Sud put in. This required extensive work to the chassis, driveshafts, suspension, brakes, heater system and steering.
2cv race car (UK)
This car was found at a breakers yard full of old exhausts. It was rebuilt using new panels, a strengthened Citroen chassis and 50mm roll cage. It followed the 2cv racing club technical regulations with modifications like 2-1 exhaust, special air filter system, aluminium shock absorbers and 200% uprated springs. This car was continually upgraded during its life with new performance parts which had been proven on an engine dynamometer. It came second in its first championship and won the next 3 that it entered. The car is still competitive in the 2cv racing club 13 years later.
BMW 1100s engine 2cv
This car is currently being built using a rough donor vehicle before being finished completely. It will use an SLC chassis, race 2cv suspension and springs, BMW 1100s (98bhp) engine with fuel injection, GSA 5 speed gearbox, Citroen Axel brakes and larger oil cooler. The idea being to be able to fit all of this under a standard bonnet, make it handle and stop perfectly, as well as being everyday reliable.
1972 D Super 5
The DS/ID cars are a technical masterpiece. Even after 50 years they still amaze me. Everything was been taken apart, cleaned, welded, painted, repaired or replaced..... the list is endless. The build quality of Citroens of this era is not good and the aim with this one is to make sure that where possible it goes back together again using modern techniques, products and a bit more love than Citroen gave it so that it fairs better over the next 40 years
Dyane 16v
This Dyane has had an interesting history, having been fitted with at least 4 different engines and gearboxes during its life. The car currently runs a mid-mounted Rover K series engine and gearbox from a Lotus Elise. It has been used to commute as well as on track days which it has taken in its stride. Its currently being modified to run a Rotrex supercharger, Emerald M3d engine management system and a charge cooler. Expected bhp should be 220. The car was featured in Practical Performance Car magazine in 2011.
Friendly service
Quality workmanship
On site fabrication facilities
Engine conversions and performance upgrades
Competition cars built, set up, and repaired
Pre-purchase inspections and advice
Nationwide transportation service
Sparrow Automotive is a small friendly business that has customer service high on its agenda. We welcome all makes to our garage as well as specialising in French cars. Yearly servicing, untimely repairs, part and full restorations are undertaken with constant attention to detail and with professional workmanship throughout on both classic and modern vehicles.
Not only is your vehicle reliabity important to us but we also understand the significance of 'originality' in cars as well as detailed history of work carried out on your classic investment. Sparrow Automotive understands that owning a classic car is a passion and realise what support is needed when help is required.
At Sparrow Automotove your car will be looked after with the utmost care and attention. Feel free to discuss any concern you may have with your vehicle and we will be only too pleased to help. Sparrow Automotive has a rare expertise and a passionate enthusiasm that translates into high quality workmanship for our customers, whether repairing, restoring or fitting new parts.
The business is based in Hereford in the West Midlands but major restoration work can be collected from anywhere in the country.
Run by Pete Sparrow, a long time classic car fan and Citroen/Peugeot specialist.
Pete Sparrow had his first rather rusty 2cv when he was 14 years old and was eager to have it repaired and on the road for the first day he could drive. In 3 years he learnt a lot about basic car maintenance and the costs/time involved. On his 17th birthday the car was ready and a love of all cars exploded.
Soon a standard car wasn’t enough and he set about building and modifying a series of 4 cylinder 2cv’s based on the Citroen Ami Super. This gave the chance to learn new skills like welding, fabrication, auto electrics and bodywork. The first car turned out well and soon it led to orders for similar cars. Over 25 variations followed as did a business in 1987; PTS Developments.
The business grew and developed, staff were employed to keep up with the influx of work. More modified cars were commissioned for customers and some interesting vehicles appeared. 1989 saw the start of the 2cv racing championship which Pete helped to create with a group of friends. Pete went on to build his own car and win the British championship 4 times, has done all but 2 of the 22 annual 24hr races to date as well as European rounds of the 2cv racing cup endurance series and 24hr races held at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium.
Pete left PTS developments Ltd in 2012 and now runs Sparrow Automotive using years of experience to restore, repair and service the cars he loves.
Servicing and MOT specialists
At Sparrow Automotive we aim to give fantastic service at a sensible price.
Car repairs can be expensive and confusing. You will get to talk to the guy that repairs your car, be able to ask questions and understand what has been done and why.
The services we offer range from general servicing and repairs, MOT’s and MOT repair work, welding and fabrication, engine diagnostic work, bodywork and restoration, pre-purchase inspections and advice, recovery and transportation.
We are Citroen and Peugeot specialists having 29 years in the trade and we love the classic.
We offer a free local collection and delivery service within 5 miles of Hereford City centre.
Having owned almost every model built since 1960 in one form or another, we can offer a wealth of experience and advice.
Over 50 major restorations and one off builds have been completed in the last 10 years and this forms the backbone of Sparrow Automotive.
Although 2cv’s feature heavily in our history, we have built cars for overland rallies, circuit racing, 24hr and endurance events, sprints and hill climbs, autograss, track days, 4x4 and off road, fast road cars and of course, restorations.
We have on site fabrication facilities including, MIG, TIG and gas welding, shot blasting, low volume engineering work, sheet metal work and re-wiring. We also have a Sun 4 wheel laser alignment system and corner weight equipment for competition vehicles.
At Sparrow Automotive, we treat your car as if it were ours. It is safe to say that restoring cars is not a massive money spinner in terms of profit and in which case you may well ask ‘why get involved’? It is honestly for the love. We want to see the cars that we love on the road and used.
Generally the cars we restore are on behalf of the customer, we very rarely sell restored cars, and this means that you aren’t sold someone else’s rust bucket that has been repaired to a budget. You get to see every part of the job on your own car and a photographic record is kept and given to you when the work is completed. The car is rebuilt to your specification, in your choice of colour and trim. Each one is hand built with care and pride; we remember that it’s our name on the job.
There are various levels of repair ranging from small sections of welding through to complete bodyshell dipping and electroplating. We treat all repairs the same. The aim of any restoration or repair is to keep the car rust free as long as possible, so a thorough protection process is followed using zinc primers, etch primers, 2 Pac paints, quality under body sealants and high pressure wax injection.
A portfolio of our work can be requested:-
Complete restorations
Partial rebuilds
Engine strip and rebuild
Chassis change
Re-sprays
Bodywork
Waxoiling
Welding
Some Sparrow projects past, present and future:-
1997 Paris to Peking 2cv
This car featured a 1962 2cv bodyshell, 1300 GSA Engine and gearbox with twin Weber carbs, Ami Super chassis, GS Hydraulic brakes, GS wheels, adjustable spring rates and shock absorbers, full under body protection, twin fuel tanks, full roll cage and rally trip meters plus navigator aids. The car successfully completed the raid.
Supercharged 2cv
Built originally as a 1015cc Ami Super engine onto a 2cv gearbox, the next upgrade was an Opcon Autorotor supercharger. This involved adapting a SU carburettor, making an interface between supercharger and inlet manifold, making a new oil supply pipework and uprating the brakes. It makes 93bhp at 6psi.
2cv 4x4
This 2cv is built using as Louis Barbour 4x4 kit. The car features a 652cc Citroen Visa engine, 2 x 2cv gearboxes with 25% lower gearing, long travel suspension springs, rear diff lock, thermostatic electric cooling fan and weber carburettor.
Slough 2CV
1955 Slough built 2cv imported from South Africa in 2002. Mostly untouched apart from some ‘African’ modifications like a metal roof and motorcycle tyres. The car has some interesting features for the UK market such as opening rear windows, MPH Jaeger speedo, UK specific bumpers, Citroen ‘front drive’ emblem and steel boot lid. The car was missing many original features which have been painstakingly sourced over ten years ready for its restoration.These cars were for the UK market and other RHD countries. They were expensive compared to other cars of the era. Production went from 1953 to 1960 with a total of 672 being made. Its thought that less than 50 survive worldwide today.
Citroen Ami Super
This particular Ami came in a variety of forms. Initially built using a 1975 Ami Super which was restored, painted purple and yellow and then modified using a standard 1300cc engine and 5 speed gearbox from a Citroen GSA. A couple of years later it was modified again using increased compression ratio and head work and Weber IDF carburettors from an Alfa Sud. Finished off with a paint job of pink flames. The last blue and yellow version saw the Citroen engine removed and a complete engine and gearbox from a race Alfa Sud put in. This required extensive work to the chassis, driveshafts, suspension, brakes, heater system and steering.
2cv race car (UK)
This car was found at a breakers yard full of old exhausts. It was rebuilt using new panels, a strengthened Citroen chassis and 50mm roll cage. It followed the 2cv racing club technical regulations with modifications like 2-1 exhaust, special air filter system, aluminium shock absorbers and 200% uprated springs. This car was continually upgraded during its life with new performance parts which had been proven on an engine dynamometer. It came second in its first championship and won the next 3 that it entered. The car is still competitive in the 2cv racing club 13 years later.
BMW 1100s engine 2cv
This car is currently being built using a rough donor vehicle before being finished completely. It will use an SLC chassis, race 2cv suspension and springs, BMW 1100s (98bhp) engine with fuel injection, GSA 5 speed gearbox, Citroen Axel brakes and larger oil cooler. The idea being to be able to fit all of this under a standard bonnet, make it handle and stop perfectly, as well as being everyday reliable.
1972 D Super 5
The DS/ID cars are a technical masterpiece. Even after 50 years they still amaze me. Everything was been taken apart, cleaned, welded, painted, repaired or replaced..... the list is endless. The build quality of Citroens of this era is not good and the aim with this one is to make sure that where possible it goes back together again using modern techniques, products and a bit more love than Citroen gave it so that it fairs better over the next 40 years
Dyane 16v
This Dyane has had an interesting history, having been fitted with at least 4 different engines and gearboxes during its life. The car currently runs a mid-mounted Rover K series engine and gearbox from a Lotus Elise. It has been used to commute as well as on track days which it has taken in its stride. Its currently being modified to run a Rotrex supercharger, Emerald M3d engine management system and a charge cooler. Expected bhp should be 220. The car was featured in Practical Performance Car magazine in 2011.
Slough-built 2CV
2C Race car
2CV 4x4
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