GATSBY CABRIOLET
by JPR CARS, Ltd.
Dear Car Enthusiast:
Thank you for your interest in our Cabriolet. The Gatsby line of automobiles has been in business since 1978, and has been owned by JPR Cars, Ltd, since 1997. We currently offer two full-production cars. The
Gatsby Cabriolet starts at $34,500 and the Gatsby Griffin
will start at $43,500 when available in late 2000. For a list of our Cabriolet kit prices click
here.
In 1982 Gatsby started in the component/kit field. They first offered the Gatsby Cabriolet and then the Gatsby Griffin. The Gatsby Cabriolet utilizes a full-size Ford car frame and a modified MG Midget body with fiberglass fenders. There is an new steel inner structure, nose section with firewall and floor pan, hood and side panels. The chassis that is recommended by our company and the instructions for modification is provided in the assembly manual. In building
these cars other frames can be used, and the modifications are similar to the Ford chassis suggested, if the tread of the frame used is approximately 63".
JPR Cars has redesigned the Cabriolet and simplified the assembly process. By slightly shortening the overall length of the car as originally designed, a 1977-79 Ford Thunderbird or Cougar chassis can be used without any additional alterations. This lessens the chances of future complications due to assembly error. A "picture frame" cage (see photos below) is created for the Midget body, which can simply be placed on the rear of the Ford chassis, eliminating hours of unnecessary modifications.
How does the prospective buyer decide which kit best suits his or her needs? We believe that before you make any purchase you should see the product first hand. We believe that if you follow these few simple steps and invest a little time and effort, you can save yourself many hours of frustration and later regrets.
- Choose the type of car that you appeals to you and drive a completed car!!!
- Examine the kit exactly as it is to be delivered to you.
- Know what additional parts and accessories you will want to have on your car and will want to purchase later.
- Talk to as many other customers as possible who have already assembled and driven a Cabriolet.
- Calculate all the costs, including the extras.
FENDER PACKAGE
Our fiberglass components are some of the finest available in today's market. Each new fender mold is being designed to eventually produce a quality product with a gel-coat finish so fine that only light body work and the final coat of paint will be needed.
After the desired color of finish has been applied and allowed to cure a layer of hand-laid glass clothe is placed on top of the gel-coat in combination with a series of chop to provide a uniform structure, getting the best of both processes. This process is repeated until our fenders reach our desired strength and consistency, usually taking three or four days.
By combining the two processes above, a sandwich type construction is produced. To help achieve a quality gel-coat finish on the fender, we have redesigned the fenders to be assembled as two parts (with the break being in front of the rear fender) instead of one continuous unit, as originally designed.
Included in the initial fender package (our starter kit) you will receive one left and right front fender set, two fiberglass
spare tire covers, one Cabriolet assembly manual and one complete set of templets included in the original design.
ROLLING FRAME PACKAGE
We start with a chassis from a 1977 to 1979 Ford Thunderbird or Mercury Cougar. The frame is then checked for tolerances. It is then cleaned and prepped for additional
mounting supports.
All of the body mounts, fuel tank supports, and engine mounts are welded in place. New brake, fuel and vent lines are then run on the chassis. It is up to the builder to connect these to the power brake booster and the fuel tank.
Finally, we check all brake drums, disk brakes, power steering box, linkage, and differential for accurate tolerances. Various drive trains are available at additional cost.
STEEL PACKAGES
Our steel package comes in two separate parts and consists of all the necessary steel body parts needed to give the Cabriolet the distinguished appearance and style that it has come to enjoy.
. 
The first part is the front section. The steel "nose frame" is cut and welded to fit the length of the Ford
frame. It is designed to make the assembly process smooth, and, if later engine repair is necessary, it can be easily removed, making access to the engine compartment easier and decreasing the chances of damage to the body. The front of the nose is
shaped and modified to receive the grille and small nose cover.
"Ribs" are added to each side to give additional
support as well as a secure place for the side exhaust pipes to be mounted. Each of the two hood panels and side panels are hand shaped and molded to fit the curve of the Midget body. The radiator support frame and the steering shaft frame are also cut and
welded to fit securely within the nose structure. The steel gas tank cover is also bent and welded to securely fit around the rear frame. All steel parts are then sanded and finished in a gray or black primer. The front steel package includes: one steel nose structure, one left and right steel hood panel, one left and right steel side panel, one front nose cover panel, one steel gas tank cover, one radiator support frame, and one steering shaft support frame. Modified sheering shafts are available for an additional fee. The rear steel package included the Midget picture frame, which is described more fully below.
MG MIDGET PACKAGE
With the newly modified rear fenders it is no longer necessary to cut the rear side panels on your Midget, which weakened the integrity of the structure. Only the rear fins are cut off. The body is reshaped to give a smooth, rounded trunk section.
Two holes for the gas filler neck are cut in the Midget body, one on the rear panel of the driver's side and one inside the trunk area.
JPR Cars has specially designed a steel "picture frame" structure for the modified Midget to be place on and then welded securely. This picture frame guarantees that the
shape and contour of the Midget body will always be the same and that the sides and doors will always be plum and true. Special supports are also added for the dash and glove box for added strength. The unique design of the picture frame also provides for a water-tight "people" compartment.
We have also specially designed a lift-off cover for the front of the picture frame, making access to the instrument panel and wires easier. Your Midget package will arrive with the body welded to the picture frame and all modifications made. A windshield,
both doors and windows, and a trunk lid are included. Body filler work and a paint primer can be included for an additional fee. The picture frame can be purchased separately as our rear steel package.
EXTERIOR PACKAGE
The Cabriolet has many special features and options that contribute to its style. Most of these items are available through any distributor of reproduction Ford parts and can be purchased separately. Included in our package is: one front steel bumper, one rear bumper, eight bumper mounting brackets, two stainless steel continental tire kits, two large headlights, two small headlights, two horns, two rear taillights and mounting brackets, one dash, one re-chromed grille, and four hood fasteners. Rag tops and hard tops are also available upon request as well as special wire rimes, spare tire covers, hub caps and hood ornaments. For photos of these and other options click
here.
DELUXE PACKAGE
The Deluxe Package includes our Fender package, Rolling Frame Package, Steel Package, MG Midget Package, and the Exterior Package. The Midge is mounted and aligned on the frame via rubber mounts. The fenders are fitted to the body along with the front and rear frame covers. All seams, joints, and mounting points are checked for tolerances and fit to insure that your Cabriolet is the finest neo-classic component car available. After much research and cooperation with the Virginia department of Motor Vehicles, as an added bonus, when the Deluxe Package is purchased, JPR Cars is able to offer to the buyer a valid Virginia title with the car registered as a 1932 Gatsby Cabriolet.
PLACING YOUR ORDER
All orders accepted by us require a signed contract by both parties and a twenty-five percent (25%) deposit. A second payment of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total bill is due half-way through the construction
period. Balance of monies are due by money order or certified check at delivery. All prices are F.O.B. Topping, Virginia and quoted in U.S. dollar amount. Delivery of a Deluxe Package is expected to be no longer than six (6) months after receipt of the deposit and signed contract, unless otherwise stated. A one (1) month delivery time can be expected for the Fender Package and most other components.
PRICING
Orders will be delivered at the prices quoted at the time of the deposit. If delivery time is delayed due to later changes requested by the customer, the balance due at delivery will reflect such changes. Prices do not
include crating, shipping, state or local taxes.
CANCELLATIONS
You will receive immediate notice of the date and time of the acceptance of your contract. You have the right to cancel your order, either by phone or in writing, within seventy-two (72) hours from that time without a penalty. Orders canceled
after that time are subject to a 25% cancellation fee on the full amount of the invoice.
PICK UP INFORMATION
If you plan to pick up your car, please review these items:
All components will fit on a 8' x 16' car trailer or flat bed truck
Please come prepared to pick up your car. Bring all necessary come-along, strapping, padding materials, and chains to
secure your vehicle or parts
There will be a charge if we supply you with any of these materials.
RETURNS
If you are not completely satisfied with your kit purchase within the first thirty (30) days, return the kit and all parts to us, in the same condition they were received, and you will receive a refund within ten (10) days. No refunds will be made on returns after thirty (30) days. Merchandise must have a written authorization before return. There is a 20% restocking charge on all returns unless due to our error. Freight must be prepaid.
DAMAGE IN SHIPPING
Claims for damage in transit will be made by you to the carrier. We are not responsible to make a claim after
the freight company accepts shipment from us. Inspect all merchandise upon receipt in the presence of the driver or agent and make any necessary remarks on the transit bill.
WARRANTY
All of our merchandise is guaranteed to be as represented. JPR Cars, Ltd., warrants that we will repair or replace to the original owner without charge, any products manufactured by us which are found to be faulty or defective in workmanship or materials within ninety (90) days from the date of purchase. Warranty will not be in effect for merchandise altered in any way.