Ashley Laminates Sportiva classic cars for sale

History of the Ashley Laminates Sportiva

Ashley Laminates, a lesser-known yet significant British specialist, made its mark in the late 1950s and early 1960s producing fibreglass body kits and sports car bodies. The Sportiva emerged as a response to the demand for lightweight sports models that privateers and home builders could exploit due to post-war regulation and accessibility of mechanical components. With a focus on weight reduction and sleek aerodynamics, the Sportiva was a direct reflection of that innovative period in British motoring. Its fibreglass construction stood in contrast to the heavier steel bodies of the contemporary mainstream, cementing Ashley's reputation among motorsport enthusiasts and bespoke builders alike.

Model History of the Sportiva Series

The Sportiva was developed as an evolution of earlier Ashley models, specifically building on experience with the 750 and the 1172. It was aimed at providing a more refined, honed package with greater attention to design and fitment. As successive versions appeared, subtle improvements in aerodynamics and body finish kept the model current with changing tastes and technical demands. The Sportiva’s availability as a body for home assembly meant it found its way onto a variety of chassis, often Ford-based, resulting in a wide spectrum of mechanical underpinnings tied to a visually consistent shell.

Highlights of the Ashley Laminates Sportiva

Distinctive for its full fibreglass construction, the Sportiva was designed to enable buyers to create highly personal sports cars. This approach led to a variety of mechanical layouts and custom interior specifications, as demanded by the enthusiastic DIY market. Its sculpted lines and minimalist detailing stood out in a landscape dominated by heavier, factory-built vehicles. Aerodynamics, weight-saving, and the possibility for motorsport adaptation set the Sportiva apart from more conventional British sports cars of the era.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

There were no widely recognised special factory editions of the Sportiva, as individuality and personal specification were fundamental to its sales approach. However, cars assembled by known performance shops or featuring period competition modifications can attract additional attention from connoisseurs.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Due to their home-built nature, build quality of individual Sportivas can be inconsistent. Check for mismatched chassis/body installations, stress cracks in the fibreglass, and signs of prior amateur repairs. Mechanical reliability is typically dependent on the age and quality of the chosen donor components, with Ford-based running gear offering generally good parts supply but requiring inspection for leaks, wear and modification quality. Electrical issues can arise from non-standard wiring.

Engine, Performance, Transmission and Handling

The lightweight shell bestows the Sportiva with nimble handling, making it an engaging drive especially with a tuned Ford or Coventry Climax engine. Acceleration and top speed are highly variable, depending on the builder’s ambitions. Many Sportivas were used for amateur motorsport or spirited road use, with feedback from period owners noting lively turn-in, communicative steering (when using competent underpinnings), and strong mid-range performance when properly set up. - Sportiva with Ford 1172cc side-valve engine: Popular for ease of sourcing and reliable, torquey performance

• Sportiva with Coventry Climax engine: Desirable for lightweight, higher-revving applications, often seen in period competition
• Sportiva with period performance upgrades (uprated suspension and brakes): Prized among enthusiasts for more confident handling

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The styling of the Sportiva embraced curves and minimalism, leaving excessive ornamentation behind in favour of clean lines and aerodynamic efficiency. Interiors were highly bespoke—builders could specify everything from basic stripped racing cockpits to more comfort-oriented appointments using period gauges and trim. Lightweight glassfibre meant panel fit might vary. External accessories like period racing mirrors, spotlights, or wire wheels were common modifications. Paint and colour schemes depended on individual taste, as did use of racing stripes, numbers, and other motorsport-inspired details.

Other Features

Given the car’s kit nature, period-correct documentation can be valuable for tracing authenticity. Some survivors were used in period racing or hillclimbs, offering additional provenance if such traceability exists. Modifications undertaken in modern times should balance mechanical reliability with the desire to retain as much originality as possible.

Summary

The Ashley Laminates Sportiva offers a rare glimpse into the thriving postwar British kit car scene, with its blend of fibreglass creativity, adaptation to various mechanical donors, and lasting appeal to drivers seeking a different flavour in lightweight performance. Its individual build nature and niche focus make careful inspection and documentation essential, but for the right enthusiast, it is an engaging throwback to a singular chapter in British automotive development.