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The Story of Curvy Kate

by Howard Pietersie

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Building a Jaguar replica, one improvised solution at a time

$21.79 USD
$34.05 USD $21.79 USD
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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Building a Jaguar replica, one improvised solution at a time

Howard Pietersie documents the eight-year construction of “Curvy Kate,” his replica of an SS Jaguar. Framed as a long-held personal project, the book traces the practical realities behind an elegant vintage-inspired car: working from limited visual references, confronting setbacks, and developing solutions as the build progresses. A photographic record accompanies the account, giving the mechanical undertaking a visual dimension alongside its memoir-like focus on persistence and the people who offered encouragement. The subject is less a general history of the SS Jaguar than an enthusiast’s ground-up recreation of one particular vehicle.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Classic-car and automotive-history enthusiasts
  • DIY vehicle builders interested in replica projects
  • Readers interested in personal accounts of long-term mechanical projects

Themes

Automotive restoration and replica buildingCraftsmanship and problem-solvingPerseveranceVintage motoringPhotography and documentation

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The Story of Curvy Kate is a fascinating story of one man's lifelong dream to build a head-turning replica SS Jaguar from the ground up. Howard Pietersie takes us through a mechanical odyssey, replete with setbacks, successes and innovative solutions that make 'Curvy Kate' a remarkable story of endurance, elation and love. However, the romantic notion of building a truly elegant piece of 20th century motoring royalty is not for the faint-hearted, though any unsuspecting soul determined to do so would do well to read this book.

The Story of Curvy Kate is Pietersie's inspirational and sometimes hilarious journey into the secret life of an enthusiastic amateur determined to realise a dream.

Bursting with interesting aspects of building a vehicle from scratch, including a progressive photograhic history of the project.

How to build an SS Jaguar replica in eight short years, armed with only a few photos, a model and the encouragement of some beautiful people.

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