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Hans F. Reinhardt, a Neurosurgeon in Basel Switzerland, and his wife Annick, purchased his P20 Special Deluxe 4-Door Sedan in early 2004. This car spent most of its life-time in Lubbock, Texas.
In 2000, Dr. Reinhardt and his wife Annick made the London-to-Peking Rally organized by the 'Classic Rally Organization' founded by Stirling Moss/GB. They drove a 1949 Willys-Overland Model 77 Station Wagon which, in spite of its weak 4-cyl. engine, mastered those very hard 10,000 miles along the Silk Road without major trouble. The Willys is now again in museum-condition. Dr. Reinhardt has already restored several cars, including the Willys and a 1929 Peugeot. He is not only a car enthusiast, but also a clockmaker.
The Plymouth transformation:
Hans' car as it was when he purchased it in 2004 - after it was imported from Lubbock, Texas and partially restored
This photo of the Plymouth was taken during the full body-off restoration after Dr. Reinhardt purchased it.

The finished product. How's that for YELLOW? This was an actual factory color for the taxis made by Plymouth.
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The engine was built in France with parts purchased from Kanter. Other parts were purchased from Roberts. A 6 volt alternator from Fifth Avenue (Randy Rundle) and 6v/152Ah battery were also installed.
Hans has to consider many things on this 10,000 mile endurance run. He will have to carry spare tires plus just about any other spare parts that he can fit into or on top of the car. Variances in the quality, octane (as low as 71 octane) and lead content will be wide as he travels through many countries along the ancient "Silk Road". This will provide quite a test for the old flathead. A rebuilt transmission with overdrive from George Asche will complete the running gear.
Hans was able to find a brand new "Allstate" evaporative cooler - still in the box. These old "swamp coolers" use the principal of evaporation to cool air passing over a moist porous surface and are quite effective in hot dry climates.
Incidentally, other modifications to the car will include: an extra mounted fuel tank, roof rack, and a 6v electric ventilator.

Continue on... read the diary Of Hans Reinhardt.
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