When we were at the factory, ordering our starter kit. We had discussed gearboxes and gearshift mechanisms, with Chris Smith (MD of Westfield Sports Cars). We had surmised that we had to use the MT75 gearbox from a Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) Sierra or Granada. It seems you can use the Ford Type 9 gearbox also used on Sierra's but the box needs fitting with straight cut gears. Chris had shown us the standard Sierra shift, modified by shortening the back of the frame behind the gear lever. Mounting it to the gearbox with large penny washers to stiffen it up, and make gear changes more positive. The photograph above shows an unmodified gearshift fitted to an MT75 gearbox. Westfield's, Rose Mount quick shift mechanism (below right) was a better-engineered solution. Providing positive gear changes without the need for additional stiffening. We decided to find an MT75 gearbox and fit it with the Westfield Quick Shift.

Saturday 1^st May 1999, we went to the factory to collect wiring loom, Prop shaft, fuel pump and pressure regulator, quick shift gear selector. We had started at our usual time and stopped for breakfast at the "Little Chef". When we had collected the parts, it was still early. Over the past few weeks and days, we had been discussing gearboxes. We knew we needed a Ford MT 75 gearbox from a Sierra (DOHC engine) or Granada.

According to information posted on the Internet, D & J had obtained one from Sierra Land in Charlton, West London. Andrew had pointed out an advert in one of the magazines advertising MT 75 gearboxes for £60. The telephone number looked similar to Sierra Land as far as I could remember. As we left for home, with our purchases, we had not gone far when we began to discuss the gearbox situation. " A pity we don't have the telephone number". I said to Andrew. He promptly produced the magazine. Mobile phones really are useful at times. A call to the number confirmed, Sierra Land is now called Charlton Motorworks, and they had a gearbox. So, we headed south down the M40, anti-clockwise round the M25 and up the A20 to Charlton. Andrew produced and ancient copy of London A to Z. Yours truly assumed the role of "R2D2" and navigated. It just so happens that the sports reports and news bulletins, on the radio, had been saying the Charlton FC were playing a vital game, at home. (To try and avoid relegation from the Premier Division) "Avoid the football stadium, at all costs", is my instruction, we were going to get there about kick off time. Somehow, R2D2's gyro toppled and the inevitable happened, we ended up going right past the stadium, mixed up with fans and police escorts. I blame the "A to Z" not showing the one-way system. We eventually turned round in "B&Q's" car park and headed in the right direction. Finding Charlton Motor works was fairly easy after that. We could see it from the main road but could not find the access. Driving down Victorian industrial streets, some now enclosed with gates, by the factories now occupying both sides of the street, frustrated us temporarily. At last we drew up outside. There was an MT 75 gearbox on the shelf but it was missing the vibration damper and, more importantly, the "yellow" studs to connect it to the propshaft. Not daunted the guy behind the counter called to his mates to find another. We had to wait about 15 to 20 minutes whilst they stripped one from a Granada. It appeared, still wet from degreasing or steam cleaning, I'm not sure which, and was loaded in to the back of Andrews Vectra (2.5 lt. V6, 24 valve). Then it was off home, past the millennium dome site at Greenwich. After all the hype I was unimpressed, much more elated by the prospect of a gearbox for £60.