The very beginnings of the model: pieces cut from blocks of jelutong wood.

The bonnet section is fitted between the sides. The boot top is stuck in place.

A couple of "helpers" sniff out any problems!

Fitting the top of the dashboard cut from a thinner piece of jelutong wood.

The main parts of the car are now stuck together with "Evo stick Resin W" adhesive. I have added the lower turned up lip of the body using "Isopon" car filler. A VERY tricky job as it had to be carefully rubbed down so as not to dent the softer wood

The clear canopy was push-moulded over a "Modelboard" mould (see details of this method in the "Fireball XL5 section)

The interior of FAB 1 varied many times during the filming of the series and the 2 films. I made mine to match the original TV series, with real leather seats!

Checking the interior fits into the car okay!

Fitting that famous radiator grill in place. You can also see that the dashboard top is painted to final finish as when the canopy is stuck in place you cannot get inside to paint it!

The bumpers and radiator were all cut and filed to shape from 9mm Perspex. These were then chrome plated at the incredible cost of £250! -more than for a real car!

The wheels had to be specially moulded in silicon rubber. I used the same mould I'd made for the SPV! The hub caps were turned in aluminium

The wheels were made to steer with a steering rack made from soldered brass rod.

Masking up the canopy ready to put "Isopon" filler around the canopy to blend it into the main body.

The model had 6 coats of primer/filler. The model was rubbed down between each coat. then the final "Shocking Pink" was sprayed on.

The final model had 4 coats of top colour and was then polished first with a rubbing compound and then with "Bluebell" metal polish!

The headlight boxes covered with chrome tape, are fitted in place along t with the radiator.

I was very fortunate with the colour as I had repaired the original 7ft car way back in 1981. At that stage I was able to get a colour match which I'd still kept to this day!

Almost finished: The wing mirrors are Perspex blocks with real mirrored Perspex on the back!

The number plates, aerial bases, door locks and light lenses are added

The finished model with Parker at the controls!

FAB 1 from the side. This view shows the door handles and the chrome strip added around the windows.

The full frontal view of a truly great design! Note the "Spirit of Ecstasy" (or the Flying Lady as some know it) It's was carved from a piece of white metal & then polished!

And she's not bad from the back either!

Martin with the finished 1/18th scale car