Electric Cars

Unearthing Automotive History: Bringing a Neglected Supercar Back to Life

The Rediscovery and Initial Ambition

Hudson Auto Films embarked on an extraordinary project a year ago, acquiring a unique 1980s concept vehicle, the Nova Sterling Sebring, which had been abandoned for decades in overgrown foliage. The team's vision includes a complete overhaul, incorporating new metallic components, advanced parts, and a powerful turbocharged Alfa Romeo racing engine, aiming to transform it into a modern marvel.

Overcoming the Fiberglass Bodywork Challenge

Progress on the Nova encountered a significant slowdown as the team confronted the formidable task of restoring the fiberglass body shell. The latest video from Hudson Auto Films highlights the extensive effort involved, revealing over 100 hours of laborious grinding and repetitive tasks. This meticulous work, often unglamorous and not easily captured on camera, was crucial for addressing the car's cracked fiberglass, a severely misaligned canopy, and the degradation of its original body contours.

Origins of the Nova Sterling Sebring

The Nova's journey began in the early 1970s in the United Kingdom, initially conceived as a kit car based on the Volkswagen Beetle. Its distinctive fiberglass body featured a unique one-piece canopy that lifted forward, replacing conventional doors. This innovative design gained global appeal, with licensed versions distributed under various names. In the United States, it was known as the Sterling and later the Sterling Sebring, with adaptations made to suit American preferences and regulatory standards while retaining its signature canopy design.

Intricate Repairs of the Fiberglass Shell

Despite fiberglass's inherent resistance to rust, years of neglect had left the Nova's exterior riddled with cracks, pits, and poorly executed past repairs that obscured its once-sharp lines. The restoration team meticulously applied fiberglass bridging filler to the damaged areas, using a long sanding block to identify and correct any surface irregularities. A significant setback occurred during the repair of the front end when the filler failed to cure properly, likely due to a faulty batch of hardener. This necessitated the arduous process of removing the soft mixture and restarting, adding many hours to an already time-consuming phase of filling and sanding.

The Canopy Conundrum and Strategic Decisions

The canopy proved to be the most problematic component. Although a replacement from a donor Nova appeared to be in better condition, test-fitting revealed it was an inch too narrow on each side, leaving a substantial gap at the rear. This dimensional incompatibility led the team to reinstall the original, more damaged canopy, prioritizing its correct fit over the donor's slightly better superficial state.

Progress, Setbacks, and Future Outlook

The donor car's rear bumper, despite being bent and perforated, offered a more straightforward repair. Its thinner fiberglass allowed Hudson to successfully reshape it and secure it into place, achieving a far better alignment with the body than the canopy. With most of the panels now test-fitted, the crew proceeded to fill old holes from the fuel filler and coolant tank, subsequently refining worn edges to restore sharp lines. Hudson estimates that the body requires approximately 25 additional hours of work before it is ready for the final primer application.

Addressing the recent hiatus in project updates, Hudson admitted to experiencing burnout, citing delays in engine parts and a conscious decision to postpone electrical work until the sanding dust hazard was eliminated. He affirmed his commitment to advancing other aspects of the build, even if the bodywork continues to demand time, setting an ambitious goal of having the Nova drivable by the summer of 2027.

JLR Sues BYD Over Alleged Defender Imitation and Technology Reverse-Engineering

JLR's Response to Alleged Copying and Initial Legal Moves

Jaguar Land Rover has initiated legal action against Chinese automotive giant BYD, alleging that BYD reverse-engineered its Defender model. This follows reports suggesting that BYD's Ti7 SUV bears a striking resemblance to the Defender. JLR, known for its iconic designs, is not taking kindly to what it perceives as an unauthorized appropriation of its intellectual property. The dispute has already seen court-ordered bailiffs seize digital records from BYD's Netherlands offices, indicating the seriousness of JLR's allegations and its proactive approach to protecting its brand.

The Legal Battle: Seizure of Records and Upcoming Court Decision

Reports from prominent media outlets reveal that the raid on BYD's European premises occurred in August. JLR suspects that BYD technicians disassembled a Defender to analyze and replicate its technology for the development of the Ti7, a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV. While BYD's legal team has dismissed the seizures as a “fishing expedition” and argued against the extent of the data confiscation, JLR's legal advisors contend that BYD has obstructed the legal process. The case is now proceeding to court in The Hague, with a preliminary ruling anticipated in November, which will determine whether BYD must answer to the intellectual property infringement claims. Both companies have refrained from commenting publicly on the ongoing legal proceedings.

Comparing the BYD Ti7 and Land Rover Defender: Design and Market Positioning

The core of this legal dispute revolves around the BYD Ti7, which has been available in China as the Fangchengbao Ti7 since September 2025. Its robust, angular design has frequently drawn comparisons to the Land Rover Defender, with some critics even labeling it a direct imitation. However, JLR's case extends beyond mere aesthetic similarities, focusing on the alleged reverse-engineering of the Defender's underlying technology. The Ti7 is slated for a UK launch in January, with an attractive starting price significantly lower than that of the seven-seat Defender 110, offering consumers a similarly sized but more affordable alternative, despite differences in powertrains and engineering.

JLR's History with Copycat Allegations and Its Strategic Approach to the Chinese Market

This is not JLR's first encounter with intellectual property disputes concerning Chinese automakers. In 2019, the British manufacturer successfully concluded a three-year legal battle against Jiangling Motor Corporation over a vehicle accused of copying the Range Rover Evoque. This history underscores JLR's firm stance on defending its designs and technologies. However, JLR has also pursued collaborative strategies in China, exemplified by its long-standing joint venture with Chery, which recently led to the revival of the Freelander name as an electric vehicle brand. This dual approach reflects the complexities of operating within the Chinese automotive market, balancing protection of proprietary assets with strategic partnerships.

The Broader Challenge: Chinese Competition and JLR's Brand Protection Efforts

The competitive landscape for established automakers is rapidly changing, with Chinese manufacturers like BYD expanding their reach into international markets, particularly in Europe. These brands are often characterized by their advanced technology and aggressive pricing strategies, posing a significant challenge to traditional industry players. For JLR, the Defender represents more than just a vehicle; it is a critical pillar of the company's heritage and commercial success. The ongoing legal action against BYD signifies JLR's resolve to safeguard its valuable intellectual property and market position against the encroachment of Chinese rivals, demonstrating its commitment to defending its brand's integrity in a fiercely competitive global arena.