Saxon vs Sebring MX

I have noticed there are some confusion between the two models. As shown the Saxon has no fender flares and door handles are more like the original Austin Healeys and the dash is more to the original.

The Sebring MX is very different with fender flares and much different dash more like the later 3000's. See JPG files I tried to upload the original PDF files but they would not load. Hope these help.


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Now the all so important question.... would saxon doors, with the correct Healey door handles, fit on a Sebring... That would be interesting...

That would be an interesting question.

Anyone around here with a saxon that would care to provide some measurements?

I always wanted to mod my doors to have correct door handles. Did not know the Saxons were different.

Just read this, and saw the pamphlet for the MX above.  It says "All new for 1989..."  But the receipt for my car says, "Saxon Flair Fender Kit" and was signed by Charles Rutherford on 7/28/85.  Interesting. lol  So they had the kit with flared fenders earlier but it was still considered a Saxon.

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I'd imagine this was maybe a precursor to the "Sebring 5000" which has flares, but not as wide flares as on the MX? For example the same way Sebring International has the SX (Saxon equivalent), TMX (mild flares), TMX (large flares MX equivalent).

I didnt know there were different sized flares? They look the same to me. Take a look at the pic of my car...

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I may be completely wrong about this, but i've always though there were two flare styles. They are very very difficult to tell apart. From what I can tell the front flares are the same. Only the rear flares differ. I had to look through quite a few images online before I found a good comparison (I do not own these images, all rights belong to the original authors).

Early model Sebring "5000" flares: More of a defined shape
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Later model Sebring "MX" flares: Blend into the body more
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Although from looking at a bunch of images, i'm starting to doubt myself. Do you guys see a difference too? Or is it a trick of the light?

I personally think its just angle, lighting and ride height differences. You'd have to rework an entire mold...just for a barely perceptible difference.

Hi, I have a Sebring 5000 that I purchased in 1988. It has the flare over the wheel wells. The SAXON did not have any flare. The Sebring 5000 also had the leaf springs. The MX came out in 1989 and had the 9 inch rear end with coil springs. The rear body also is 6 inches wider than the Sebring 5000. They added 3 inches each side over the wheel well to accommodate the 9" rear end. The front body in the MX stayed the same as the Sebring 5000.

I built mine while in Boston but am from North Dakota so had opportunity to visit the factory in Fargo many times.

I am not sure about the date? Or I guess just confused. I was in factory during 1988 and I know they were not making MX's until late in the year. If they had I would have purchased the MX cause I really would have liked the coil springs in rear.

Your Sebring looks great and hope you enjoy it.

Sorry, I got side tracked with the different models so did not answer your initial question about door handles. I have some documents in storage that may have some answers. Will see of I can get to them this week.

One other thing related to models. The Parts and Options list for the Sebring in 1987 was titled "Sebring II". The Parts and Option list in 1988-89 was Titled "Sebring 5000". I agree with you, the flare on the Sebring II, Sebring 5000 and Sebring MX is all the same. The only difference is the extra 3" added to each side of the rear over the wheel wells on the MX.

Anyone have a rear flare picture of the MX to compare to my 1986 produced "Saxon with flares" above?

Do you know of any contacts in North Dakota that may have parts for an 85 Saxon like a boot to cover top when down? Rich

Rich, not going to be easy to find...BUT, if you contact any reputable boat canvas maker in your area they can make a pattern right off your car and make you one. They do it all the time on boats with covers and enclosures.

Rich, I do not have any current contacts in Fargo. I am digging through my files from 1988 and am going to try and contact some of those that I met and worked with back then. I am interested in some of the corporate history. If I establish contact I will ask.
Bob

I would love to contact someone in the old factor to guide me on what engine I can put in my Saxon. Now have a Chevette at 85 horse. Yikes!! Rich

rverruni just an FYI we have a SBC 355 cu in 300 HP with a TH400 trans in ours.

Once you start talking about a different engine, you're talking about changing the engine mounts, and the sky becomes the limit. Most people I know would go with an LS swap. Personally I'd stay away from ford modulars (like the coyote) purely from lack of engine bay and footwell space. Ecoboost is tempting, as is an S52 or S54 BMW I6.

If we're talking Saxon and you want to stay old-school and close to what a Healey would have. Datsun L28 has enough tuning parts available to fill a wall-mart. Sounds like a screaming banshee with a set of cams. As evidenced by youtube:

Deuhew and David,
I'm trying to understand what door handles you're describing as "are more like the original Austin Healeys". The early kits had Volkswagon handles and the later had the Chevette handles. Is there a third one I've never seen ???

i would love to find out which vw door handles to buy for my sebring mx i have the right doors for it

D Hill, me too! Reading this five-year old post reminded me of later posts by the Usual Suspects regards to the "correct" doors.
I have a red Saxon. I once owned a red BJ8. I'm trying to duplicate the old Mk III (sans the heat and other maladies inherent in that beast).
Tops on the list:
dashboard: just restored a BJ8
wheels: 60-spoke real wires
tires:165-185 (tbd) x 15 (presently 205 70 x 14
grille/surround: I have both, BJ8
suspension front/rear: lowering w/adjustable coil-overs
steering: install a narrower column (possibly modifying a BJ8)
steering wheel: Moto-Lita wood/slotted
vent windows: just picked up a pair of BJ8 vent ass'ys
Hopefully, I can make them work

There's more, of course, but that's the idea. Which brings me to the doors, and those awful Chevette handles.
I've only heard whispers of doors whose design more mimics those of the 100/6 through the 3000 series. They went through several different types. I'll take any over what I have now.

Like this Joe??

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64-67 Chevelle. need a little mod to inside of door but the work and are affordable. Can also use Mini Cooper push button type.

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Who do I have to kill to grab a pair of those doors (handles)!
That's a true roadster, love it! No windows, nice car, nice crib full of cars, NICE CRIB!

Exactly! Hell, I'll buy both doors to get them. I'm thinking at set of handles off a BN-BT will fit on too. The ones with the angled end, where that end of the handle bolts into the door skin.
So, your car was delivered with that outer skin?