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BTH K10A
02-03-2015, 21:25
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/53a09922635f7_zps2d8t2tf4.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/53a09922635f7_zps2d8t2tf4.jpg.html)

The Barbarian
02-03-2015, 21:29
Wow bootifull.

Marco
02-03-2015, 21:32
Quality - is it yours, Andy? :)

Marco.

The Barbarian
02-03-2015, 21:37
Is it real Andy? i ask because something about the nose tells me otherwise, i may be wrong tho..

Tarzan
02-03-2015, 21:45
Quality - is it yours, Andy? :)

Marco.

No, not mine.

BTH K10A
02-03-2015, 22:15
Is it real Andy? i ask because something about the nose tells me otherwise, i may be wrong tho..

No not mine, but yes it is real. Until recently even Ferrari were stating that there were no RHD 250GT California Spyders, that is until that is this one turned up.

Provenance is exeptional and there is a 1965 Motor Sport ad with picture to support it and it has apparently been owned by the Ferranti family for a long time.


http://www.tomhartleyjnr.com/features/previously_sold/53a09a12ede53/1961_ferrari_250_gt_swb_california_spider_the_only _rhd_in_the_world

http://www.barchetta.cc/english/All.Ferraris/Detail/2591GT.250GT.SWB.California.Spyder.htm


According to Ferrari, all 250 Californias, LWB and SWB, were LHD.

This is the ferrari website that has now been re-written: http://www.ferrari.com/english/gt_sport%20cars/classiche/all_models/Pages/article_250_california.aspx

It used to say

"As with the earlier ’LWB’ variant, all ’SWB’ examples were numbered in the odd chassis number road car sequence carrying a ’GT’ suffix, were left-hand drive (despite the concurrent berlinetta being available as RHD), and were fitted with four wheel disc brakes."

Antoine Prunet said in his book Fantastic Ferraris of the 250 GT Spyder California: "Many options were permitted, but no one ever asked for - or received - a right hand drive car."

The Barbarian
02-03-2015, 22:16
Loverly car..

BTH K10A
02-03-2015, 22:27
A common ( if you can call them that) LHD barn find one sold the other day

http://www.gizmag.com/baillon-collection-ferrari-250-gt-california-spider-sells-for-us18-million/35973/

The Barbarian
02-03-2015, 22:34
If i had endless amounts of cash it would be an Aston Martin 'DB4GT, Zagato' for me.

Marco
03-03-2015, 10:32
Gorgeous...

The one thing that stands out to me like a sore thumb, whenever you see pics of lovely vintage sports cars, is their nicely ‘rounded’, sleek looking shape [and the fact that they’re quite small], which I find much easier on the eye than the big, square, bulky [ugly in comparison] varieties of such we see today!

Has anyone else noticed that?

For a good example of this phenomenon, although not a sports car, compare how Rolls Royces used to look, say from the 50s to the 80s, compared with how they do now… Check out the soulless big square ‘bus’ you get these days, completely devoid of character or individuality, for goodness knows how much dosh: http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/phantom-family/

…compared with something like this:


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/901/HMsPTk.jpg


Which do you think looks classier and more elegant, just as a Rolls Royce should? And they call *that* ‘progress’!!?? :rolleyes:

Marco.

Audio Al
03-03-2015, 13:32
If i had endless amounts of cash it would be an Aston Martin 'DB4GT, Zagato' for me.

Do they supply them in Orange :D

Marco
03-03-2015, 13:38
Lol - which one do you prefer out of the two Rollers, Al?

Marco.

Audio Al
03-03-2015, 13:40
Lol - which one do you prefer out of the two Rollers, Al?

Marco.


I can only see one roller

the other is a BMW :(

Marco
03-03-2015, 13:44
Ha - indeed!

I believe that Arab sheiks, brainless chav Lottery winners, and some Premiership footballers approve.

Marco.

Macca
03-03-2015, 13:44
I don't like any Rollers. If I wanted a luxury chauffered car I'd get a Merc S class.

Trouble with the styling on modern cars is that they are defined by streamlining for fuel economy and safety (mainly for the damage they do to pedestrians when they hit them) as a consequence we get these jelly-moulds that all look the same: Chunky and clunky. the days of beautiful, elegant design are gone, never to return.

I wouldn't have a Ferarri either 'cause they break down a lot. That Spider is pretty cool, though.

struth
03-03-2015, 13:46
have to say the modern rolls is a tad souless tbh. I remember my dad going shopping for a new motor that also go used for weddings on occasions and didnt like the rolls at the time for similar reasons. he wouldnt buy German due to war experiences so ended up with a xj6...it was a rather good motor

Marco
03-03-2015, 14:36
I don't like any Rollers. If I wanted a luxury chauffered car I'd get a Merc S class.


I don’t particularly like Rollers either, even vintage ones. I don’t think I’d ever own a car like that, preferring something sportier. I was simply illustrating a point, though, and I thought, quite effectively :)


Trouble with the styling on modern cars is that they are defined by streamlining for fuel economy and safety…


You’d think though that the folk who buy cars like that wouldn’t give two hoots about the above. You can either afford to run such cars or you can’t, and if you can’t, don’t buy them.

Safety is another matter, but what I utterly detest is being forcibly ‘nannied’ by the 'powers that be’ into driving a car that conforms to their agendas, hence why I shun that and do my own thing, as is the case with so many other things I don’t agree with either in our modern existence ;)


...as a consequence we get these jelly-moulds that all look the same: Chunky and clunky. the days of beautiful, elegant design are gone, never to return.


Indeed, on all counts. “Jelly-moulds” is a good way of describing it.

Marco.

Macca
03-03-2015, 14:46
Pedestrian safety was a big issue, though. Pre 1990s there was no thought given to this so styling ruled regardless of what it did to people when you rammed the car into them. So to an extent it is a necessary evil.

Marco
03-03-2015, 14:47
Sorry, my view is simply to drive better in the first place and/or watch where you’re going!! ;)

It’s that sense of ‘controlling’ one’s choices, and restricting them, that I don’t like.

As you know, I drive an older Merc, with the metal badge on the bonnet, not the ones now with the big plastic ones stuck onto the grille, for ’safety reasons' [and how horrible they look in comparison] - so do I give a stuff about what damage the badge could do to someone if I hit them: no, why on earth should I?

I make sure that I don’t hit anyone in the first place, and if they run out in front of me, then hell mend them; it’s their own bloody fault!!

:exactly:

Marco.

CageyH
03-03-2015, 14:57
I don't like any Rollers. If I wanted a luxury chauffered car I'd get a Merc S class.

I thought Maybach is where the luxury limo action was?

Macca
03-03-2015, 15:59
I thought Maybach is where the luxury limo action was?

You see quite a few of them in central London but have to say my first thought is 'wanker'.

The S class blends in a bit more, it's not too over the top.

Macca
03-03-2015, 16:03
I make sure that I don’t hit anyone in the first place, and if they run out in front of me, then hell mend them; it’s their own bloody fault!!

.

Reminds me of this classic bit of dialogue from 'Withnail And I':

Withnail: [seeing a road sign reading "ACCIDENT BLACK SPOT. DRIVE WITH EXTREME CARE"] Look at that, accident black spot! These aren't accidents! They're throwing themselves into the road gladly! Throwing themselves into the road to escape all this hideousness!

[shouts out of the car window at a man standing on the pavement]

Withnail: Throw yourself into the road, darling! You haven't got a chance!

Marco
03-03-2015, 16:25
:lolsign:

You can see my point, though?

We’re all slowly being ’shaped’/conditioned to follow, sheep-like, (perhaps in some cases unconsciously) what the government and 'powers that be' deem as ‘correct’, and in the process, our choices as individuals (and ability to express ourselves as individuals) are being stifled more and more... And that extends to many areas of life, not just cars.

I abhor that level of controlling, and so will always stick two fingers up to it, and go my own route! Until the day I die, I’ll always seek to be different.

Stand up and refuse to be part of ’the system', I say!

Marco [forever a free-thinker and non-conformist].

BTH K10A
03-03-2015, 19:02
I thought Maybach is where the luxury limo action was?

Only if you're a chav who's just won the lottery

Marco
03-03-2015, 19:04
Hehehe… I can’t stand those types. Brainless wonders with a total lack of imagination!

Marco.

CageyH
03-03-2015, 19:13
:lolsign:

You can see my point, though?

We’re all slowly being ’shaped’/conditioned to follow, sheep-like, (perhaps in some cases unconsciously) what the government and 'powers that be' deem as ‘correct’, and in the process, our choices as individuals (and ability to express ourselves as individuals) are being stifled more and more... And that extends to many areas of life, not just cars.

I abhor that level of controlling, and so will always stick two fingers up to it, and go my own route! Until the day I die, I’ll always seek to be different.

Stand up and refuse to be part of ’the system', I say!

Marco [forever a free-thinker and non-conformist].

But you drive a Mercedes, like millions of others? :eyebrows:

:eek:

CageyH
03-03-2015, 19:20
You see quite a few of them in central London but have to say my first thought is 'wanker'.

The S class blends in a bit more, it's not too over the top.

Even though the new Maybach is based on a Merc S600?

http://www.autonews.com/article/20150217/OEM04/150219844/mercedes-maybach-pullman-s600-limo-to-debut-at-geneva-auto-show

Marco
03-03-2015, 19:26
But you drive a Mercedes, like millions of others? :eyebrows:

:eek:

And? I’m not saying that’s what makes me different, daftee! It’s my outlook on life which does that.

However, one of the reasons why I chose the particular Merc I’ve got is because it ticked all the right boxes [I like the shape and style of that vintage of Mercedes] and hate the ‘boy-racer’ styled ones they make now, which I could’ve bought, but didn't! ;)

Marco.

CageyH
03-03-2015, 19:38
When the manufacturers dictate what is available on the market, you do get controlled like sheep.
You don't have a lot of choice. I keep thinking about changing my E46, but there is nothing out there that I particularly like at this moment in time. So I am sticking with my 11 year old car.

As for the design, it's mainly driven by the CAD packages used to design the panels etc. to fit the "look".
Safety constraints play a part, but that is usually in the sub structure.

The Barbarian
03-03-2015, 19:41
Gorgeous...

The one thing that stands out to me like a sore thumb, whenever you see pics of lovely vintage sports cars, is their nicely ‘rounded’, sleek looking shape [and the fact that they’re quite small], which I find much easier on the eye than the big, square, bulky [ugly in comparison] varieties of such we see today!

Has anyone else noticed that?



Yep i dearly love the Jensen 'Interceptor' but if i had the choice between one of those & a Jensen '541R' every time

CageyH
03-03-2015, 19:48
The looks of early sports cars was superb, but the performance wasn't great by today's standards.
There were some nice old Maseratis as well.

http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/01570/SNN2205CAR--6204_1570301a.jpg

Marco
03-03-2015, 20:21
When the manufacturers dictate what is available on the market, you do get controlled like sheep.
You don't have a lot of choice.


Of course you do. Only fools buy brand new cars anyway, unless there are genuine financial incentives to do so, so you buy selectively/intelligently, second-hand, like I did, or go vintage, and don’t allow yourself to be controlled!

Up until very recently, my wife drove a Morris Minor Traveller, simply because she LIKED it and it was different - nothing to do with how practical or impractical it was. Until that is, it rotted away… She now has a nice little A-Class Merc.

She’ll be getting another Moggie, though, as soon as she retires (probably in a couple of years, when she’s 53). I’d NEVER buy a brand new car now, for all sorts of reasons, but mostly because only the most expensive ones have any kind of ‘personality' or individuality - and I simply refuse to own, to borrow Macca’s parlance, a ‘jelly-mould’! :nono:

Marco.

CageyH
03-03-2015, 20:31
Here is one of my "jelly mould".

14057

Marco
03-03-2015, 20:35
Yep i dearly love the Jensen 'Interceptor' but if i had the choice between one of those & a Jensen '541R' every time

Awesome, as is Kevin’s pic of the Maserati. That’s what sports cars should look like!

Performance, I suspect, would’ve been ‘adequate’, but most importantly, the fun-factor of driving them would’ve been in the first rank - and that’s the most important consideration of all for me. When I get behind the wheel of a car, it *has* to put a smile on my face, and make me look forward to the journey ahead :)

It’s that ‘fun-factor’, with driving, that the government and the ‘powers that be’ seem hellbent on destroying, both through speed enforcement/traffic laws and the mundanity of current car designs… Well, I’ll go to my grave driving a fun car (in a fun way), which in some way is different from the norm!!

Marco.

CageyH
03-03-2015, 20:39
That is exactly what my little "Toy" does for me everytime I drive it. I would also describe the performance as "adequate".
:cool:

Marco
03-03-2015, 20:47
Yep, it looks great, Kevin - and best of all, you’ve got some lovely roads there to drive it on! :)

Marco.

The Barbarian
03-03-2015, 20:49
I don't like it when people compare a vintage car performance to a new car, the same with Hi-Fi comparing vintage equipment to new equipment. It's very maddening & quite frankly not on. People just cannot control them selves with that crap comment.

:nono:

CageyH
03-03-2015, 20:53
That was taken after a three hour blast up to the outlaws place.
Left Toulouse early and enjoyed empty roads. That, to me, is what driving is all about.
Arrived in time for breakfast.

There are not too many modern cars that you could get that enjoyment from, although there seem to be a few more drivers cars being marketed recently - such as the GT86 etc.

CageyH
03-03-2015, 20:57
I don't like it when people compare a vintage car performance to a new car, the same with Hi-Fi comparing vintage equipment to new equipment. It's very & quite frankly not on. People just cannot control them selves with that crap comment.

:nono:


My point is that the performance of these types of car from yesterday can be found in 4 door shopping cars these days.
Some things move on, through incremental design and technological advances.

I don't wear rose tinted glasses.

The styling still remains, and although some are great to look at, they can be complete dogs to drive.
Look at the Miura for instance....

Marco
03-03-2015, 21:00
That was taken after a three hour blast up to the outlaws place.
Left Toulouse early and enjoyed empty roads. That, to me, is what driving is all about.


Ditto - and I can do the same thing, here in North Wales. Most of the roads, out with of the Wrexham area, are empty, and it takes no more than about 10-15 mins to get on them and ‘away from it all’ :)

That’s one of the reasons why we’d never live ‘darn sarf’, especially in or around London. I simply couldn’t STAND spending my life continually dealing with traffic congestion, or being stuck on a motorway 'car park’ every day, on the way to and from work!! :mental:

Every time I head down south, as soon as I leave the M54, and join the M6, at Birmingham, things go rapidly downhill…

Marco.

CageyH
03-03-2015, 21:05
South Wales has some nice empty roads too! As do the Cotswolds and South West. They all used to be my local stomping grounds.

Marco
03-03-2015, 21:20
Indeed, but the problem is the network of roads around them, which are very busy, simply due to the increased levels of population in the south. Therefore, you can drive around some empty roads, but as soon as you hit the main roads or motorways, you’re often faced with gridlock.

It’s totally different around here, as outside of Wrexham, there are no major towns in North Wales - just countryside and sheep! There are no major motorways around here either, unless you venture into England. Therefore, if you stick to using Welsh roads, and head up towards Snowdonia, you can drive around there for 100s of miles and sometimes hardly meet a soul. Wonderful! :cool:

Marco.

The Barbarian
03-03-2015, 21:23
My point is that the performance of these types of car from yesterday can be found in 4 door shopping cars these days.


God AOS is full of comedians at times :lol:

k1LesOUYweo

CageyH
04-03-2015, 05:02
God AOS is full of comedians at times :lol:

k1LesOUYweo

A BMW M3 produces 431 BHP.
A Renault Megane Sport Trophy produces 325BHP.
Jensen managed to squeeze 370BHP from the biggest 7.2 litre Chevvy engine fitted in the interceptor, but that was a Gross BHP rating, which when brought in line with modern measurements, lowered it somewhat.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 06:41
Info taken from the Jensen Owners club site:

Performance figures gave the SP 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds, 0-100mph in 16.8 seconds and a top speed of 145mph.

Who is the comedian now?
Take off those rose tinted glasses....

CageyH
04-03-2015, 06:51
A Clio RS is almost as quick 0-62 takes 6.7 seconds, and a top speed of 143 mph.

Marco
04-03-2015, 07:16
The point is though that the Jensen was still plenty fast enough (i.e. ‘adequate’) to have some jolly japes in, and at least it looks a damn sight nicer than the soulless ‘jelly-moulds’ made now.

If I was offered one or the other, an immaculate condition Jensen, or the Clio, which one would I take? Mmm… I think I’d need all of a nanosecond to decide! ;)

Marco.

Macca
04-03-2015, 08:24
Performance is't everything. The Jensen is cool, the Clio and the BMW M3 aren't. Simple as that, really :)

Marco
04-03-2015, 08:29
Presaktly :)

Marco.

NRG
04-03-2015, 09:11
The other difference being how will you survive if something goes wrong? You'll stand more chance in the modern car! I'm acutely aware of this blasting around the lanes in my '83 Alfasud, hit something in that or get hit by something and it won't be very pretty

Marco
04-03-2015, 09:37
The other difference being how will you survive if something goes wrong?

That’s what the AA or RAC is for, Neal ;)

We have top (5 star) cover on both of our cars, and for the big one, that includes driving in Europe.

Marco.

NRG
04-03-2015, 09:40
LOL! :D Always take a thermos, blanket and provisions for at least 24hrs whenever venturing out in a classic car! I do with the Alfa :D never quite know if its going to get me there or be in one piece if it does :lol:

Marco
04-03-2015, 09:53
Defo good advice :)

Another advantage of classic cars is that the majority are fully mechanical, and so usually easier to fix!

Marco.

struth
04-03-2015, 09:58
used to have a Firenza droopsnoot...fast motor.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/04/a2eb5763bacd7c5827c653fea98bf8ef.jpg

Marco
04-03-2015, 10:29
I like it! Can you imagine how cool it would be buying your 18 year-old son one of those, and the effect it would have on his chick-pulling status? Youngsters today dig vintage cars! :)

Marco.

struth
04-03-2015, 10:37
Doubt an 18 year old would get insurance these days. not that it would bother most:eyebrows:
mine was black with a sports wheel. went like a bat out of hell...too quick actually.

Marco
04-03-2015, 10:40
Aren’t classic cars cheaper to insure? You certainly don’t need to pay any road tax on them.

Marco.

struth
04-03-2015, 10:49
fairly big engine Marco..under 25 insurance is a silly price tbh and probably is a contributitive factor in the problem of uninsured drivers. 25% of 18 to 24 year olds crash their cars. giving them that kind of power would make it way higher...best starting them off in something slow and safe

Marco
04-03-2015, 10:56
Yeah, I get that. Still be interesting to get a quote, perhaps for one with a smaller engine. It’s not the engine size which makes that car cool! ;)

Marco.

struth
04-03-2015, 11:16
At a guess it would be more than the car is worth. the last 18 year old i heard of got a quote foe a fairly modest 1000 cc and it was well over a grand. most now get a parent to take out the cover as its cheaper

CageyH
04-03-2015, 12:17
It's not the engine size that makes a car cool?
No, it's the way it handles, but it would be nice to be able to make progress when desired.

Performance isn't everything. I agree, but my point was that performance cars of yesterday are now at the same level as shopping trolleys. The best of both worlds is something like the reengined MGB. Classic styling and modern running gear.

Marco
04-03-2015, 12:59
Performance isn't everything. I agree, but my point was that performance cars of yesterday are now at the same level as shopping trolleys.

Sorry, Kevin, I totally disagree. There’s a BIG difference between how a car with 5, 6 or 7-litre engine handles its power (particularly if it’s a V8 or V12), in terms of grace, smoothness/effortlessness and COMFORT, compared with a modern 1.8-litre ‘shopping trolley’, which may ultimately reach the same top speed.

That, coupled with the cool looks, and showing the ‘herd' that you’re different from the norm, and want to be seen as such [making a statement about who you are, just the same as someone who chooses to dress differently], in my book, makes the ‘shopping trolley’ a joke, regardless of how much more reliable, safer, eco-friendly, or any other such bollox, it is! ;)

Marco.

Stratmangler
04-03-2015, 13:04
I’ll go to my grave driving a fun car (in a fun way), which in some way is different from the norm!!

Marco.

You've already got the hearse!
All it takes is a little rearrangement of the rear seating and you can get yer box in the back :eyebrows:

Marco
04-03-2015, 13:08
:lolsign:

Aye, yer not wrong!

Marco.

struth
04-03-2015, 13:18
my da had 2 of these..i learned to drive in one. built like a tank but it sure could motor. its 0 to 60 was scary quick but sucked petrol like a hungry baby does mothers milk.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/04/8acc88d855f4e44a2d6f99a17a0341a2.jpg 5 star at that. 101 octane

CageyH
04-03-2015, 13:39
Sorry, Kevin, I totally disagree. There’s a BIG difference between how a car with 5, 6 or 7-litre engine handles its power (particularly if it’s a V8 or V12), in terms of grace, smoothness/effortlessness and COMFORT, compared with a 1.5L ‘shopping trolley’, which may ultimately reach the same top speed.

That, coupled with the cool looks, and showing the ‘herd' that you’re different from the norm, and want to be seen as such [making a statement about who you are, just the same as someone who chooses to dress differently], in my book, makes the ‘shopping trolley’ a joke, regardless of how much more reliable, safer, eco-friendly, or any other such bollox, it is! ;)

Marco.

Or lack of power?
A 7 litre V8 being outperformed by a 2 litre 4 pot just shows how bad the engineering of that engine really was.
If you compare a modern V8 or V12, it's much different. Old V12 and V8 were underpowered by today's standards. Power delivery was poor, as they ran on carbs. Modern engines are more optimised due to fuel injection and mapping.

You don't seem to disagree too much about the Jelly mould Marco, as your everyday drive falls nicely into that category. As does mine.

Marco
04-03-2015, 14:04
To a degree, yes, but at least when I chose my car I deliberately went for an older model, which I preferred the look and shape of (not to mention thought had a better engine), rather than, sheep-like, blindly walking into a showroom to buy the latest model, simply to show my neighbours that I can afford to buy a brand new car, like a lot of folk do! ;)

In ANY major purchase I make, I seek to be a bit different and veer away from ‘the norm’, and I also like to be discerning.

Sometimes, in terms of ‘going left-field’, that can be a lot (such as with my hi-fi system, which contains not one mainstream or commercially available component), or a little less extreme, such as with my car.

I don’t suppose there are too many C-Class Mercedes estates out there, remapped to 300bhp, with 18”alloys and low-profile tyres, [the car will also soon be fitted with an AMG stainless steel sports exhaust system], and a ‘kick-ass’ stereo, with a 12” sub in the boot… :eyebrows:

In the case of the vintage sports car versus the modern ‘shopping trolley’, I’m afraid we’re just going to have to agree to disagree. At the end of the day, I’d rather be cruising along the motorway, in a fully-fettled, minty Jensen, or such like, in comfort and with plenty of space around me, than a mind-numbingly boring, teeny-tiny Clio, designed for those with zero imagination and penchant for bed-wetting.

Marco.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 14:38
I'd rather have an M5 Touring.
I know I'll get to my location, fully rested.

You have obviously missed the point about the Clio.
Modern Automotive engineering has made massive strides forward. Can we say the same thing about HiFi?
Why do people like vintage stuff so much?

Marco
04-03-2015, 14:52
Modern Automotive engineering has made massive strides forward.


In terms of reliability, safety, eco-friendliness, and in some cases, engine performance, but not in areas such as design elegance and flair, style, panache, and above all individuality - all of which are more important to me than most of the former.

Without wishing to sound conceited (as I’m not), you have to remember that I’m semi-retired (49), work from home, am comfortably well off and have no kids, so my automotive choices, as with anything else in my life, are not governed by the same restrictions as others.

Therefore when I ‘think car’, I think FUN, and about something different that’ll give me a buzz, whilst also fulfilling what I need it to do. Practicalities don’t really come into it much, as it’s essentially a ‘toy' for my wife and I to enjoy, the same as the hi-fi system. The car I drive [as it’s me who drives the big Merc], therefore, is not just simply a tool to get me from A to B: it’s MUCH more than that.

In a vintage car, I’d get to my location perfectly rested because, as I’ve got time on my hands, I’m in no rush to get anywhere! ;)

Why do people like vintage stuff so much? Well, probably because the best of it, in some cases, is often better than much of what is produced today. That’s certainly why I like it, and buy it. Nostalgia or rose-tinted glasses syndrome doesn’t come into to it, because most of the vintage stuff I like was produced before my time :)

Marco.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 15:17
Last year I had a TVR Tamora, my Caterham 7 and my 320D touring.
A couple of fun cars. Each very different in a no compromise way. Each very stylish in a different way.
Each one also mass produced, so not much individualism.

The fitting of big alloys and low profile tyres - insn't that what pubescent teenagers do? :eyebrows:
AMG sports exhaust? Again....

Big capable stereo, see above. :lol:
Big alloys and low profile tyres do nothing for being able to waft along in supreme comfort.
16" wheels and higher profile tyres would be better for that. This is something that modern styling has dreadfully wrong.

Unless you can afford to buy and maintain a rare car, you have to follow the sheep to some extent.
Two of my cars were low volume, but there are still loads of them around.
My 7 gets more looks than the TVR did.

Even with a child on the way, you will have to prise the keys out of my cold, dead hands.
I am not a number.....

Marco
04-03-2015, 15:29
Lol - good rant! :eyebrows:

I never said you were a number - I know you also like to be different, Kevin. If you mistakenly think that this little tête-à-tête of ours is about oneupmanship or who’s the most ‘out there', then you’re very mistaken! :ner:

I’m simply explaining my choices, why they’re important to me, what’s wrong with modern cars, together with why I like some vintage things - ‘dat’s all, baby!! :)

When I eventually do buy a vintage car (as it’s something I intend to treat myself to in the near future), I will of course be able to afford to maintain it. There is simply no viable occasion where I’d have to follow the sheep in any way.

Marco.

P.S The Merc has been designed to act as a mixture between comfort, sportiness and good handling, hence the combination of fast, big engine, wide, low-profile tyres, and also heated (memory) seats, full soft-leather interior, air-con, and the smoothness of ‘ride' Mercedes cars are renowned for.

Actually, the primary motive for getting that car was to facilitate (in relative comfort) wine and food buying trips to France. It’s a job which it does admirably, as it eats up the miles effortlessly, so we arrive at our destination nicely relaxed, and when I feel like some fun, I can put my foot down and take the piss out of boy-racers……..in their (souped-up) ’shopping trolleys’!! :lol:

Marco
04-03-2015, 15:48
'The hearse’, doing it’s ‘thang’ in the French alps…


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/540/vhXpvD.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/f0vhXpvDj)


I guess that the ‘coffin’ should’ve gone inside… However, I am reliably informed that the deceased was a fresh-air fanatic.

Marco.

The Barbarian
04-03-2015, 16:31
A BMW M3 produces 431 BHP.
A Renault Megane Sport Trophy produces 325BHP.
Jensen managed to squeeze 370BHP from the biggest 7.2 litre Chevvy engine fitted in the interceptor, but that was a Gross BHP rating, which when brought in line with modern measurements, lowered it somewhat.

Why do you constantly keep comparing old against new ? However im sure you knew those specs off by heart without looking them up? ;)

CageyH
04-03-2015, 16:45
Why do you constantly keep comparing old against new ? However im sure you knew those specs off by heart without looking them up? ;)

Simply because everything old is not better. I am an engineer. I work for a leading manufacturer, where we use up to date technology for incremental improvement.

If everything old was better, you would be flying round in hot air balloons or airships. ;)

Some things, they did well. Other things are best left in the past.
I didn't know the specs, but I know how to use google.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 16:54
Lol - good rant! :eyebrows:

I never said you were a number

It wasn't supposed to be a rant. :eek:
The "I am not a number" is the first part of a quote for the opening sequence of a TV programme filmed in a place not far from you, featuring an early version of my car. ;)

Cosmetically, it looks the same, but 0 to 60 takes about 4 seconds. 0 to 100 takes around 8 seconds.
The handling is improved. Style meets substance.....

karma67
04-03-2015, 17:16
who ever said bmw m3's weren't cool was taking cobblers,here's my baby and she's a classic car,recencently sold :(

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/michaelcaine22/car4.jpg

NRG
04-03-2015, 17:21
Guys, you remind me of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnTmBjk-M0c :D

One things for sure I love the look of classic and cars not just the sports and super cars from the 60's and 70's some of the saloons where great as well....mind there where a fees dogs as well!

http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/1960_Alfa_Romeo_Giulietta_Sprint_Vintage_Race_Car_ For_Sale_Front.jpg

http://www.sunsetclassics.com/1959-alfa-romeo-veloce/images/1959-alfa-romeo-veloce-spider.jpg

Safety regs would prevent building anything like this in mass form today I suspect...

Jamie thats a classic for the future for sure, sweet!

NRG
04-03-2015, 17:32
Another classic for the future....

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/we-hear-alfa-romeo-us-launch-delayed-until-mid-2014-410023/59404111/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-from-above.jpg

There's a them running through my posts! LOL!

CageyH
04-03-2015, 17:42
I was just looking for a good picture of a 4C.

I got sidetracked with this:
http://cdn.silodrome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Eagle-E-Type-Low-Drag-GT-1.jpg

The Eagle E-Type.
The moden interpretation of a classic, with all of the faults sorted. :stalks:

Marco
04-03-2015, 17:47
No likey! Too pointed and bulbous, like a fat one I ‘snapped off’ in the toilet earlier….

Marco.

Marco
04-03-2015, 17:48
Another classic for the future....

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/we-hear-alfa-romeo-us-launch-delayed-until-mid-2014-410023/59404111/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-from-above.jpg

There's a them running through my posts! LOL!

Now *that* is a modern sports car I like! Gorgeous… Alfas have always had ‘soul’ :)

Marco.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 17:50
This any better?

http://uploads.cycleapp.com/eaglgmz0bowh22/710x360_crop.jpg

Marco
04-03-2015, 17:53
who ever said bmw m3's weren't cool was taking cobblers,here's my baby and she's a classic car,recencently sold :(

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/michaelcaine22/car4.jpg

Bloody lovely, that! Don’t worry, Macca’s taste in cars is in his flatulent bottom… ;)

Marco.

Marco
04-03-2015, 17:53
This any better?

http://uploads.cycleapp.com/eaglgmz0bowh22/710x360_crop.jpg

YES!!! Surely you can see that that other thing you posted is an abomination in comparison?

Marco.

Barry
04-03-2015, 17:54
Another classic for the future....

http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/we-hear-alfa-romeo-us-launch-delayed-until-mid-2014-410023/59404111/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-from-above.jpg

There's a them running through my posts! LOL!

Ugh - what a hideous looking car! Bring back the Alfa Romeo 'Spyder'.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 17:56
YES!!! Surely you can see that that other thing you posted is an abomination in comparison?

Marco.

Nope. :lol:

It's a low drag GT version, built for speed.....

Marco
04-03-2015, 17:58
Ugh - what a hideous looking car! Bring back the Alfa Romeo 'Spyder'.

Hahahaha…. Shows you how tastes differ! Much as I would prefer the Spider [that’s SPIDER, Barry, not wot you wrote, lol], I think the one in Neal’s pic (what’s it called, Neal?) is a modern classic.

It still has shades of ‘jelly-mould syndrome’, but it looks very sexy, and for me oozes ‘soul’.

Marco.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 17:59
A better picture
http://images.car.bauercdn.com/upload/32452/images/eaglelowdragcar17.jpg

Marco
04-03-2015, 18:00
Nope. :lol:

It's a low drag GT version, built for speed.....

Don’t care. It’s as ugly as Susan Boyle’s backside. I like good looks AND speed!

Marco.

Marco
04-03-2015, 18:11
A better picture
http://images.car.bauercdn.com/upload/32452/images/eaglelowdragcar17.jpg

S’ok (better than the last one), but it still looks rather brutal, compared with the gorgeous and elegant ‘lines’ of a non-drag vintage E-type, and so lacks its ‘panache'.

Marco.

Barry
04-03-2015, 18:12
This any better?

http://uploads.cycleapp.com/eaglgmz0bowh22/710x360_crop.jpg

:drool: :drool: :drool:

Plus of course the Shelby AC Cobra

https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.607991636723698096&pid=15.1&P=0

Barry
04-03-2015, 18:21
Hahahaha…. Shows you how tastes differ! Much as I would prefer the Spider [that’s SPIDER, Barry, not wot you wrote, lol], I think the one in Neal’s pic (what’s it called, Neal?) is a modern classic.

It still has shades of ‘jelly-mould syndrome’, but it looks very sexy, and for me oozes ‘soul’.

Marco.

The model I had in mind was the Series 3 Spider 'Aerodinamica'

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Alfa_spider_3rd_frankfurt_vorn.jpg/280px-Alfa_spider_3rd_frankfurt_vorn.jpg

[Spyder/Spider seems to be interchangable.]

BTH K10A
04-03-2015, 18:24
Simply because everything old is not better. I am an engineer. I work for a leading manufacturer, where we use up to date technology for incremental improvement.

If everything old was better, you would be flying round in hot air balloons or airships. ;)

Some things, they did well. Other things are best left in the past.
I didn't know the specs, but I know how to use google.

So why do you drive a 7 then :scratch:

Marco
04-03-2015, 18:28
The model I had in mind was the Series 3 Spider 'Aerodinamica'

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Alfa_spider_3rd_frankfurt_vorn.jpg/280px-Alfa_spider_3rd_frankfurt_vorn.jpg

[Spyder/Spider seems to be interchangable.]

I don’t think the ‘y’ would sit too well with the Italians ;)

Yes, that’s quite an attractive little jalopy, but I prefer this particular Spider, the 1960s ‘Duetto’. Somewhat more stylish, I feel (makes yours look ‘boxy’). It’s also the same model Dustin Hoffman drove in his famous 1967 movie “The Graduate”:


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/912/bzASug.jpg


That sort of red, however, is definitely the right colour for a Spider :)

Marco.

Barry
04-03-2015, 18:30
A better picture
http://images.car.bauercdn.com/upload/32452/images/eaglelowdragcar17.jpg

Oh yes - that's just gorgeous! (Mega drool.) Would look fantastic with wire wheels fitted.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 18:35
So why do you drive a 7 then :scratch:

Due to the incremental changes, meaning I no longer drive a side valve engine equipped car. ;)
The suspension system has been upgraded - it runs inboard front suspension. This has dramatically improved the handling.
The 1.8 litre engines produces around 220 BHP. It's miles apart from the original version. Power to weight ratio is a mere 440 BHP per tonne.

Bang for buck, it does not get any better than this as a pure drivers car. Not within my budget restrictions anyway.

BTH K10A
04-03-2015, 18:38
How about a yellow Alfa?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/1969_Pininfarina_Alfa-Romeo_P33_Coupe_11_zpsavu0et1i.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/1969_Pininfarina_Alfa-Romeo_P33_Coupe_11_zpsavu0et1i.jpg.html)

Marco
04-03-2015, 18:46
That’s certainly a novel type of ‘mascot’! :eyebrows:

Marco.

NRG
04-03-2015, 18:49
The Duetto is *the* one to have by far, gorgeous.

Here you go Barry, Your wish is Alfa's command, but I don't think you're going to like it!

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/alfa-romeo/alfa-romeo-4c-spider-2015-unveiled-at-detroit-show/

Marco
04-03-2015, 18:51
Actually, I quite like the ‘Duetto’ in ‘British Racing Green', too:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/661/MWysRl.jpg


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/QSwOD0.jpg


Colour aside, that’s one sexy mutha of a car. They got it oh *so* right with that one. It’s backside is every bit as attractive as its ‘face'! :stalks: :drool:

Marco.

BTH K10A
04-03-2015, 19:08
Due to the incremental changes, meaning I no longer drive a side valve engine equipped car. ;)
The suspension system has been upgraded - it runs inboard front suspension. This has dramatically improved the handling.
The 1.8 litre engines produces around 220 BHP. It's miles apart from the original version. Power to weight ratio is a mere 440 BHP per tonne.

Bang for buck, it does not get any better than this as a pure drivers car. Not within my budget restrictions anyway.

It's still old technology however you package it, albeit with a few modern improvements.

Marco
04-03-2015, 19:11
Kevin, using the Alfa Romeo Duetto as an example, can you see where I’m coming from with why modern cars [pretty much all of them, really] are positively ugly, with a capital UG, and totally soulless in comparison?

*That*, muchacho, is where progress has fundamentally and indisputably NOT been made - and you can largely blame fooking computers for it!! ;)

Marco.

CageyH
04-03-2015, 19:17
It's still old technology however you package it, albeit with a few modern improvements.

The "motor carriage", with an internal combustion engine is still based on old technology. It's not just the 7.

The 7 is based on old technology and a design dating from the 1950's.
A few modern improvements? Such as engine, suspension, gearbox, chassis development etc.
Almost everything has been developed beyond the original design. The car looks the same, but as I said before, due to incremental change, it no longer drives the same.

It's evolved with the times...
If you like driving, try one and see what I mean (if you have not already).

CageyH
04-03-2015, 19:23
Kevin, using the Alfa Romeo Duetto as an example, can you see where I’m coming from with why modern cars [pretty much all of them, really] are positively ugly, with a capital UG, and totally soulless in comparison?

*That*, muchacho, is where progress has fundamentally and indisputably NOT been made - and you can largely blame fooking computers for it!! ;)

Marco.

See post #29 for the "blaming computers." New safety standards are aslo to blame.
I actually like some jelly mould shaped cars.

http://tenwheel.com/imgs/a/b/b/i/r/1957_porsche_356_speedster_intermeccanica_1_lgw.jp g

http://s1.1zoom.ru/big0/919/303451-Berserker.jpg

Marco
04-03-2015, 19:35
See post #29 for the "blaming computers." New safety standards are aslo to blame.


Bloody safety standards! Boring, BORING, BOOOOORRRRINNNNGGGG!!!! <Yawn>

As usual, the ‘powers that be’ are doing everything that they can to take the FUN out of driving :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Of course, it’s not the computers themselves to blame, but those who come up with what they should be programmed with……… What we need are cars with vintage good looks and ‘fun factor’, and modern everything else.

Sadly however, I think hell will freeze over first, and what’s most likely is we’ll all be driving about in ‘homogenised’ plastic electric cars, which don’t need driven, and simply take you where you want to go, via voice activation. Hopefully I’ll be dead by then...

Long live the petrol heads!!!

Oh, the Carrera - yes, love it :)

Marco.

Barry
04-03-2015, 20:45
I wouldn't describe the Porsche 911 Carrera as a "jelly mold".

struth
04-03-2015, 21:38
This ill do me.........

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/1955_Mercedes-Benz_300SL_Gullwing_Coupe_34.jpg/800px-1955_Mercedes-Benz_300SL_Gullwing_Coupe_34.jpg



1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupé

Marco
04-03-2015, 21:48
Quality, Grant - another one of my favs! :)

Marco.

struth
04-03-2015, 22:35
I Like classy motors and these older classics are classy...I would have a fleet of such if I win da lottery

rdpx
05-03-2015, 13:16
We’re all slowly being ’shaped’/conditioned to follow, sheep-like, (perhaps in some cases unconsciously) what the government and 'powers that be' deem as ‘correct’, and in the process, our choices as individuals (and ability to express ourselves as individuals) are being stifled more and more... And that extends to many areas of life, not just cars.

(Probably very unjustly) For some reason I feel a bit like this about REGA.

;)

Marco
05-03-2015, 13:46
Interesting, Robert… Could you explain your point in a little more detail, particularly about what makes you feel way?

Marco.

RichB
05-03-2015, 13:57
Sadly however, I think hell will freeze over first, and what’s most likely is we’ll all be driving about in ‘homogenised’ plastic electric cars, which don’t need driven, and simply take you where you want to go, via voice activation. Hopefully I’ll be dead by then...

Marco.

I dunno Marco, I quite like the idea of a car which can get me to and from the pub without having to put a hand on the wheel. I'd sit and rock out to tunes instead.

Also I quite like the idea of catching an extra 45mins of shut eye on the way to work or reading the paper and having a coffee only to arrive in the car park. Being stuck in traffic would mean time you could spend productively rather than just sitting there getting frustrated.

Marco
05-03-2015, 14:10
Lol - I get that, dude, but I guess it depends on how you see the purpose of a car, how you drive it, and what you use it for.

I just LOVE driving! When you've got a nice car, and you step into it (bearing in mind that I keep mine immaculate inside and out), you experience a special feeling of satisfaction, almost a 'sense of occasion', which is difficult to put into words. However, if you can relate to that, you'll know what I mean :)

I'm very rarely in traffic jams, as fortunately, I mostly don't have to use the car at busy times of the day, and so my driving mainly consists of the odd trip into town, when everyone else is at work, or cruising along the country lanes of North Wales, where you can often drive for miles without hardly seeing another car.

There's nothing better than on a nice sunny day, with stunning scenery to enjoy (especially around Snowdonia), having country roads virtually all to yourself [I just love that sense of freedom and tranquility], where you can enjoy the performance/fun factor of your car, and ‘open her up’, whilst rocking out to some tunes on a quality sound system! Oh yes, baby..... :hairmetal:

Trouble is, with all the traffic congestion in and around many major towns and cities, not many folk get to enjoy driving that way these days. I'm fortunate that I can, and the sheer pleasure of those experiences, especially along with Del, can't really be put into words - especially if we go for a nice lunch afterwards in a quaint country pub! :cool:

Marco.

karma67
05-03-2015, 17:29
you wanna try driving in brighton!!

Marco
05-03-2015, 17:57
I can imagine, dude. No thanks. I wouldn’t live ‘darn sarf’ for all the tea in China! :nono: Give me the relatively unpopulated (in comparison) ‘frozen wastelands’ of North Wales any day!!

I’m sure that Brighton has its good points, though… I believe that the nightlife is, erm, ‘interesting' ;)

Marco.

CageyH
05-03-2015, 18:18
Trust me, darn sarf is a fantastic place to live, as long as you keep going after your feet get wet.... :lol:

BTH K10A
05-03-2015, 18:20
I've always fancied one of these. Nothing special to look at but... :D

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/11_zps5fnlpuuv.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/11_zps5fnlpuuv.jpg.html)

CageyH
05-03-2015, 18:22
That just goes to show how different we all are.
It does absolutely nothing for me.

BTH K10A
05-03-2015, 18:36
Whats not to like? :rolleyes:

OK, it doesn't go around corners but that's not the point ;)

Marco
05-03-2015, 18:39
Trust me, darn sarf is a fantastic place to live, as long as you keep going after your feet get wet.... :lol:

Hehehehe…. Indeed. Each to his or her own. I just don’t like how busy everywhere is all the time, heaving with folk (I hate crowds and queues of any description, with a passion), and how on most roads you can’t get anywhere fast because of traffic congestion! You can’t park anywhere, everything costs a fortune… I could go on!

It’s just a different way of life, compared to what I’m used to, and not relaxing, unless you’re out in the sticks somewhere.

The only plus point for me is that the further south you go, the nearer you get to 'La Belle France’, which is where I’d be spending the majority of my time if I lived anywhere within easy driving distance of Dover!! :exactly:

Marco.

Marco
05-03-2015, 18:41
Whats not to like? :rolleyes:

OK, it doesn't go around corners but that's not the point ;)

It does nothing for me aesthetically, but I bet it’d be a hoot to drive. Plus, it’s different from the norm, showing that the owner has a personality - so that’s a major tick in my book!

Marco.

CageyH
05-03-2015, 18:58
Whats not to like? :rolleyes:

OK, it doesn't go around corners but that's not the point ;)

I'm still trying to find something I like about it. :lol:

BTH K10A
05-03-2015, 19:00
More than a Hoot I'd say

http://www.b2cars.com/history.php

Marco
05-03-2015, 19:04
From your link:


Close your eyes, listen to the thunder, feel the vibrations, sense the raw power of sitting behind the wheel….


That sounds right up my street!! :yesbruv:

Marco.

CageyH
05-03-2015, 19:07
But don't close your eyes for too long, here comes a corner. :eek:

I am sure they make a fantastic noise, but that would be about it for me.

Marco
05-03-2015, 19:10
Corners, shmorners….. There’s nothing like a nice crash to make you ‘feel alive’! :eek: :D

Marco.

karma67
05-03-2015, 20:02
I can imagine, dude. No thanks. I wouldn’t live ‘darn sarf’ for all the tea in China! :nono: Give me the relatively unpopulated (in comparison) ‘frozen wastelands’ of North Wales any day!!

I’m sure that Brighton has its good points, though… I believe that the nightlife is, erm, ‘interesting' ;)

Marco.

only if you are a cyclist!

Marco
05-03-2015, 20:09
Hahahaha… Is that a euphemism for something else?

Yes, dahling, I’ve come out of the closet: I’m a full-blown ‘cyclist’ :eyebrows:

Marco.

karma67
05-03-2015, 20:18
Lol nice one!

BTH K10A
05-03-2015, 20:54
But don't close your eyes for too long, here comes a corner. :eek:

I am sure they make a fantastic noise, but that would be about it for me.

Nothing to do with the noise or corners, more to do with "pulling consistent 10.30 elapsed times at 135 mph, right off the trailer" which is knocking on half a sec better than a McLaren F1. Not bad for an ugly, overweight 47 year old car that doesn't do corners and captures a brief moment in history when a major manufacturer would dare to produce such a beast.

A different car to a caterham but in it's own way every bit as good and if you want to go around corners then it has to be one of these
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WRgybAyc6Y which is quite apt because as the the thread title, there was only one that came over to the UK and has either been scrapped or is lurking in a barn somewhere waiting to be found. Holman & Moody's replicas are bloody awesome though, so fast that they have to race agaiNst the GT40'S

CageyH
05-03-2015, 21:15
Nothing to do with the noise or corners, more to do with "pulling consistent 10.30 elapsed times at 135 mph, right off the trailer" which is knocking on half a sec better than a McLaren F1. Not bad for an ugly, overweight 47 year old car that doesn't do corners and captures a brief moment in history when a major manufacturer would dare to produce such a beast.

A different car to a caterham but in it's own way every bit as good and if you want to go around corners then it has to be one of these
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WRgybAyc6Y which is quite apt because as the the thread title, there was only one that came over to the UK and has either been scrapped or is lurking in a barn somewhere waiting to be found. Holman & Moody's replicas are bloody awesome though, so fast that they have to race agaiNst the GT40'S

I'd still rather have one of these....


http://youtu.be/GPssdtINHMc

NRG
05-03-2015, 22:24
^^^^^^^^^
That is insane! :D

CageyH
06-03-2015, 15:15
^^^^^^^^^
That is insane! :D

0 - 60 in less than 3 seconds. :eek:

Marco
06-03-2015, 15:29
Ha - what a riot. Ya gotta lurve just sheer BRUTAL power!! :D

Marco.

BTH K10A
06-03-2015, 16:43
0 - 60 in less than 3 seconds. :eek:

That's no better than one of these :rfl: ;)


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/11_zps5fnlpuuv.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/11_zps5fnlpuuv.jpg.html)

and worse than one of these http://www.b2cars.com/cars_specs.php :eyebrows:

CageyH
06-03-2015, 16:57
Maybe not, but throw a corner in front of one of those leaf spring equipped cars, and watch it go belly up.
It even looks like it will tip over. Speed in a straight line only? :zzz:

:eyebrows:

It would be close in a straight line, and the Yank Tank may nudge it.
Does it have this claim in it's history though?


The car (Lotus 7/ Caterham 7) was banned from racing in the USA in the 1960s, as being "Too fast to race" and again in the UK in the 1970s for the same reasons, which prompted Caterham Cars boss Graham Nearn to produce 'T' shirts with "Caterham Seven, the car that's Too Fast to Race...". Both bans were later lifted.

Ali Tait
06-03-2015, 17:24
http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a616/aliballybee1/Alpine_zpssgfoqoe7.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/aliballybee1/media/Alpine_zpssgfoqoe7.jpg.html)


Now these are rather nice, always fancied one..

BTH K10A
06-03-2015, 17:26
Yes I've always liked the quirky engineering of Alpines

Ali Tait
06-03-2015, 17:39
Sort of a poor man's Dino.

rdpx
06-03-2015, 18:28
Interesting, Robert… Could you explain your point in a little more detail, particularly about what makes you feel way?

Marco.

Fairly flippant really Marco but it did immediately spring into my mind when I read the quote...

I am fairly new to HIFI (well I have been away a long time) and in my recent looking about online finding out what people are talking about and recommending there seems to be a lot of REGA REGA REGA. Especially the BRIO-R and APOLLO-R. Everyone [in forums and magazines] seems to talk about how great they are, and about how GREAT they sound with REGA speakers and REGA turntables and REGA cartridges etc etc etc.

I must admit that I have not really listened to a full REGA system. Also I should admit that we have a BRIO 3 and it is pretty good, but I don't LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.

So as I said it is not very fair because I am sure that the reason they get such praise is that they produce very good kit at very good prices... but still the more I hear the more I want to find something different (*am looking for a good CYRUS 8 deal on eBay for example) just so I can have something a little different. The idea of a full REGA system, great as it may sound, bores me a bit as part of the joy of HIFI for me is coming up with something special, not just PRET A ECOUTER if you will.

Couple this with my having been along to a REGA evening last month where a London dealer gushed about how I must come round and listen to X Y Z and then has ignored my emails to him since...

It is an ill informed rant, but its like when you love a band and then they make it big and everyone suddenly loves them and now you don't like the band so much anymore....

:stalks:

rdpx
06-03-2015, 18:45
oh and to vaguley join in the real reason of the thread we have one of these, which although very small and rather new, is fun as all hell to drive (being very very light and 3 cylinder engine) and I was flinging it around single track roads on my way to Pembrokeshire today at up to 70MPH with a huge grin on my face... and it does about 200MPG.

[Apparently there is talk of them bringing out a GTi version with almost double the BHP]



http://i.auto-bild.de/ir_img/1/0/1/4/6/1/7/VW-Up-1200x800-cd4dd988d400bd7e.jpg

Barry
06-03-2015, 18:54
Not only the last one – it is the only one:


http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/IMG_0001_zpsjz0ulasg.jpg?t=1425581419

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/IMG_zpsgotjjy3w.jpg?t=1425581251

Ali Tait
06-03-2015, 18:55
oh and to vaguley join in the real reason of the thread we have one of these, which although very small and rather new, is fun as all hell to drive (being very very light and 3 cylinder engine) and I was flinging it around single track roads on my way to Pembrokeshire today at up to 70MPH with a huge grin on my face... and it does about 200MPG.

[Apparently there is talk of them bringing out a GTi version with almost double the BHP]



http://i.auto-bild.de/ir_img/1/0/1/4/6/1/7/VW-Up-1200x800-cd4dd988d400bd7e.jpg


200mpg?? Is that in the real world or in a lab?

BTH K10A
06-03-2015, 19:15
Not only the last one – it is the only one:


http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/IMG_0001_zpsjz0ulasg.jpg?t=1425581419

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/IMG_zpsgotjjy3w.jpg?t=1425581251

So is the car in the OP

Barry
06-03-2015, 19:43
So is the car in the OP

250 Farrari California Spyders were made, whereas only one of the above was made - the prototype.

BTH K10A
06-03-2015, 20:03
250 Farrari California Spyders were made, whereas only one of the above was made - the prototype.

But only one was right hand drive and more to the point, until very recently even Ferrari had forgotten that they made it

AlfaGTV
06-03-2015, 20:10
Not only the last one – it is the only one:


http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/IMG_0001_zpsjz0ulasg.jpg?t=1425581419

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/IMG_zpsgotjjy3w.jpg?t=1425581251

Damned, that is a freaking photocopy of a Lambo Espada to my eyes! :)
http://cartype.com/pics/7931/full/lamborghini_espada_72_lambo_06.jpg

Marco
06-03-2015, 20:14
250 Farrari California Spyders were made, whereas only one of the above was made - the prototype.

Would that be Ferrari? ;)

Yes, this is gorgeous:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/LMknAn.jpg


Marco.

Ali Tait
06-03-2015, 20:17
Reminds me of Ferris Bueller's Day Off..

BTH K10A
06-03-2015, 20:37
There is of course this one, RHD but it's not a 250GT California Spyder ;)

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/61-Ferrari-400-SA_Scag-Spydr-DV-08_PBC-01_zpshtodcy8w.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/61-Ferrari-400-SA_Scag-Spydr-DV-08_PBC-01_zpshtodcy8w.jpg.html)

It is the only one though :)

Marco
06-03-2015, 20:38
Reminds me of Ferris Bueller's Day Off..

Great film - total classic :thumbsup:

Marco.

Ali Tait
06-03-2015, 20:44
Aye!

Ali Tait
06-03-2015, 20:44
Bueller..Bueller...Bueller..

Barry
06-03-2015, 22:13
Damned, that is a freaking photocopy of a Lambo Espada to my eyes! :)
http://cartype.com/pics/7931/full/lamborghini_espada_72_lambo_06.jpg

Umm - I can see some similarities. The car in my post was designed and built by my late father; achieving an ambition of his. It was a two-seater mid-engine design using a Triumph Dolomite Sprint engine. It was exhibited at the 1977 Motorfair at Earls Court. Autocar magazine did a write up of it, with the car appearing on the cover.

Ali Tait
06-03-2015, 22:16
Bloody hell Barry, quite an honour , you must feel proud.

AlfaGTV
07-03-2015, 09:02
Umm - I can see some similarities. The car in my post was designed and built by my late father; achieving an ambition of his. It was a two-seater mid-engine design using a Triumph Dolomite Sprint engine. It was exhibited at the 1977 Motorfair at Earls Court. Autocar magazine did a write up of it, with the car appearing on the cover.

Wow, thats great Barry! Thats a true work of art!
You could deffo have worse sources of inspiration than the great Espada!

NRG
07-03-2015, 10:09
So what happened to it Barry and where is it now, does it still exist? Really interested to read more...shame about the Sprint motor though, I had a Dolly Sprint and the engine let go on me big time on a trip down to Torquay :stalks: That was one expensive rebuild...

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/images/car_info/large/triumph_dolomite.jpg

NRG
07-03-2015, 14:55
Hope Barry won't mind, found this link on the Dolomite forum: http://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8107

spendorman
07-03-2015, 15:53
Yep i dearly love the Jensen 'Interceptor' but if i had the choice between one of those & a Jensen '541R' every time

My parent's next door neighbour had one of these in the very early 60's. In the centre console he built in a reel to reel tape recorder. Very flash. This was before the days of the cassette machine.

I seem to remember, but could be wrong, engine was BMC 3 litre.

rdpx
07-03-2015, 21:01
200mpg?? Is that in the real world or in a lab?

Well official figures are about 68mpg combined I think. There is a "car info" mode that shows you your supposed MPG whilst driving and it sometimes hits 200MPG when on the motorway!

The Barbarian
07-03-2015, 23:10
My parent's next door neighbour had one of these in the very early 60's. In the centre console he built in a reel to reel tape recorder. Very flash. This was before the days of the cassette machine.

I seem to remember, but could be wrong, engine was BMC 3 litre.

The 541R use a WW2 based Austin Engine.Used it in the Austin 'Sheerline' i think..

spendorman
07-03-2015, 23:25
The 541R use a WW2 based Austin Engine.Used it in the Austin 'Sheerline' i think..

I was wrong, looks like it had a 4 Litre engine. Quite a beast.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_541R

The Barbarian
07-03-2015, 23:38
Thats it, same engine they used i the early version of the 'Interceptor'. Switched to Chrysler Engines for the 'CV8' & Later version on the 'Interceptor'.

Marco
08-03-2015, 00:08
I was wrong, looks like it had a 4 Litre engine. Quite a beast.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_541R

Oooh - that is lovely… Right up my street:


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/540/CBRIBY.jpg


Marco.

Firebottle
08-03-2015, 07:19
+1
Now that is a stylish car, plus I'm always a sucker for wire wheels :stalks:

Andrei
08-03-2015, 10:41
Oooh - that is lovely… Right up my street:


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/540/CBRIBY.jpg


Marco.
Bloody hell! A car that drives itself!

Marco
08-03-2015, 18:50
Hehehe…. It gets the beers in as well!

Another oh-so-sexy Alfa, albeit it a little older than those before:


http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/540/OFVSmC.jpg


I wouldn’t mind haring round the French country roads in that, Kevin! :)

Marco.

CageyH
08-03-2015, 18:59
You would sh*t yourself! :mental:
It would be one hell of an experience.

I would love one of these.
http://www.classicargarage.com/common/pictures/lexclassics/2011/0111/supersize/bentley_special_exterior.JPG

There is more space for red wine in the back. :cool:

Marco
08-03-2015, 19:06
Lol - indeed!

I have nerves of steel though, when it comes to that sort of stuff. You should see some of the stunts I pull in the ‘hearse' (which isn’t even designed for haring around country lanes), out in the sticks in Wild Wales…. ‘Fearless’, Del refers to me as - I push it to the limits!! :eyebrows:

Yes, I can see why you would like that rather elegant old jalopy. It is undoubtedly classy and quintessentially British.

Marco.

Barry
08-03-2015, 19:55
You would sh*t yourself! :mental:
It would be one hell of an experience.

I would love one of these.
http://www.classicargarage.com/common/pictures/lexclassics/2011/0111/supersize/bentley_special_exterior.JPG

There is more space for red wine in the back. :cool:

Is that the 'blown' 4.5 litre Bentley?

http://www.missdaisydiaries.co.uk/images/1926-blown-bentley.jpg

Love the bonnet straps!

CageyH
08-03-2015, 20:12
A better picture
http://images.car.bauercdn.com/upload/32452/images/eaglelowdragcar17.jpg

On Top Gear now.

Marco
08-03-2015, 20:17
Yeah, I’ve just watched it - most interesting!

Marco.

Marco
08-03-2015, 20:19
Love the bonnet straps!

Yesh, they remind me of your braces! :D

Marco.

The Barbarian
08-03-2015, 21:11
If you get Emma Peel in with the deal ill take the 4.5ltr jobbie :eyebrows:

struth
08-03-2015, 21:14
Yesh, they remind me of your braces! :D

Marco.

I have loads of braces :eyebrows:

BTH K10A
08-03-2015, 21:16
I'd rather have the real thing, I don't see the point of a post war bentley masquerading as a late 20's 4.5 litre VDP LM tourer :eyebrows:

Marco
08-03-2015, 21:18
I have loads of braces :eyebrows:

I have loads of belts… Wanna play a funny wee game? :D

Marco.

BTH K10A
08-03-2015, 21:25
Yeah, I’ve just watched it - most interesting!

Marco.

Very nice but £800k:mental:

A lynx manufactured copy of the Lindner Nocker car was still not cheap but much better value http://www.hofmannsofhenley.co.uk/car-sales/jaguar-e-type-low-drag-lindner-nocker-coupe-lynx :D

BTH K10A
08-03-2015, 21:28
Or even better, one of the three that Brian Wingfield built https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/12172/lot/137A/ ;)

Barry
08-03-2015, 23:14
Hope Barry won't mind, found this link on the Dolomite forum: http://forum.triumphdolomite.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8107

No I don’t mind at all! In fact the link is very interesting to me – I hadn’t realised there would be any interest in the car after all these years.

My post was misleading – it implied the car was designed and built solely by my father. It was not – it was a joint effort by my father and his business partner, Ken Evans (seen standing by the car in the photo in your link). My father was responsible for the design, styling and manufacture of the car’s aluminium body; Ken Evans was responsible for the mechanical design.

Before they went into partnership, both were employed at the Bristol Car Company; my father as a panel beater, working in the body shop and Evans was a mechanic there and was involved in the days when Bristol entered their cars in the 24hr Le Mans race.

The two of them left Bristol cars and went into business together, repairing and later customising cars for the Arab market. The design and construction of a two-seater sports car was something that both of them had wanted to do.

Some of the features of the car were innovative at the time: the seats were fixed to the chassis with the driver being able to adjust the steering wheel and pedal to suit. A safety rool-over hoop was fitted along with side members inside each door. It was equipped with air-conditioning – rare in a sports car at the time.

Some other information:

Engine: unmodified longitudinally mounted Triumph 4 cylinder 2 litre. 4 valves per cylinder, single OHC, developing 127bhp.

Gearbox: Saab 4-speed (manual) Borg Warner 35

Breaks: Front 9” discs, Rear 9” x 1 ¾” drums, servo assisted dual breaking system

Steering: rack and pinion

Suspension: Front – coil springs, wishbones and anti-roll bar, rear –semi-trailing arms, coil springs.

Dimensions: Overall width 5’6”, overall length 13’4”, overall height 3’9”, wheel base 99 ½”, front track and rear 53 ½”, turning circle 30’9”. Weight 17 cwt, laden ground clearance 5 ½”.

There were plans to produce the car in small quantities with the production models fitted with a Rover V8 engine, ZF 5-speed gearbox, wishbone suspension and disc breaks all round. Unfortunately at the same time the EU introduced ‘type approval’ of all new car designs that would be sold to the public; requiring very expensive tests of the safety and integrity of the car upon impact. The cost of this testing would have prohibitive, so the car never proceeded beyond the prototype shown. :(


So what happened to it? Well it was always the property of the company, being ‘owned’ equally by my father and his partner. My father retired in the mid ‘80s and sold his share of the business to the Evans family. Later the company ceased trading and I believe the Evans family moved to Australia. It is quite possible the car went there with them.

Sadly not only did I never get to drive the car, I never even rode in it. :doh:

NRG
09-03-2015, 08:32
Thank you Barry, great background info! http://theartofsound.net/forum/images/icons/icon14.png

I wonder if the car really did go to Australia...guess we'll never know...and how many other innovative cars got killed of by the new type approval rules introduced back then...

CageyH
09-03-2015, 09:34
Very nice but £800:mental:

A lynx manufactured copy of the Lindner Nocker car was still not cheap but much better value http://www.hofmannsofhenley.co.uk/car-sales/jaguar-e-type-low-drag-lindner-nocker-coupe-lynx :D

It's actually £850k (apparently).
You could buy a hell of a lot of car ( or cars) for that.
If it was £80k, it may have been a more realistic price. Looked fun though.

Marco
09-03-2015, 11:00
I wonder if the car really did go to Australia...guess we'll never know...and how many other innovative cars got killed of by the new type approval rules introduced back then...

Indeed, and it’s that which makes me seethe!

Marco.

P.S Well done on about your dad’s car, Barry. I think you’ve mentioned that to me before :)