Two Cars and 2 degrees

Morning run to the boat in the SAAB in convoy with the MK7. Very bright if cold day - yes 2 degrees was a shock.

The SAAB swallowed most of the cushions though and only a few bits were left over for the Golf - which we could have packed in if needed.

Then into town shopping as passenger in the MK7.

Finally the run back via Harkstead for jobs and home in the dark - and yes it's even colder now. Did see this old car photo there - not sure but it could be pre-war Uncle Bob and my Father. In what ?

Google pointed me at a Bleriot Whippet Cycle car from the late 1920's.

Over to the Professionals

I (well we) spent the morning trying to fit the windscreen - at least the kitchen looked like a workshop.

It was almost there.

Anyway - I dropped it off at Lee's and found the car in the 'paint-prep' area now - so that's good progress.

I'll drop off more parts tomorrow.

Boat Blunders

AM SAAB down to the Rassy to take the sails off amongst other things.

Here we are packed with the morning's load. Home for lunch and then we returned PM to complete the job.

And the blunder ? I let a small fitting 'pop' out of my hands and fall overboard. That's a thing you don't usually get with the cars. I can't even name it !

Virtual Activity

I spotted my picture in the Dinard Concourse brochure they published on Facebook in the morning.

It is a unique Alfa Romeo 6C - bodied by Zagato in 1931 and then re-bodied in 1938 after a crash. I was actually looking to see when it might be on again - 2025 it turns out. 

Then I decided to create a new picture from one I took so created this.

I posted it on Instagram and then I had a look at their account and found a few more of mine - some with an acknowledgement to me though.

The Modern's Have It

Dull MK7 run to Ickworth House followed by the Insignia. 

Not a lot of interest on the roads nor in the car park - but then that's where we are heading long term.

There were a few poster from the 1920's with cars there though. Like this one:

I spy Salt and Stellantis ?

Well Steve's Insignia pre-dates the move I think but it's all park of the Stellantis group now.

They own the following brands: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles,  Fiat,  Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall. Odd really.

Then the E-type drive to the coast was foiled by last night's Salt though. We took the SAAB instead in the cold sunshine - of course that brand was killed by GM before it could be taken over.

Then finally an evening jaunt to get take away from town in the dark and damp.

Alpine Time ?

First thing was a run in the sun to Harkstead in the Seven. Then Chelmo for planet saving and the post office - and then home.

When I got back I thought I'd look for the rubber seal - which I found easily - and then get the bumpers down. All three items into the car and then off to see the Alpine.

Well with the wheels back on and the lights in she looked like a car again. Almost too good to paint ! Everything was 'crisper' too - neat lines and creases back, wheel arches profiled very nicely too. Still a long way to go but looking much better.

After lunch the weather had turned a bit windy so I only got the top sorted for the E-type. I had to move the car out so took it for a run around the block and to post the letter - which I forgot to do. 

Also it is the fan belt making that noise, but I can't see it breaking up nor is it rubbing on any pipes. Anyway here comes the Winter we're told so that could be that for a while.

Just a Swedish Jaunt

Started early with some Alpine news. The body work is almost done and they want to start the dry fitting of bumper etc. Dho - that means I'll have to do the windscreen at last - it's only sat there for almost five months on the benches.

Then SAAB jaunt out to town via Harkstead - bad traffic on the way back so we went the long way round.

So yes - at 4:30 it was looking quite gloomy.

Rule of Three

Well three trips anyway. 

First I took four pallets and the sack barrow to the allotment in the trust SAAB.

Then I started the Caterham to lay the outdoor bubble floor. Seemed a run was in order too as the weather was still fine - but we were soon back and covered up again against the cold to come.

Then finally early pm run to Harkstead and the MK2 got an outing.

So there we are - dark and getting cold on the way back though.

First load - of 3 ?

SAAB down to he boat in between the showers to pack up for Winter.

The boat was almost as grubby as the car though. 

Sails and Cushions need removing too next. 

Anoying the Locals

SAAB out and about for walk and photography at Pin Mill. I parked in a bay but thought I was sticking out so went in sideways.

I came back to find myself rather boxed in.

It did not take much to extricate myself though. Only later did I find the note on my windscreen.

Oh well - he had a point. At least the photos were good.

It does now

It was feeling like another 'Nil Points' day as the rain started around lunchtime, so I got the antique sewing machine out to see how hard it would be ...

Turns out not that hard and much much quicker too. Although  threading the elastic through was still hard going. In the end I remade them both though so that's done.

Then SAAB out to Harkstead for jobs and as a reward SAAB into the forest for night time photos.

Perhaps if I had a shovel I would really look like a serial killer ...

It almost fits

Dull very wet day so I decided to make up one of the replacement filters for the bubble. Umm.

It's a bit small - but will do the job. It took almost two hours with the sewing and then threading the elastic through. I'll make the second one and see if I can speed up and if I can I'll make a third !

3 + 30 = 9

So I got my shit together, my courage up and my confidence back. Or to put it another way - I took the Imp out at last. So I warmed it up after lunch and waited a bit.

I did need some choke to get her going [three squirts too] and the hand throttle about half way open - but then that worked fine. 

All the way around the block in the dying sunshine too - I forgot to get fuel through so had to turn back again for that. 30 litres moved the indicator from 3 gallons to 9 - with more left at the top of the gauge. Given 30 litres is just over 6 gallons that seems to work well.

The run was good and the car seemed to be more lively.

Then I decided to take pics by the Holbrook Church and got chatting to someone who's wife has the purple Elf in Stutton - small world. 

It seemed to make a 'graunching' sound getting away again but then we were on the grass. So a bit dirty but now she's back in the bubble after a proper test drive.

Researching and pottering

Some of the morning was spent looking for this old photo from 1908.

This was the best I could find (I colourised it though).

It's almost the same and is entitled "Lebouc in his Sizaire Naudin at the 1908 Grand Prix des Voiturettes at Dieppe". Some spellings were Leboucy though.

Then taxi for Tunbridge in the rain.

PM SAAB out again to Harkstead in more rain and the dark.

Nice Blue Car

Started the day with jobs, but noticed the SAAB's shining new brake disks 

and exhaust. 

They're the expensive bits I can see - the really expensive bits are hidden.

Then to make a point it started earning its keep again. Four pallets to the allotment.

Then I decided to get a car out as the weather was good - but closing in again tomorrow. It should have been the Imp but instead it was the E-type that got the run. As I drew out a very shiny blue car appeared in the rear view mirror. It looked like a Ginetta G50 ish but I spotted it was a Lotus when I saw the badge. He followed me all the way to the ski slope and turned around at the top, as I did. I ended up following him this time all the way through the village until I turned into the drive.

Looking up the registration (ST23DOD) it says its a Lotus Emira V6 First Edition. 

Anyway then it was planet saving time in the Hippo.

Finally a bit of light painting on the E-type which came out quite well.

Grabbing the chance

I decided that I'd get another bubble set up as it was going to be sunny. Umm I obviously got the forecast wrong - but never the less I thought I'd go for it.

So I backed the Ferrari out into the gloom. It did it's trick of not starting but even with the key removed the starter kept churning.

Anyway it started well and we got on with it. Just less than an hour to get inflated and the frame installed. I still had one fitting that would not meet - but it's fine.

In the afternoon I took the MK7 into town and the dentist. 

I spotted a bright Pink BMW on the road - it even had a Pink BMW badge which amused me.

I also spotted a great sunset - but it was hard to get them both in.

Then finally the SAAB was also ready - so off we went to collect it. Not sure I should have been driving in the dark and wet with all that pain killer in me though.

Probably ... the wrong car

So the rain had eased, the storm had passed and it was just a bit windy. I had to run an errand so I decided to get the Caterham out. OK it's almost the least practical car to take ... but what the hell.

The reward was a very dirty car as the roads were covered in mud and tree litter that the storm had brought down.

So after Harkstead it was off to the post office in the village and I had to laugh as I parked next to this Bentley. He took up more than one space and I had the leftovers.

So I decided as the sun was still out I'd take a run around the block. I stopped once as there was a loud 'thump' under the car as I ran over a branch, but I don't think any damage was done. The reward was a great drive in the sunshine and an even dirtier car. So it also got a clean,

I even took the headlight grills off to clean underneath. Then away she went for another day.

Nearly ...

I decided to fire up the Caterham first thing so warmed it up for 45 mins on the fan heater. She started quickly and settled down to a quiet burble to await the off.

I was all set to go too - but decided we'd better get on the road instead. In fact just as I thought that it started to rain anyway - so that was that.

A day driving the MK7 around with the moderns - including this huge BMW M series 430i Convertible with a frankly preposterous front grill.

I thought we'd still squeeze in a run in the Caterham when we got back, but the rain seemed to be following us so that was that - again.

A little Ray of Sunshine

Sunshine at last - but domestic fun stopped the car work I had planned. First was a ride in the MK7 to Stutton.

Then to Manningtree following the family in the Passat for a walk. We did see this very clean Nissan Micra though.

Then after lunch I got a couple of hours to warm up the Imp and get it started. She fired up fine, although I might not have primed the carbs enough and I did use some choke. Looked especially at home on the drive in the dappled sunshine though.

On the short test run I managed in the cold, it seemed to be going better and sounding stronger and more sporty too. On the way back I got a smile and round of applause from an elderly chap in the village who saw me coming, which put a smile on my face.

Then more rides - this time in the Passat to Harkstead for a visit before home as the sun set.

The only Sunbeams ...

Another day riding around in the MK7.

Ah and the SAAB won't be ready until next week now.  Ho Hum.

Dreary afternoon too with none of the sun we were promised - so just admin.

The only Sunbeams were in the book I'm reading about the Sunbeam 3 litre.

Prog Rock Anyone ?

Another wet morning so the Imp test run will have to wait a bit.

Good news on the SAAB - it's back and the MOT is next.

Then quick MK7 ride to the Heath - for me this time - and the strange world of the MRI scanner. It started out sounding like a cross between Clockwork Orange brain-washing and some Dr. Who sound effects. Later it moved into the prog rock era with low base notes and a pounding beat.

Then a slow ride back through the traffic.

Gromky shoomny my droog. Viddy well my droogies.

A Waiting Game

More heavy rain most of the day - so I was glad I got the Imp collected today. Actually I got a covered trailer so hopefully all ok.

The transporter driver phoned late afternoon to say he had left and a minute later so did the garage. Matt at Blue Diamond also said press the buttons on the carbs and put a bit of hand throttle on to start her up and ignore the advance/retard leaver and choke. It worked for him.

So I just waited for the car to arrive - as it got darker and damp.

Around 6 pm - after missing me and going up the the RHS - he appeared with a very very large trailer. For a very very small car. He struggled getting enough room to turn round in the drive but made it in the end. Luckily it had a full ramp so getting it out was fine - especially as I did it. Luckily by then most of the rain had stopped.

The car started second time - first time I ignored the instructions - Dho ! - but when I squirted some fuel in she started immediately and sounded better too.

I drove all of 50 feet and we were back in the waiting bubble. 

A bit dusty but nothing I can't clean.

Another 25 point turn and he was off.

So new starting process when cold is: electrics on to start the fuel pump, two squirts on each of the carb 'ticklers', put on some hand throttle - and press the starter. When warm it should just start ... We'll see.