Gilbert the Gilbern - The Ongoing Story

[Mike Harte]

Good for you, Mary.

[gary396]

Well done Mary, great news

[bauble]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

Mary passed with flying colours - no stopping her now :-)

Oh! Dear.

[Alfaholic]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

Mary passed with flying colours - no stopping her now :-)

Congratulations to Mary and good luck to all involved in the owning & running of Gilbert.

[justracing]

Unlike many on here I didn't know Mike that well but I did chat with him a couple of times at Brands Hatch, once when he was codriving the SLR and at the Escort anniversary race with his Lairy Canary. I just wanted to say how uplifting it is to hear of this wonderful gesture in keeping the memory alive with Gilbert, well done to all involved and most of all good luck Mary and congratulations with the ARDS test.

[356sc]

Fabulous, well done Mary!

[GORDON STREETER]

Congratulations Mary, I raced with mike over several years at most of the circuits and would always have a good chat about "how good things were back then" I still can't believe that he isn't around anymore !
Enjoy your racing and don't be intimidated by those horrible male drivers

[Gerard C]

After the well deserved congratulations, how is it to drive? Compared to an MG B for instance. Is it entered in the 6 Hours?

[MGDavid]

Mary hasn't been let loose in Gilbert just yet! but we were testing last Tuesday at Mallory Park. Engine felt strong, handling well balanced, firmly suspended, brakes could be improved (and will be). Yes the 6 hrs entry is in and accepted.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

After the well deserved congratulations, how is it to drive? Compared to an MG B for instance. Is it entered in the 6 Hours?

It is as chuckable as an MGB and the brakes are very similar. The gear lever (stick shift) is quite far back so doesn't fall to hand like in a B. The cabin is smaller than a B and there is nowhere to rest your clutch foot other than under the pedal. It feels lighter than a B. Delta has also driven a B so may have a different view. The gearing is the same as my MGB but it seems to pull better out of slow corners. Where I would use first at the hairpin we were using second. Again suggesting it is lighter than a B.

Altogether a good experience and Mary will enjoy driving it.

Also looking forward to the 6hrs.

[Gerard C]

Sounds pleasant, great. As to the not so roomy cabin I understand. Re the braking, its an ongoing theme in historic I fear.

[delta]

All they did was Moan on Tuesday about the brakes . Blooming racing drivers ?

[Peter Mallett]

Yay promotion!

[Gerard C]

Its always the car…

[Cliff Ryan]

Can’t express how glad I am to read this and to see Gilbert being enjoyed as Mike did. Mary even wore a Team Tango shirt, from when Mike & I used to race together in the 360, for good luck.