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12 Jun 2003, 14:43 (Ref:629511)
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Racer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 491
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Any suggestions for an unusual but competitive Historic Racer?
After many years competing in the VSCC, I think it might be time to play in more modern stuff.
So, (1) Can be any nationality, though I do have a penchant for the obscure. (2) Must be eligible for lots of racing here and in France. (3) Must be capable, at least, of running in the mid field. (4) Must be reliable. Annual rebuilds are fine, but not between each meeting! (5) Must be drivable to the circuit. (6) Budget is up to £20,000. All suggestions welcome, and any offers of interesting cars considered.  
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__________________
"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting" Steve McQueen. 
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12 Jun 2003, 14:53 (Ref:629517)
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#2 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,358
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First car I thought of......Renault 8 Gordini. Probably common as muck in France, but not a lot of them in the UK!
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13 Jun 2003, 03:26 (Ref:630174)
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#3 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 706
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In oz Mustangs seem to be the gun gear for historic touring car racing - not sure about class structures in europe though.
If you want to run a sports car an early TVR with the rover motor should be fast (and a bit more obscure). Even a TR7 V8 could be fun. |
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__________________
"If a man could be crossed with a cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat." Mark Twain
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13 Jun 2003, 04:05 (Ref:630186)
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#4 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 706
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Sorry, re read the thread title - my suggestions are more conventional than unusual - shall try to think out the the box.
I wonder if you could run a Holden Torana GTR XU1 in Europe (if unfamiliar to you - think of a Vaux Viva with a 300bhp 3.3 litre snarling 6 cylinder stuffed under the bonnet) |
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__________________
"If a man could be crossed with a cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat." Mark Twain
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13 Jun 2003, 05:25 (Ref:630217)
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#5 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 972
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Keeping with the aussie theme..... what about an E38 or E49 Charger?
http://www.valiant.org/charger.html http://www.valiant.org/nz.html http://members.optusnet.com.au/~finarfin01/e49char.htm http://members.optusnet.com.au/~finarfin01/racechar.htm http://herman.coomans.net/chryslerday98.html Last edited by alfasud; 13 Jun 2003 at 05:28. |
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13 Jun 2003, 05:43 (Ref:630222)
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#6 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 972
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If you do consider a Charger, Torana or other aussie car, there's a price guide here:
http://www.ccar.com.au/Price%20Guide.pdf Currently the exchange rate would make that "A" class (excellent condition) E49 Charger at AUD 23,000 equal to about USD 15,300 or EURO 13,000. Restoration projects would be a lot less, but either way you need to add shipping. |
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13 Jun 2003, 05:48 (Ref:630224)
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#7 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 706
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oohh err, yeah, go the charger baby - now that would shake up the euros! Capable of eating mustangs too!
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__________________
"If a man could be crossed with a cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat." Mark Twain
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13 Jun 2003, 05:54 (Ref:630226)
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#8 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 706
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I should suggest an Alfa or two (or I might be diss'd at the next club meeting), but seeing how they are pretty common already in historic racing (esp in Europe), you'd have to go for something a bit different...
How about an Alfetta GTV Turbodelta - or if you're after something even more exotic a GTV8? (I know they are rally specials, but surely they'd fit into a class somewhere (?)) You could try a Montreal - one has been running in classic tarmac rallys quite successfully down under for the past few years. |
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__________________
"If a man could be crossed with a cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat." Mark Twain
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13 Jun 2003, 06:01 (Ref:630227)
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#9 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 706
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rally monty
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__________________
"If a man could be crossed with a cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat." Mark Twain
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13 Jun 2003, 06:13 (Ref:630233)
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#10 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 706
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hey charger!
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__________________
"If a man could be crossed with a cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat." Mark Twain
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13 Jun 2003, 06:15 (Ref:630234)
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#11 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 706
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GTR XU1
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__________________
"If a man could be crossed with a cat, it would improve the man but deteriorate the cat." Mark Twain
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13 Jun 2003, 08:53 (Ref:630327)
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#12 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,676
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Reliant Sabre Six, you can get an FIA papered one for early teens and it will be eligible for Spa 6 hours , HSCC etc... they are quick (should do Spa 3.10) but fibre glass which might put some people off. By the way whats wrong with Alfa Spiders?!
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__________________
Borrowed money is only credit in a bull market - its debt in a bear market
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13 Jun 2003, 09:20 (Ref:630342)
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#13 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,540
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Mini Cooper?
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For Sale: Signature line. One owner from new, little use...
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13 Jun 2003, 12:09 (Ref:630481)
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#14 | ||
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Racer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 491
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Nothing at all Simon, its just that before I commit myself I thought I might scan the waters a bit!
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__________________
"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting" Steve McQueen.
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13 Jun 2003, 12:18 (Ref:630486)
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#15 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,676
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i thought about the Sabre Six a while back - there is one for sale through www.historique.freeserve.co.uk. He's had it for sale some time so might move on price!
it fits yr eclectic criteria!! |
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__________________
Borrowed money is only credit in a bull market - its debt in a bear market
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13 Jun 2003, 13:16 (Ref:630518)
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#16 | ||
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Rookie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 91
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It's not obscure but the Austin Healey 3000 (hardtop)takes some beating.
We road rally and hillclimb one. If there's a more exciting nad evocotive historic in which to storm a mountain pass, I must have missed it. Car has power, looks, competition heritage and it is very satisfying for a driver, to make it go quickly. Plus, all parts inc. tuning stuff freely available as is advice. So many enthusiasts from all around the world can't be wrong. Several for sale in UK as a possible change in it's FIA status has it competing against Cobras and E-Types and 911's, which it can't beat.Prices from £18-30K Well sorted and driven, will p*ss all over a 250SWB, even if you've got to make sure you can drive it home! |
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13 Jun 2003, 13:29 (Ref:630528)
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#17 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,676
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knowledge is power it seems (in ref to yr comments abt the possible change in FIA classification!) I gather they are also looking more closely at MGB's as they mostly have 1950 cc engines and are going a lot more quickly than they should - I think I am right in saying one did Spa at last yrs 6 HHour in about 3.07 which is v quick
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__________________
Borrowed money is only credit in a bull market - its debt in a bear market
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13 Jun 2003, 14:12 (Ref:630556)
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#18 | ||
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Rookie
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 91
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Don't know about the B's Simon. (not that clued up on the bird's either!)
I think the Healey problem comes from a period homologation date mix up, way back then. It appears that the papers were not filed until a date later than previouly thought, rather than any issues caused by the evolutionary improvements of engine outputs. I don't suppose anyones interested, but I've dug up this pic of us bringing in the old warrior, somewhere in Eastern Europe '02. Funny thing about long haul road rallying - after a long day in the saddle, the driver often doesn't know waht country he's in. |
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13 Jun 2003, 15:08 (Ref:630596)
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#19 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,676
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it looks great! I always enjoy watching them in action - but they do look a handfull!!!
I know several people who do classic rallying and a couple of them do it very seriously but as I get lost going to the shops I stick to circuits! Having said that if I had more time I would love to try it. On a slightly more leisurely pace several friends took part in the London Peking a few years ago and said it was an experience of a lifetime. |
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__________________
Borrowed money is only credit in a bull market - its debt in a bear market
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13 Jun 2003, 15:38 (Ref:630617)
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#20 | ||
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Racer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 491
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I quite agree, simon, the problem with competitive rallies is not just getting lost (easy!) but keeping a steady average which can often be frustratingly slow...so for me flat out on the circuit is always better.
Also neither of my long term navigators can cope with rally instructions, tulips etc at speed! At least they dont turn the map round... I'm trying hard not to be sexist here. |
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__________________
"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting" Steve McQueen.
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14 Jun 2003, 08:40 (Ref:631154)
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#21 | |||
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The Honourable Mallett
20KPINAL
Join Date: Feb 1999
Posts: 37,290
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Quote:
The improvement in engine internals means that the humble B series can spin up to some serious revs hence the top speed at places like Spa. I've chsed em and I've overtaken em but they are nimble and quick. BTW. I do around 3.10s average. Eclectic. What about an ISO Rivolta? |
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__________________
I've decided to stop reaching out to people. I'm just going to contact them instead.
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14 Jun 2003, 09:38 (Ref:631165)
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#22 | ||
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Racer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 491
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Wow, now a Rivolta, that might be fun, but I'm not sure I would want to be the man to do the development.
Now the Ex Don Pither Sabre Six is up for sale....... Anyone know anything about it? |
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__________________
"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting" Steve McQueen.
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16 Jun 2003, 06:58 (Ref:632587)
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#23 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,676
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Other than the fact that it has been up sale for 18 months not much. A race prepped Sabre Six went for £10 000 at Coys auction early last year making this car expensive but to be fair I think this will be better prepped eventually. Its not a lot of money for a FIA papered car (FIA papered MGB's festch 18/25k depending on spec and the same site has one for 30k (but with good history). Apparently they are tail happy round corners as the suspension is not that sophisticated. My main reason for not going ahead was that no one else has bought it and made me think that others must know more than me!
As for the Iso that is being advertised - it doesnt seem a lot of money for a 400 bhp monster but havent seen any others on the track - dont know if that is a good or bad thing!! |
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__________________
Borrowed money is only credit in a bull market - its debt in a bear market
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16 Jun 2003, 07:01 (Ref:632591)
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#24 | ||
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Racer
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 491
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I havn't found the Iso advert, can you direct me please? Still thinking that it may well be the Alfa Guilia, easier to drive. Mike
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__________________
"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting" Steve McQueen.
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16 Jun 2003, 08:40 (Ref:632672)
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#25 | ||
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Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,676
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i think the alfa will get invites more easily as race organisers wince a bit when you mention Sabre Six! re Iso look in the classified of the two main classic car mags its a small trade ad listing about 6 cars cant recall the dealer
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Borrowed money is only credit in a bull market - its debt in a bear market
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