Took the opportunity of unexpected hot warm sunny weather over the weekend to take an unplanned trip out in the Coupe.

Just had a brilliant time -car felt good and strong. I'd recently spent a little bit of time making sure the front seat mechanism were tighter-and a judicious bit of silicon maintenance spray had the squeaking stopped. Brilliant.

Window down, and the five pot burble and turbo sound were really great. A few waves from some younger kids on bikes through one village had me smiling. And then when the roads opened up- enjoyed opening her up and pushing into the rev range.

A nice pub lunch (no beer) and then a gentle saunter back. Just really enjoyed the opportunity to jump in unplanned and enjoy the car.

Just looking out the office window now sun shining brightly and wish I was free to go for another unplanned spin.

I'm aiming to try and make the most of any sunny and dry autumn days while they are here.

And the list of winter planning is growing already...to try and make a bit better use of the laid up period to sort some of the niggles.

Hoping you all get the chance to grab some late summer/early autumn sun with your cars soon.

Best regards.

MM

Nice post. My coupe is currently with Joe Knight having a new clutch, turbo, cambelt, water pump etc etc plus a load of other issues he's found. Not looking forward to the bill but having already spent a fortune since purchase last year, I'm going to see it out to the bitter end.

It will be worth it- if your coop is with Joe its in good hands.

One of the first things I read on the website was something along the line of 'upkeep of these cars isn't cheap'. And has that ever been true.

There all of the age where just general servicing- whilst essential, still won't mean that other more pressing issues don't crop up. And always they tend to be found at major service/cambelt time.

I got speaking at least year's auto italia event with the owner of a fantastic Ferrari 550. He was telling me some service costs-maybe to scare me. My non italian car driving friends winced in pain... I nodded sagely and started to talk to him about parts rarity...i think we spoke for 30 minutes hardly taking a breath.

90's Italian metal...keep the faith.

It will be worth it!! :-)


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Sadly, after a long period of really nice weather, it all came to an end last weekend and apart from the fact it's still pretty warm, it's also been rather wet. Coupé has stayed in its nice dry home and will be coming out not sure when!

It's silly really as there's no reason it shouldn't be used and taken for a good drive even in wet(tish) weather. After all, once back in the barn it just needs drying off and cars are designed to cope with wet......

This year I intend to have the wheels off and give the wheel arches and suspension a check for any rust. So far apart from the usual bit's of surface rust, which can be brushed off and painted, there's nothing of note. The underside is completely clear.

The body Gets a coat of polish after detail spray about once every couple of months, whilst I check it over and that works a treat. Last time out in the rain the body kind of 'self-cleaned' by the time I got back home!

Keep thinking maybe I ought to sell the car, as it only does about 1000 miles a year, but I just can't - can't beat the small and feeling it generates every time it does come out.

Indeed, how many 'regret' posts do we see on here...