Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: STEMO on 12 August 2025, 07:21:30
-
https://mol.im/a/14990109
-
That is one lovely car, and will be worth every penny to the new owner :-* :-* :y :y
I had brand new company Carlton's back in the day, but I always fancied one of those beasts! :D :D
Just 29K on the clock; it is almost brand new! ;D ;D :)
-
Lovely thing! I hope it goes to someone who will use it, rather than hiding it away in a collection somewhere.
Sadly I suspect I will be disappointed on that score! ;D
-
Lovely car.
A Lotus Carlton, a MK1 Lotus Cortina and a Lotus Sunbeam Talbot and I'd be a happy man.
It's not much to ask. :y
-
Lovely thing! I hope it goes to someone who will use it, rather than hiding it away in a collection somewhere.
Sadly I suspect I will be disappointed on that score! ;D
Using regularly isn't really viable, as many service items are difficult (and expensive) to obtain, so will likely end up being a concourse car... which in some ways makes me happy that loads more people will see it, but also makes me a bit sad as well.
-
Interesting, I didn't realise it had a lot of bespoke bits. TBH I thought it was largely made up of bits from elsewhere in the GM empire (a bit like Ford did with Jag, Aston Martin and others). I stand corrected. :y
-
Interesting, I didn't realise it had a lot of bespoke bits. TBH I thought it was largely made up of bits from elsewhere in the GM empire (a bit like Ford did with Jag, Aston Martin and others). I stand corrected. :y
It mostly is GM Carlton. But I seem to recall the ABS boys at one of the ABS meets saying some rear pads were going to be several hundred quid, as they were unique, and I think they were trying to organise a group production run or something like that. I imagine suspension probably was unique as well.
-
Great cars, but they money they are "worth" now is just ludicrous.
-
Interesting, I didn't realise it had a lot of bespoke bits. TBH I thought it was largely made up of bits from elsewhere in the GM empire (a bit like Ford did with Jag, Aston Martin and others). I stand corrected. :y
It mostly is GM Carlton. But I seem to recall the ABS boys at one of the ABS meets saying some rear pads were going to be several hundred quid, as they were unique, and I think they were trying to organise a group production run or something like that. I imagine suspension probably was unique as well.
I seem to remember problems with a pivot point for the clutch in the ally gearbox .... :-\ :-\
-
Great cars, but they money they are "worth" now is just ludicrous.
The truth is that after spending whatever tens of thousands it cost you to acquire it, you'd probably find it slightly disappointing experience and that all the girls were looking at the fella with the Tesla! ::) ;D
-
I do wonder, when 350bhp.is hot hatch territory today if some cars are a case of 'dont meet your heroes'.
I understand a massive chunk of value is tied up in nostalgia and image but I do wonder if it would be 'worth it'. I struggle with quite a lot of classic car pricing today. When a Ford Sierra (and not even the really quick ones) will set you back more than an Aston, I feel like I've missed something somewhere. ???
-
Could have this for ten grand.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506113382622?
-
Could have this for ten grand.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506113382622?
8 owners in 18 years. Either they couldn't afford to run it, or they got shut because they were disappointed.
-
Probably the former I would imagine. Hard to see how someone would be disappointed.
If I had ten grand spare right now I may well be giving them a call.
Yes, I am still that stupid. ;D
-
The LC is an icon whereas the VXR8 is jut a brash copy.
But as Jimmy says it's probably best not to meet your hero because time moves on.
35 years ago the LC probably felt as though it had enough poke to change the rotation of the earth. In 2025 it would feel brisk rather than fast.
-
https://youtu.be/MoCYrtcF3mg?feature=shared (https://youtu.be/MoCYrtcF3mg?feature=shared)
-
The LC is an icon whereas the VXR8 is jut a brash copy.
But as Jimmy says it's probably best not to meet your hero because time moves on.
35 years ago the LC probably felt as though it had enough poke to change the rotation of the earth. In 2025 it would feel brisk rather than fast.
That's if you were brave enough to drive it properly. Lots of (expensive) things to break in a car that age.
-
Interesting, I didn't realise it had a lot of bespoke bits. TBH I thought it was largely made up of bits from elsewhere in the GM empire (a bit like Ford did with Jag, Aston Martin and others). I stand corrected. :y
It mostly is GM Carlton. But I seem to recall the ABS boys at one of the ABS meets saying some rear pads were going to be several hundred quid, as they were unique, and I think they were trying to organise a group production run or something like that. I imagine suspension probably was unique as well.
I seem to remember problems with a pivot point for the clutch in the ally gearbox .... :-\ :-\
Shut it.....
60 of us are going to attempt to get to Hethel on Friday, and we don't want you jinxing it!!!
I've even washed it* :)
* By I, I obviously mean the people of various eastern European, North African and Middle Eastern countries have washed it. I gave them coloured pictures of the Queen in exchange.
-
Interesting, I didn't realise it had a lot of bespoke bits. TBH I thought it was largely made up of bits from elsewhere in the GM empire (a bit like Ford did with Jag, Aston Martin and others). I stand corrected. :y
It mostly is GM Carlton. But I seem to recall the ABS boys at one of the ABS meets saying some rear pads were going to be several hundred quid, as they were unique, and I think they were trying to organise a group production run or something like that. I imagine suspension probably was unique as well.
Pads aren't too much bother - fronts are the same as several other high performance cars and rears are mini cooper fronts. Both are available in several compounds from Ferrodo. Handbrake is standard Carlton/Senator/Omega - and just as carp.
The person you were talking to is probably referring to brake disks. The rears are different to all Carltons/Senators/Omegas, and are indeed several hundred quid a pair - if you can get them. Front disks are also difficult. There was a group buy for both 10 or 15 years ago and I still have a few of both in the shed for when needed.
Latest issue for me is rear tyres - 265-40-17's aren't easily available any more from any manufacturer. People have also had problems with fuel injectors, flywheels, clutches, and several other unique bits. Bodywork wise, the metalwork is all standard(ish) Carlton, although getting Carlton bits is non trivial nowadays. Bodykit parts are available from a supplier in Northamptonshire (hi Joe!) although there can be a wait for a batch to be made.
-
Shouldn’t that be , Hey Joe?🤣
-
Passed one heading south between Guildford and Dunsfold...
-
I assume that rust spreading underneath all the plastics is a concern ?
-
.....
Shut it.....
60 of us are going to attempt to get to Hethel on Friday, and we don't want you jinxing it!!! ....
::) ::)
-
* By I, I obviously mean the people of various eastern European, North African and Middle Eastern countries have washed it. I gave them coloured pictures of the Queen in exchange.
Have they realised yet at the Royal Mint/Bank of England that Queen Lizzie died nearly 3 years ago? ::)
So far I've only seen one tenner with Charlie on it. :-\
-
I assume that rust spreading underneath all the plastics is a concern ?
The plastics are mostly a lousy fit, so they don't tend to trap water - if anything they protect the paintwork under them from stone chips and hence rusting. The exceptions are the rear wheel arches, rear door shuts, sills and rear doors which do rust for fun - but that's true of all Carltons & Senators and even Omegas.
-
I assume that rust spreading underneath all the plastics is a concern ?
The plastics are mostly a lousy fit, so they don't tend to trap water - if anything they protect the paintwork under them from stone chips and hence rusting. The exceptions are the rear wheel arches, rear door shuts, sills and rear doors which do rust for fun - but that's true of all Carltons & Senators and even Omegas.
Surely not. The car cost £48000 in 1990, so the paying customer would expect it to be honed to perfection. :)
-
Its a Vauxhall. ;D
My Chevette HS was £6100 at the end of 78 / early 79, which was a lot of money then.
The build quality was absolutely atrocious. The gear lever came of in my hand at 5000 miles, and the drivers seat had fallen apart by 15000 miles, despite me weighing about 7 stone dripping wet at that time.
Engine lost oil pressure just before 30,000 miles and when I stripped it to rebuild it I found the block was a crap casting which had metal filler in several blow hole areas, including the machined face where the oil pump attached.
Even the old Victorian foundry I worked in at the time only used that stuff for filling castings in non important cosmetic areas.
Still loved the car though and had more fun in it than any other car Ive owned.
Sometimes when it was moving. Sometimes when it wasnt. :D
-
Its a Vauxhall. ;D
My Chevette HS was £6100 at the end of 78 / early 79, which was a lot of money then.
The build quality was absolutely atrocious. The gear lever came of in my hand at 5000 miles, and the drivers seat had fallen apart by 15000 miles, despite me weighing about 7 stone dripping wet at that time.
Engine lost oil pressure just before 30,000 miles and when I stripped it to rebuild it I found the block was a crap casting which had metal filler in several blow hole areas, including the machined face where the oil pump attached.
Even the old Victorian foundry I worked in at the time only used that stuff for filling castings in non important cosmetic areas.
Still loved the car though and had more fun in it than any other car Ive owned.
Sometimes when it was moving. Sometimes when it wasnt. :D
The seventies was the decade that both fashion and build quality forgot.
Everything was badly made in the seventies be it a house, a toaster, and everything made by BL. :)
Having said that you car would be worth a lot of money today. Five figures?
-
I do wonder, when 350bhp.is hot hatch territory today if some cars are a case of 'dont meet your heroes'.
I understand a massive chunk of value is tied up in nostalgia and image but I do wonder if it would be 'worth it'. I struggle with quite a lot of classic car pricing today. When a Ford Sierra (and not even the really quick ones) will set you back more than an Aston, I feel like I've missed something somewhere. ???
I think what made the LC special is, even today, it's not short on power, and there were no real compromises, its a big, comfy semi-exec saloon. You can hold a conversation in one at 140 (so I've heard, obviously) easier than many cars doing 40 without having to raise you voice. And its 35 years old. Thats how ahead of it's time it was.
At the time, the Granada was a crock with that old 2.8, though shortly followed by the better 2.9, Rover was doing the 800 Vitesse, and that was about it for European big execs.
Obviously, from a technology and gadget perspective, if thats your thing, its badly dated - mobile phones weren't really a thing for most people, let alone smartphone control of the car. Looks wise from the exterior it looks like, well, a 1990s Vauxhall.
I wouldn't own one now, because I would not be able to keep it in the condition it needs to be kept in, and few remaining need to be kept tip top for the future.
A true icon.
-
I do wonder, when 350bhp.is hot hatch territory today if some cars are a case of 'dont meet your heroes'.
I understand a massive chunk of value is tied up in nostalgia and image but I do wonder if it would be 'worth it'. I struggle with quite a lot of classic car pricing today. When a Ford Sierra (and not even the really quick ones) will set you back more than an Aston, I feel like I've missed something somewhere. ???
I think what made the LC special is, even today, it's not short on power, and there were no real compromises, its a big, comfy semi-exec saloon. You can hold a conversation in one at 140 (so I've heard, obviously) easier than many cars doing 40 without having to raise you voice. And its 35 years old. Thats how ahead of it's time it was.
At the time, the Granada was a crock with that old 2.8, though shortly followed by the better 2.9, Rover was doing the 800 Vitesse, and that was about it for European big execs.
Obviously, from a technology and gadget perspective, if thats your thing, its badly dated - mobile phones weren't really a thing for most people, let alone smartphone control of the car. Looks wise from the exterior it looks like, well, a 1990s Vauxhall.
I wouldn't own one now, because I would not be able to keep it in the condition it needs to be kept in, and few remaining need to be kept tip top for the future.
A true icon.
......or torque.
419 lb ft of twist is impressive even in 2025. :y
-
Its a Vauxhall. ;D
My Chevette HS was £6100 at the end of 78 / early 79, which was a lot of money then.
The build quality was absolutely atrocious. The gear lever came of in my hand at 5000 miles, and the drivers seat had fallen apart by 15000 miles, despite me weighing about 7 stone dripping wet at that time.
Engine lost oil pressure just before 30,000 miles and when I stripped it to rebuild it I found the block was a crap casting which had metal filler in several blow hole areas, including the machined face where the oil pump attached.
Even the old Victorian foundry I worked in at the time only used that stuff for filling castings in non important cosmetic areas.
Still loved the car though and had more fun in it than any other car Ive owned.
Sometimes when it was moving. Sometimes when it wasnt. :D
The seventies was the decade that both fashion and build quality forgot.
Everything was badly made in the seventies be it a house, a toaster, and everything made by BL. :)
Having said that you car would be worth a lot of money today. Five figures?
I had hair down to my waist and wore big flared Levis in the 70,s. Taste personified. 8) ;D
I reckon it would be worth around £40k now. Its still around but in a new body shell with HSR kit fitted afaik.
I sold it in 83 for £2300. ::)
Theres is an ex works, ex Tony Pond example for sale for for nearly £90k.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/336094502526?_skw=vauxhall+chevette+hsr&itmmeta=01K2MYXYE8K7FKWZJFRVVYPGZ6&hash=item4e40cb1e7e:g:grYAAOSwJV1hqkkK&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1d8bdea7A6afgclc2gntCuFschFjNrhlMra9YF9CxmVIXE8BeLXljqDqWfOKC1bsUi0uvIow4OEM3IvTf0p6wFGwXZvXb2ue%2B25uQcSwQR6XtjZDm7PULJcrCkfc7zEu24H37KwvwWx1AyKflUROaRoZWVNUIR0dmFN%2B7mi%2FZp4DqMSe8Bp0vOFgPOrjB3kACnf1Wn8hDLWeGiF%2BMKgSa%2FEctei6s7hCA5Oz0uGc58mlCLxL7zWfka8f1tA5shEs3NBWtPPqFFHgxLBSubkqZRzDnFQgFdjBnapOLLYPTwkZg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5zn956VZg
-
I do wonder, when 350bhp.is hot hatch territory today if some cars are a case of 'dont meet your heroes'.
I understand a massive chunk of value is tied up in nostalgia and image but I do wonder if it would be 'worth it'. I struggle with quite a lot of classic car pricing today. When a Ford Sierra (and not even the really quick ones) will set you back more than an Aston, I feel like I've missed something somewhere. ???
I think what made the LC special is, even today, it's not short on power, and there were no real compromises, its a big, comfy semi-exec saloon. You can hold a conversation in one at 140 (so I've heard, obviously) easier than many cars doing 40 without having to raise you voice. And its 35 years old. Thats how ahead of it's time it was.
At the time, the Granada was a crock with that old 2.8, though shortly followed by the better 2.9, Rover was doing the 800 Vitesse, and that was about it for European big execs.
Obviously, from a technology and gadget perspective, if thats your thing, its badly dated - mobile phones weren't really a thing for most people, let alone smartphone control of the car. Looks wise from the exterior it looks like, well, a 1990s Vauxhall.
I wouldn't own one now, because I would not be able to keep it in the condition it needs to be kept in, and few remaining need to be kept tip top for the future.
A true icon.
......or torque.
419 lb ft of twist is impressive even in 2025. :y
This ^^^^^
People seem obsessed with BHP these days, but on most cars max BHP is usually about 4500-5000 RPM, and that's not a region you can drive comfortably in. Torque is a better measure of the driveability and acceleration available, and a nice flat torque curve from tickover to red line is much preferable to a peaky torque curve which is typical on highly tuned "max BHP" engines.
The LC is a big heavy old bus, but if your clutch will take it can supposedly do 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. That was excellent in 1990, but is perhaps less amazing today. However, IIRC 60-120 was also something like 6 seconds, and that's were the torque of the big old bus still excels. It doesn't really run out of grunt till north of 160.
I've never checked if it is actually true, but there was a tale that the LC produced more torque at tickover (or 1500 RPM?) than the 3.0L 24V engine in the GSi Carlton did at full chat. Might be bolleux though.
-
Well - 58 cars made it out of the 60 promised, including cars from Ireland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Poland and Germany.
Talks given by half a dozen of the bigwigs responsible for the design and manufacture back in the early 90's, and 3 laps of the Hethel test track - during which one of the 58 expired in a cloud of oily smoke.
They also ran a concourse judged by the design team. I didn't win anything - even the hi-miler award went to Bruce Strachan (203K) vs my 189K. Should have fixed the odometer cog earlier. For a change Dave Franczak's car only came second.
I've just got home, so now the customary 2 week wait for a love letter from some bunch of kill-joy rozzers.
-
I do wonder, when 350bhp.is hot hatch territory today if some cars are a case of 'dont meet your heroes'.
I understand a massive chunk of value is tied up in nostalgia and image but I do wonder if it would be 'worth it'. I struggle with quite a lot of classic car pricing today. When a Ford Sierra (and not even the really quick ones) will set you back more than an Aston, I feel like I've missed something somewhere. ???
I think what made the LC special is, even today, it's not short on power, and there were no real compromises, its a big, comfy semi-exec saloon. You can hold a conversation in one at 140 (so I've heard, obviously) easier than many cars doing 40 without having to raise you voice. And its 35 years old. Thats how ahead of it's time it was.
At the time, the Granada was a crock with that old 2.8, though shortly followed by the better 2.9, Rover was doing the 800 Vitesse, and that was about it for European big execs.
Obviously, from a technology and gadget perspective, if thats your thing, its badly dated - mobile phones weren't really a thing for most people, let alone smartphone control of the car. Looks wise from the exterior it looks like, well, a 1990s Vauxhall.
I wouldn't own one now, because I would not be able to keep it in the condition it needs to be kept in, and few remaining need to be kept tip top for the future.
A true icon.
......or torque.
419 lb ft of twist is impressive even in 2025. :y
This ^^^^^
People seem obsessed with BHP these days, but on most cars max BHP is usually about 4500-5000 RPM, and that's not a region you can drive comfortably in. Torque is a better measure of the driveability and acceleration available, and a nice flat torque curve from tickover to red line is much preferable to a peaky torque curve which is typical on highly tuned "max BHP" engines.
The LC is a big heavy old bus, but if your clutch will take it can supposedly do 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. That was excellent in 1990, but is perhaps less amazing today. However, IIRC 60-120 was also something like 6 seconds, and that's were the torque of the big old bus still excels. It doesn't really run out of grunt till north of 160.
I've never checked if it is actually true, but there was a tale that the LC produced more torque at tickover (or 1500 RPM?) than the 3.0L 24V engine in the GSi Carlton did at full chat. Might be bolleux though.
Hi Malcolm, I love the LC and they are indeed quick but the 6second time you quoted is 60mph to 100mph. If it was 60 to 120 it would be a ridiculously fast machine 👍👍
-
I do wonder, when 350bhp.is hot hatch territory today if some cars are a case of 'dont meet your heroes'.
I understand a massive chunk of value is tied up in nostalgia and image but I do wonder if it would be 'worth it'. I struggle with quite a lot of classic car pricing today. When a Ford Sierra (and not even the really quick ones) will set you back more than an Aston, I feel like I've missed something somewhere. ???
I think what made the LC special is, even today, it's not short on power, and there were no real compromises, its a big, comfy semi-exec saloon. You can hold a conversation in one at 140 (so I've heard, obviously) easier than many cars doing 40 without having to raise you voice. And its 35 years old. Thats how ahead of it's time it was.
At the time, the Granada was a crock with that old 2.8, though shortly followed by the better 2.9, Rover was doing the 800 Vitesse, and that was about it for European big execs.
Obviously, from a technology and gadget perspective, if thats your thing, its badly dated - mobile phones weren't really a thing for most people, let alone smartphone control of the car. Looks wise from the exterior it looks like, well, a 1990s Vauxhall.
I wouldn't own one now, because I would not be able to keep it in the condition it needs to be kept in, and few remaining need to be kept tip top for the future.
A true icon.
......or torque.
419 lb ft of twist is impressive even in 2025. :y
This ^^^^^
People seem obsessed with BHP these days, but on most cars max BHP is usually about 4500-5000 RPM, and that's not a region you can drive comfortably in. Torque is a better measure of the driveability and acceleration available, and a nice flat torque curve from tickover to red line is much preferable to a peaky torque curve which is typical on highly tuned "max BHP" engines.
The LC is a big heavy old bus, but if your clutch will take it can supposedly do 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. That was excellent in 1990, but is perhaps less amazing today. However, IIRC 60-120 was also something like 6 seconds, and that's were the torque of the big old bus still excels. It doesn't really run out of grunt till north of 160.
I've never checked if it is actually true, but there was a tale that the LC produced more torque at tickover (or 1500 RPM?) than the 3.0L 24V engine in the GSi Carlton did at full chat. Might be bolleux though.
Hi Malcolm, I love the LC and they are indeed quick but the 6second time you quoted is 60mph to 100mph. If it was 60 to 120 it would be a ridiculously fast machine 👍👍
Yep. I have the original Autocar road test from 1990.
60 in 5.1
100 in 11.1
120 in 15.5
So 6 seconds to go from 60-100mph and 10.4 to go from 60-120. :y
Still properly quick.
-
Indeed as I suggested earlier 👍
-
And some decent slightly bigger more efficient billet wheels in a bored out housing on the feeble t25s (similar to t28) and it’s a proper weapon with a remap👍. I’d love one😎
-
Following a remap my XFR made around 600BHP.
That managed 60 in 4.2 and 100 in 8.7secs according to Racelogic.
Once it was hooked up (rear drive only) it was a proper missile. :y
-
How many " driver aids" come into play with the 600bhp though ?
My ideal car for the imaginary empty B roads I would like to drive along would weigh around 700kgs and have around 300bhp, with rear wheel drive, LSD, and no electronics to interfere with things.
-
How many " driver aids" come into play with the 600bhp though ?
My ideal car for the imaginary empty B roads I would like to drive along would weigh around 700kgs and have around 300bhp, with rear wheel drive, LSD, and no electronics to interfere with things.
Apart from your pacemaker and your brain implant? ;D
-
How many " driver aids" come into play with the 600bhp though ?
My ideal car for the imaginary empty B roads I would like to drive along would weigh around 700kgs and have around 300bhp, with rear wheel drive, LSD, and no electronics to interfere with things.
You've just described a 300BHP 'Emma Peel' Lotus Elan.....and even the Elan sprint only had 126BHP.
No, what you need is 230BHP pushing around 180KG.....although you'll need to lose a couple of wheels. >:D
Of course at your age life expectancy will probably be less than an hour. ;)
-
Cant allow my mind to wander towards bikes. ::)
-
How many " driver aids" come into play with the 600bhp though ?
My ideal car for the imaginary empty B roads I would like to drive along would weigh around 700kgs and have around 300bhp, with rear wheel drive, LSD, and no electronics to interfere with things.
That would indeed be a fearsome thing. Ariel atom perhaps.if I have my way the kit car will be over 300bhp but a portly 1100kg ;D. Not sure the chassis can be made suitable however ;(
-
How many " driver aids" come into play with the 600bhp though ?
My ideal car for the imaginary empty B roads I would like to drive along would weigh around 700kgs and have around 300bhp, with rear wheel drive, LSD, and no electronics to interfere with things.
That would indeed be a fearsome thing. Ariel atom perhaps.if I have my way the kit car will be over 300bhp but a portly 1100kg ;D. Not sure the chassis can be made suitable however ;(
Macca F1 weighs around 1100KG and sports 627BHP. Owning one may be a financial stretch even for a wealthy man such as you. >:D
-
Macca F1 weighs around 1100KG and sports 627BHP. Owning one may be a financial stretch even for a wealthy man such as you. >:D
This the Bugatti EB110 and AC Cobra 427 were the cars on my bedroom wall growing up. Along with the usual scantily clad ladies, obviously ;D. Sadly I doubt I'll be buying any of those three in original guise, unless my numbers on the Euros come up obviously! On the subject of the kit, a 4.2 supercharged Jag lump would give roughly the same power and torque as the 427cu of the original, which is tempting and no more expensive than a 300bhp build, but I am slightly concerned it would turn the chassis into a pretzel.
If the aim is to scare oneself silly, £40k on an aeriel atom, and £5-10k to take it up to 500bhp would suffice. c750 bhp/tonne ought to be enough to pucker anyone's cheeks I would have thought. :o
-
Macca F1 weighs around 1100KG and sports 627BHP. Owning one may be a financial stretch even for a wealthy man such as you. >:D
This the Bugatti EB110 and AC Cobra 427 were the cars on my bedroom wall growing up. Along with the usual scantily clad ladies, obviously ;D. Sadly I doubt I'll be buying any of those three in original guise, unless my numbers on the Euros come up obviously! On the subject of the kit, a 4.2 supercharged Jag lump would give roughly the same power and torque as the 427cu of the original, which is tempting and no more expensive than a 300bhp build, but I am slightly concerned it would turn the chassis into a pretzel.
If the aim is to scare oneself silly, £40k on an aeriel atom, and £5-10k to take it up to 500bhp would suffice. c750 bhp/tonne ought to be enough to pucker anyone's cheeks I would have thought. :o
.
The Cobra would be the one & only car on my wish list, when I lived in Croydon back in the eighties a guy down our road had a classic car business, one weekend he brought one home the registration was COB1 it was the best looking & sounding vehicle I have seen in my life, the car & plate if still around must be worth a small fortune now.
-
If real, I suspect the fortune would be not so small! Given that some good kits (like the one Aaronjb was builder) can run north of £50k these days.
-
Macca F1 weighs around 1100KG and sports 627BHP. Owning one may be a financial stretch even for a wealthy man such as you. >:D
This the Bugatti EB110 and AC Cobra 427 were the cars on my bedroom wall growing up. Along with the usual scantily clad ladies, obviously ;D. Sadly I doubt I'll be buying any of those three in original guise, unless my numbers on the Euros come up obviously! On the subject of the kit, a 4.2 supercharged Jag lump would give roughly the same power and torque as the 427cu of the original, which is tempting and no more expensive than a 300bhp build, but I am slightly concerned it would turn the chassis into a pretzel.
If the aim is to scare oneself silly, £40k on an aeriel atom, and £5-10k to take it up to 500bhp would suffice. c750 bhp/tonne ought to be enough to pucker anyone's cheeks I would have thought. :o
The Cobra, yes please. Specifically GTM 777F finished in demonic black. I've always seen the EB110 as a 'leaden lump' ( much like a chubby girlfriend of old) so not for me.
Macca F1 ...yes please. Perhaps Jay Leno will let me have his. >:D
-
https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared (https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared)
This one please. Pretty please. >:D
-
https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared (https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared)
This one please. Pretty please. >:D
I've never seen this vid, thank you Opti. Apparently GTM 777F was owned by John Woolfe, along with its sister competition car GTM 700F, some heritage! Interesting that they were almost exactly twice the cost of an E-type when new. But still less than 1/3 of the cost of a 250 GTO. ;D
-
https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared (https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared)
This one please. Pretty please. >:D
I've never seen this vid, thank you Opti. Apparently GTM 777F was owned by John Woolfe, along with its sister competition car GTM 700F, some heritage! Interesting that they were almost exactly twice the cost of an E-type when new. But still less than 1/3 of the cost of a 250 GTO. ;D
The car was originally LHD before being having the wheel moved to the correct side. It is a 1965 427 but wears a 1967/68 'F' plate.
I'm guessing this is when the car was converted to RHD.
I imagine it's history makes it one of the most valuable 427 Cobra around. I haven't given up all hope of owning it one day. >:D
-
https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared (https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared)
This one please. Pretty please. >:D
I've never seen this vid, thank you Opti. Apparently GTM 777F was owned by John Woolfe, along with its sister competition car GTM 700F, some heritage! Interesting that they were almost exactly twice the cost of an E-type when new. But still less than 1/3 of the cost of a 250 GTO. ;D
The car was originally LHD before being having the wheel moved to the correct side. It is a 1965 427 but wears a 1967/68 'F' plate.
I'm guessing this is when the car was converted to RHD.
I imagine it's history makes it one of the most valuable 427 Cobra around. I haven't given up all hope of owning it one day. >:D
.
Did you see Bangers & Cash where the kit Cobra went for well over its estimate? Last weeks episode lovely looking example. Just to satisfy my curiosity COB 1 is still around according to the DVLA website.
-
https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared (https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared)
This one please. Pretty please. >:D
I've never seen this vid, thank you Opti. Apparently GTM 777F was owned by John Woolfe, along with its sister competition car GTM 700F, some heritage! Interesting that they were almost exactly twice the cost of an E-type when new. But still less than 1/3 of the cost of a 250 GTO. ;D
The car was originally LHD before being having the wheel moved to the correct side. It is a 1965 427 but wears a 1967/68 'F' plate.
I'm guessing this is when the car was converted to RHD.
I imagine it's history makes it one of the most valuable 427 Cobra around. I haven't given up all hope of owning it one day. >:D
.
Did you see Bangers & Cash where the kit Cobra went for well over its estimate? Last weeks episode lovely looking example. Just to satisfy my curiosity COB 1 is still around according to the DVLA website.
If it was the red one with a Chevy lump then yes.....although I didn't see what it went for. It looked a lovely example with a body shape faithful to the original car. :y
-
Some of the kits are incredibly faithful reproductions, particularly the ally bodied ones, they are costly though!
-
As a youngster there was a kid who owned a a very poor copy of a Porsche 917 finished in blue and orange gulf Porsche colours.
From memory it appeared to be about two thirds the size of the real car and would only dupe one or two people blessed with the gift of sight.
Pretty sure it used the 875cc engine from the Hillman Imp. >:D
-
https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared (https://youtu.be/6XTZLcywhwI?feature=shared)
This one please. Pretty please. >:D
I've never seen this vid, thank you Opti. Apparently GTM 777F was owned by John Woolfe, along with its sister competition car GTM 700F, some heritage! Interesting that they were almost exactly twice the cost of an E-type when new. But still less than 1/3 of the cost of a 250 GTO. ;D
The car was originally LHD before being having the wheel moved to the correct side. It is a 1965 427 but wears a 1967/68 'F' plate.
I'm guessing this is when the car was converted to RHD.
I imagine it's history makes it one of the most valuable 427 Cobra around. I haven't given up all hope of owning it one day. >:D
.
Did you see Bangers & Cash where the kit Cobra went for well over its estimate? Last weeks episode lovely looking example. Just to satisfy my curiosity COB 1 is still around according to the DVLA website.
If it was the red one with a Chevy lump then yes.....although I didn't see what it went for. It looked a lovely example with a body shape faithful to the original car. :y
.
I think it went for around £40,000 & the estimate was £20,000- £25,000, COB 1 passed its MOT in March of this year it's a 1968 model year.
-
VXR8, a bit of a project, for under £7000.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167691223727
-
VXR8, a bit of a project, for under £7000.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167691223727
So he's rebuilt the engine with a load of upgrades and now it's developed a funny noise.. Might be a bargain, but a bit of a punt, as it might be a nightmare of amateur engine tuning ineptitude.
-
Indeed. :y
-
VXR8, a bit of a project, for under £7000.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167691223727
So he's rebuilt the engine with a load of upgrades and now it's developed a funny noise.. Might be a bargain, but a bit of a punt, as it might be a nightmare of amateur engine tuning ineptitude.
Not to mention the wrong gearbox
-
VXR8, a bit of a project, for under £7000.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167691223727
So he's rebuilt the engine with a load of upgrades and now it's developed a funny noise.. Might be a bargain, but a bit of a punt, as it might be a nightmare of amateur engine tuning ineptitude.
Not to mention the wrong gearbox
Indeed. Hadn't spotted that.
-
Watched some car auction results on YouTube yesterday, don't know if it was the same Lotus Carlton that's being referred to in the original post , but if it was it didn't sell, however some fast Fords reached well in excess of their reserves.