Hi all,
So I think it's about time I started a thread of my own after browsing through everybody else's inspiring projects.
Before we get to my new acquisition, a little bit about myself.
In the heart of Cheshire I've always been mad on classics, my first love being Hillman Imps and their badge engineered variants of which I've had several.
My last was this beauty:
An early 1965 Imp Basic which I had the pleasure of making my own. The factory 875cc was replaced by a Talbot sourced 930cc with Imp Sport spec twin Strombergs, breathed on cylinder head and a Sport exhaust system which made it rather fun to drive.
It was lowered and fitted with minilites later on. A big go kart really. In 2015 it won Second Place at the Hillman Imp Club National Rally which I was ecstatic about.
Here it is at my one time home at Little Moreton Hall National Trust property for a short while with my fiancee.
Also had a year with an MGB GT. After driving Imps for several years I anticipated that the 'sports car' MG would be more sporting to drive than it actually was. Granted it was good fun and had the makings of a sports car but it always felt lethargic compared to the free revving, roller skate like Imp and this one handled a bit like a narrow boat. Rust around the rear wings meant I moved on. To France of all places I believe...
Having met my now partner and becoming engaged I wanted something a little bigger, less noisy, smelly and riotous than the Imp. Something a bit more practical that we could bomb up to Scotland in for breaks etc, but still remaining resolutely retro at heart. Can't abide this modern stuff.
My family have always owned Volvos so a 240 was a natural choice. Always wanted one. Looked for ages to find a good top spec GLT but in the end this late SE turned up.
Once again I put far to much time and probably to much money into getting it to look and go as well as can be. It was a late 1992 electronic ECU injection car and I spent many weekends practically rebuilding the whole injection system. I fiddled and fiddled getting it spot on, making sure it was fit to take to shows. Got everything working and shining like new.
At Gawsworth Hall YoungTimers show.
Tatton Park Volvo Owners club stand.
Sadly after much time and effort spent getting it how I wanted it, a nice lady decided to pull out of me on a main road without any warning. Resulting in...
So the hunt was on for another suitably practical classic to 'attempt' to use as my daily driver....
I realise I've not even got around to my P6 yet but I've run out of time for now.
Watch this space...
So I think it's about time I started a thread of my own after browsing through everybody else's inspiring projects.
Before we get to my new acquisition, a little bit about myself.
In the heart of Cheshire I've always been mad on classics, my first love being Hillman Imps and their badge engineered variants of which I've had several.
My last was this beauty:
An early 1965 Imp Basic which I had the pleasure of making my own. The factory 875cc was replaced by a Talbot sourced 930cc with Imp Sport spec twin Strombergs, breathed on cylinder head and a Sport exhaust system which made it rather fun to drive.
It was lowered and fitted with minilites later on. A big go kart really. In 2015 it won Second Place at the Hillman Imp Club National Rally which I was ecstatic about.
Here it is at my one time home at Little Moreton Hall National Trust property for a short while with my fiancee.
Also had a year with an MGB GT. After driving Imps for several years I anticipated that the 'sports car' MG would be more sporting to drive than it actually was. Granted it was good fun and had the makings of a sports car but it always felt lethargic compared to the free revving, roller skate like Imp and this one handled a bit like a narrow boat. Rust around the rear wings meant I moved on. To France of all places I believe...
Having met my now partner and becoming engaged I wanted something a little bigger, less noisy, smelly and riotous than the Imp. Something a bit more practical that we could bomb up to Scotland in for breaks etc, but still remaining resolutely retro at heart. Can't abide this modern stuff.
My family have always owned Volvos so a 240 was a natural choice. Always wanted one. Looked for ages to find a good top spec GLT but in the end this late SE turned up.
Once again I put far to much time and probably to much money into getting it to look and go as well as can be. It was a late 1992 electronic ECU injection car and I spent many weekends practically rebuilding the whole injection system. I fiddled and fiddled getting it spot on, making sure it was fit to take to shows. Got everything working and shining like new.
At Gawsworth Hall YoungTimers show.
Tatton Park Volvo Owners club stand.
Sadly after much time and effort spent getting it how I wanted it, a nice lady decided to pull out of me on a main road without any warning. Resulting in...
So the hunt was on for another suitably practical classic to 'attempt' to use as my daily driver....
I realise I've not even got around to my P6 yet but I've run out of time for now.
Watch this space...
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