Burble, burble, throb

[wuvvum]

I picked up my new toy last night.

 

 

It was originally a 2300S, but has been fitted with the V8 engine, autobox and other running gear (brakes, suspension, diff etc) from a completely rotten Vanden Plas that the seller also owned. The VdP was originally an EFI, but the chap converted the engine to carbs as it was less hassle. I don't mind - one less electrical thing to go wrong.

 

 

The engine has supposedly had a recent bottom end rebuild - I have nothing to prove or disprove this but it doesn't knock or breathe and the oil pressure is good so I'm assuming it is probably true. The autobox also had a rebuild in February this year, at a total cost of £428. It was done by a specialist in Norwich who, according to a couple of people I've spoken to who know about these things, knows what he's doing. It certainly seems to shift nice and smoothly. The engine also pulls far better than the one in my old P6 - it's not a stupidly fast car but it's got more than enough grunt for overtaking etc. I'm not quite used to the steering yet though - it seems even lighter and even more devoid of feel than the 2600S I had last year.

 

It's also been fitted with the leather interior from the VdP:

 

 

The leather does need a bit of loving, especially on the driver's seat, but there's no rips and the seats are comfy enough. It hasn't had the cruise control or trip computer fitted, but the seller still has these if I ever feel the need. Everything else seems to work OK, although it has the usual slightly sluggish wipers, and the speedo doesn't work at the moment - seller reckons there's a broken wire between the transducer and the dash pod.

 

It's also bloody solid for an SD1 - even the back arches are solid, although the chap did have to do a bit of welding (surprisingly well done - I wouldn't have noticed if he hadn't pointed it out) on the bottom edge of the NSR arch. Everywhere else is good. The paintwork isn't perfect - the lacquer has gone a bit funny on the bonnet and the NSF wing - but it's perfectly presentable, and a lot tidier than the 2600. It's tested till next February so got plenty of time to have some fun, as long as I can afford to keep feeding the V8.

[mouseflakes]

That looks splendid!

[ashmicro]

That's excellent, top buy. IMHO the trip computers are trouble anyway.

[ProgRocker]

Oh nice! I'll keep my eyes peeled for it.

[TagoraSX]

Very nice.

[danthecapriman]

Very nice.

Another car ive always wanted but never owned. Maybe one day.

[trigger]

Top work, That's lovely

[Skizzer]

Very nice.

Another car ive always wanted but never owned. Maybe one day.

+1. Waft-tastic. Jealous

[STUNO]

Welcome to the club wuvvum.Oh and I have just spent 2/3 of what mine cost on a front suspension overhaul, it's lovely now.

[Pete-M]

Proper cars aren't they?

 

I wish someone would hurry up and buy mine.

[nigel bickle]

Makes me feel I should recommission the Vitesse - till I remember the fuel consumption.

 

Nope - it can stay where it is for now.

 

Nice car that though -enjoy it till 'reality' hits home

[GJR 11L]

Feeling a strange sensation. SD1 Desire? V8 lust? Tailpipe man-style urges? Not the last thank Goodness, but a little of each of the first two.

 

These are such bloody lovely cars.