Local fete.

[chrisfell]

Took my recently polished bag of nails to a local village fete where one villager likes to invite classics of all stripes. For the first time there were three Es, usually I’m on my own amongst various other marques.








There were some other interesting vehicles.

This is a Daimler truck from the days before pneumatic tyres.


I minded the colour less than the actual car.


Is this just another Mini with wide wheels under wheel arch extensions?

Nope! Not with the big block V8 under the bonnet! I’m no expert, Ford maybe?

The unregistered red E in the first photo seems to be a bitsa. Looks like a LHD S1, but has flat hub wheels and an auto box. And no badge bar in the nose. It was “presented” by a local restoration business. Hmmm!

And finally, ...........

[PeterCrespin]

I think you’re right about the V8. Chevvys have the dizzy at the back AFAIK .

I believe most 59 Caddies came with a newly-launched mini tucked in the boot under the spare. A bit like a yacht tender when you leave the big boat at anchor and come in for your evening truffles and prosecco by 18 foot ski boat.

[JerryL770]

It's not a Chrysler either which had the dizzy on the left side of the engine in that view.

[Series1 Stu]

My money is on Ford small block. I'm sure our Transatlantic cousins will enlighten us.

Quite why they went this way rather than the much lighter Rover V8 or more tunable Chevy small block is a mystery to me.

Regards

[chrisfell]

Word from the colonies is big block Ford.

[288gto]

[malcolm]

Well discovered Simon!

[bobsnicholson]

That Mini must be a hoot on the road. Want one want one.

[Series1 Stu]

How about this one!







Even sillier? Twin turbos and 800bhp. Drive train must be about 70% of total weight.

Regards

[bobsnicholson]

I have a BM M5 with 560 BHP and know how quick it is, how must these Minis go, frightening.....but fun.

[SEJohnson95]

Surely I'm not the only one wondering about the unregistered S1 with a variety of "obvious" errors - did they keep the bonnet down throughout the show?

[Series1 Stu]

That's subjective Simon.

What is the difference between a modification and an error?

There's no excuse for poor workmanship but people have the right to do what they want with their cars without criticism from the rest of us. It seems you would hate my car which isn't the original colour scheme, has XJS vented front brakes, series 2 rear brakes, DB6 wheels (flat hub), aluminium radiator, Rob Beere modified engine and T5 gearbox. It's a terrible mutt of a car, I suppose.

At least that car was out there being displayed for the general public to see and maybe be inspired to take up the hobby, preferably favouring our cars. I can't imagine you'd get a 100 point concours car at a local fete and if you did most people would probably be oblivious to the fact anyway.

Live and let live. We all share a passion.

Regards

[chrisfell]

The unregistered S1 which has flat hub wheels, no badge bar and was LHD, kept its bonnet shut all the time. It was presented by a local restoration house. In fact quite a few cars were from local businesses, including the Fiat 500 electric car.

At last years show the pink caddie would have been put in its place by a pink Roller.


“Harrison” (yes, really) is a 1935 Rolls Royce 2025. In 1997 it took part in the commemorative Peking to Paris rally. 10,000 miles, much along unmade roads. It is painted FT pink, at the request of one of the sponsors of the car in the rally. ‘Spose it helps that the owner had at some time been Lord Mayor of London.

[SEJohnson95]

Some interesting points Stu, and I’m merely promoting discussion.

Richard’s 3.8 - despite being as original as reasonably possible, is not without its modifications. New style repro radiator, 5 speed gearbox, Fosseway braking system, the list goes on. Similarly, John Darvell’s (V12 Epyte) has a stunning walnut dash in his V12 2+2 - is it original? Far from it. Does it suit the car? It rather does. I love it. Finishes the car off beautifully.

I’m not against modifying cars - far from it, but I do have a preference for originality where is practically possible.

We do all share a passion, and of someone turns up with an E-type, let me make it abundantly clear that I am in admiration of them for continuing the history of the car.


It depends what the company in question set out to achieve. If their task was to return another rotten E to the road, the they have certainly done a commendable job. If they are after originality, then the game is different. Particularly if the customer does not want that, for whatever reason. I am more concerned about all the other malicious activities involving E-types over the last few years, that’s all

I should like to point out that the two cars in particular which fired my imagination for E-types were a series 3 heavily modified by Eagle (99 MB, Martin Brundle’s OTS he drove to Spa in 2012) and a “driver’s S2 OTS which has spent most of its life on a S3 registration number - the very car which I am currently writing a lovely story about for the E-type magazine.

My first E-Type will not doubt be anywhere near the standard of any of the members’ fantastic car I’ve had the pleasure of admiring with my own eyes.

And so far as my current level of “ownership” goes - my model is broken again. Lower wishbones and track rod ends shot to high hell for the nth time.

[Robbiee]

Hi Simon
You are a fantastic example of a young , true enthusiast with a clear passion for Etypes
My (3) daughters , all around your age, love being driven in my Etype but don’t have your enthusiasm to own and rebuild one...it took me to 52 years before I started my project!

Perhaps we should all crowd fund to get you one of your own!!

Keep us talking, asking questions and stimulating discussion

Sorry I can’t make Tissington tomorrow...it’s only 3 miles up the road from us...but I’m working all day in the operating theatre (at my age...crazy)
My wife might fire up the beast and come

Have fun
Robbie

[SEJohnson95]

Hi Robbie

I suppose that’s one way of putting it - I hope I retain reasonable levels of enthusiasm for a few more years yet!

Crowdfunding? I wouldn’t say no to that

After me dithering and saying I’m not coming to Tissington - I now am decided to come up to glorious Derbyshire for the weekend to do a few things. Sorry you can’t make it, but if your wife gets the chance to pop up then great - I think we’re on for a good turnout!