What do you make of this car?

[Fequalsmxa]

What do you Ultima gurus make of this vehicle?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/u...


Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Storer]

Challenging colours but a lot of time and effort has been spent on the body modifications.

Not to everybody's taste but the basics are there for a good car.

If you can get past the colour, the rest is not too bad.



Paul

[Steve_D]

Advert says it is Factory built.
Certainly did not come from the Factory looking like that.

Steve

[deadscoob]

If you like the colour, interior and body mods it looks ok from pics.

If you like the bodywork, but not the colour or interior, I'd guess at £10k + to change.

[Abbosevolution]

Depending on what your main use for the car will be, road or track, I'd speak to Peter Knight and confirm the engines suitability for your chosen use. Its great having a race engine with lots if power but on the road its manners will be tiring and continual rebuilds will become expensive and tedious.

[Nabbott]

IMHO it looks like it's been fairly comprehensively whacked with the ugly stick (but each to their own). This car was up for sale when I was looking ....... Only 500 miles since 2012 - that sets my alarm bells ringing too.

Mr Knight builds great engines (and is super helpful) but would follow Abbosevolution's advice - as my car HAD a highly tuned SBC engine from him as well - turned out to be wholly unsuitable for the road! Dependent upon what he says about the build/spec I'd decide on a test drive (difficult in this weather).

Problem is that your choices are limited this time of year. In a another couple of months they'll be x2 the number of 'standard' cars up for sale. Were I shopping at that price I'd go for a standard car with a lesser BHP motor (less prone to histrionics) - probably cheaper and easier to drive.

Regardless be interested to hear how you go!

[F.C.]

Fequalsmxa said:

What do you Ultima gurus make of this vehicle?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/u...


Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Seen this car in the flesh, its been up for sale a good while now and the price has come down a fair way, IIRC it was up for £50K around two years ago.
I'd say there was a lot of money thrown at this car.

The build looked good and if you like the "style" inside and out probably not a bad buy but I would want to drive it in traffic for a while to see if it really is a road going car or a pain in the proverbial in normal to slow traffic.
You could end up spending a few bob re-thinking the engine build.

[confusionhunter]

Yea I've seen this on the classified before for a lot more. While clearly there's been a lot of money spent on it its been done to a 'Niche' taste which has limited its target audience (and unfortunately its value on an open market). However.... if you are looking for a car to make your own and do a bit of rebuilding work. I think there could be a few neat tricks to bring it bang in line with modern styling and widen its appeal and value. Also echo the race motor comments, sound great for drags and track use but may need tweaks for road use perhaps?

So all up that seems like a fair price and if its up your street a potential bargain.

[confusionhunter]

OK, I've just looked at the advert again and actually I'm thinking there is some serious potential here on the bodywork side. Its clear the bodywork has been done by someone who can create a good finish and it does look top quality work. Some of it I really like. I think it may just be so different from the norm for an ultima its just not what buyers have in their head when preparing to buy one!

IMHO, I think it you were to do the following relatively small mods as part of a project would widen the appeal/value and change it from a niche appeal to a more desirable Gumball type car. Its like its has the colour of a std car but the shape of a race car!
Some thoughts:
- A colour coded sun strip in white on the windscreen.
- apply Lamin X tint to the headlights (also hiding the screws)
- black wrap to the side splitter on the front clip and the dive planes
- I'd suggest selling the plate separately if the motivation is there
- remove the side intake scoops (or replace for traditional ones)
- replace to standard wheel centre caps
- replace the interior floor carpet for black
- replace the rear lights for std LED but retaining the grille as is

OR.... give it a Lemans LMP style wrap and I think you'd be on a winner, the car already has some decent looking aero mods....

Lastly I thought twice about posting this as every person has their own taste and I know for a fact there are many folk that wouldn't want my car over another Ultima etc. I hope this post is taken in the spirit intended, which is love for all ultimas and a vested interest in keep Ultima residual value high

If the owner/seller has issues with my comments drop me a PM and I'll happily remove. But personally, I think the above mods would make it more 'race car' and even in done photoshop would widen the appeal.

I mean, look at this..... its not a million miles away? and this below is much more my cup of tea for 'race car':

Edited by confusionhunter on Monday 25th January 20:56

Edited by confusionhunter on Monday 25th January 20:57

[Fequalsmxa]

Thanks very much for your input on the car. I agree with you regarding colour, it’s not to my taste either.

I’ve been in contact with the seller, I’m trying to organise a date to view. I don’t suppose any of you kind gents (who are located in or around the Middlesex area) would like to take time out of there day to view the vehicle with myself? I’ll be traveling from the North East.

I know it’s a long shot but I would like someone with me who’s experienced with the Ultimas.

[Brother D]

Anyone know what happened to Jon Olson's Rebellion (I don't think that was the final incarnation show above - I recall it was for sale in Spain or somewhere)?

[2001ultima]

If you can get a good deal, you could always purchase a new front and rear clip and paint the car any color you like. Black would match the interior. Looks like only the dash cover and seats have the rust color, wouldn't be difficult, two new seats or have the seats recovered. Changing the dash leather would be the biggest pain but possible. Hard to tell from the photo if the front clip is using the original hinge but it kind of looks like it. I like the built on front brake cooling ducts.

[Grandad Gaz]

Steve_D said:

Advert says it is Factory built.
Certainly did not come from the Factory looking like that.

Steve

I'm pretty sure it was UltimaSimon who had it originally. Interior is as it was, when built. Exterior was a standard silver GTR. I last saw this at RAF Marham 10 years or so ago when it was owned by a guy from South Africa (I think)
Bodywork has been altered since then.

[Paul.B]

Grandad Gaz said:

I'm pretty sure it was UltimaSimon who had it originally. Interior is as it was, when built. Exterior was a standard silver GTR. I last saw this at RAF Marham 10 years or so ago when it was owned by a guy from South Africa (I think)
Bodywork has been altered since then.

IIRC the first owner was a 'Night Club Owner' and yes the car was factory built. (Not sure if they did the interior though!) It then had a big engine failure and that is when Simon bought the car. He had a rear clip opening 'experience' and then it all gets a bit hazy in my memory!!!!
As with any purchase, go and see and make your own mind up. Although not to all tastes the quality of work does look good.

[JONSCZ]

Fequalsmxa, you should have a PM (private email message) - it's not about this particular car, just an idea of someone who might go and see the car with you.