next car advise

[Ambleton]

I'm having a bit of a think:

My pembleton is a beautiful machine and great fun, but it has its issues.

1) it's quite small internally and really is a squeeze for 2 people width wise. Im tall at 6ft 5 and the cockpit is quite short. As a result my knees are quite bent, yet my back is bolt upright. I cant drive it for more than an hour at a time do to my posture etc.

2) it really is very open

3) its noisy and quite slow

4) I dont have a tonneau cover/any weather protection at all

I could improve things very slightly by making an expanding foam seat, so I essentially sit on the floor, and make a cover for it. My worry its that even if I do these things, it will still be uncomfortable etc...

However its a really special machine and looks the nuts, and gets lots of attention everywhere.

So its got me thinking about replacing it with something a little more refined, a bit faster a little bigger. Ive seen a few westfield wide bodies for sale, I'm not overly fussed about the spec as it will be a lot faster and flatter than the pembleton anyway. Im not particularly interested in a featherweight bike engined hill climb weapon, more of a longer legged fastish road car.

I've been to see one locally and confirm I do fit, although snug, not uncomfy like the pembleton. Was a relatively basic spec with a freshly rebuilt pinto 200miles ago, full weather gear and doors, and tonneau cover and a 1998 build on a q plate. Generally okay condition, but could be tip top in a few weekends...

Now I don't know what to do... suggestions welcome

[ugg10]

I would look at the Sylva sportscars offerings, under new owners after Jeremy Philips retired, rear engine so good cockpit space (small tunnel) good choice of engine will fit from 1.6 zetec se, through celica 190, to 300hp+ Focus st turbos or just use the donor mgf vc engine. Extremely well engineered and classic 60's looks.

http://www.sylvasportscars.co.uk

[ugg10]

I would look at the Sylva sportscars offerings, under new owners after Jeremy Philips retired, rear engine so good cockpit space (small tunnel) good choice of engine will fit from 1.6 zetec se, through celica 190, to 300hp+ Focus st turbos or just use the donor mgf vc engine. Extremely well engineered and classic 60's looks.

http://www.sylvasportscars.co.uk

[Doofus]

I love the J10, or whatever that Sylva is called these days. You could also consider a Fisher Fury, Sammio or Miglia. Or even a Marlin; these can be had quite cheap if you're useful with a spanner. To fettle the car with, not threaten the seller.

[Ambleton]

I do like that a lot!

Unfortunately I dont have the time or space to build one at the moment. And with an imminent house purchase in the next 12months, I cant really afford a new factory build one. I dont mind a car that needs tidying a bit but mechanically sound, but I'm not in a position to build one I'm afraid.

Budget of up to £10 k max, but prefer £8kish.

I really like the look of the tiger hs6 too, but again, expensive new and I've bit an asecond hand one for sale... plus I dont know how big they are internally...

[ugg10]

Ginetta g20, although I don't think they made it with anything other then an aeroscreen, g27 may be worth a search though, screen and hood.

[Doofus]

ugg10 said:

Ginetta g20, although I don't think they made it with anything other then an aeroscreen, g27 may be worth a search though, screen and hood.

The G20 had a full screen in the USA. I doubt you'd get a G20 for £10k or less though.

[ugg10]

Doofus said:

The G20 had a full screen in the USA. I doubt you'd get a G20 for £10k or less though.

Probably get an ex race one and then IVA in the uk, ex race ones tend to go for around £7k if you are patient.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ginetta-G20-Race-car-sui...

Edited by ugg10 on Sunday 4th December 13:16

[dern]

Similar body shape to the Sylva is the SSC Stylus. I'm 6'2" and have loads of room, much less snug than a westfield. The curved screen really really good protection to.

This is mine that I've currently got up for sale and I'm trying something different after 5 years with it...



It's almost in your budget and is very quick (400bhp) and although it's road legal I'm not sure it fits your criteria of being road biased. More refined examples are available though.

Regards,

Mark

[Ambleton]

Well after driving that local westfield for sale I dont think it felt anywhere special enough. It was actually very fast. It had a very agressive cam on it and when pushed to over 4k rpm seemed to go beserk. It had a live rear axle and the engine had been skimmed, bored and rebuilt with new pistons and rings less than 200miles ago, and a competition clutch which seemed to be on/off.

Having spoken to my wife, and a few other people, I've decided to keep the pembleton until we buy a house next year. Then build myself a new pembleton wide cockpit LWB, probably with a moto guzzi IE engine to make it a lot more spritely and a bit quieter (70% more power) with decent silencers.

That way I can build it exactly to my spec and I will fit in it with comfort, and still feel special enough! I might even consider building it with high sides/scuttle and a full V screen!

For now the first job is to find a house with a suitable garage, then locate a 2cv donor and bike donor then once all the parts are stripped, clean and overhauled, order the chassis!

Edited by Ambleton on Tuesday 13th December 19:19

[Doofus]

Are wide bodies and lwb options for the Pembleton then? I came close to building a Brooklands four or five years ago, but I worried it would be a bit snug.

I kept the Guzzi motor that I'd bought for it until around six months ago, when I finally sold it.

[Ambleton]

Yes, phils new lwb chassis have an extra 8" of length and 4" of width in the cockpit!

Shame you sold your guzzi motor, i'd have had it off you in a heartbeat!

[Doofus]

Ambleton said:

Shame you sold your guzzi motor, i'd have had it off you in a heartbeat!

That's what I thought. Which is why I mentioned it