I'm having so much fun :)

[GBinUSA]

I can't believe how much fun I'm having in my 280i. After 6 years with a Lotus Esprit S1 and worrying about the timing belt breaking, or the carbs over fueling and spilling fuel on the dizzy, or things just generally getting way too hot in the engine compartment - the 280i is a complete blast in comparison. It's so easy to drive and has an unbelieveable grin factor. Yeah it's only a 6 cylinder and so lacks the punch of the 8 cars but who cares, the smile per mile is massive. It really makes we wonder why these cars are not appreciated more.

So glad I decided to give a Wedge another chance. My first experience was somewhat disappointing but this new car has been a complete night and day experience. Advice to potential future owners..... Buy the best car you possible can, don't go cheap. Unless you get off on the DIY stuff that is. Pay the extra and save yourself the headaches and frustrations.

I'm a proud member of the Wedge appreciation society.

[GBinUSA]

Hi Robert,

Glad to hear the clutch Is feeling better. I wouldn't wish a clutch job on anyone.

[GBinUSA]

Lovely afternoon today....so I took the wedge up into the hills around where I live. About 800 miles clocked since I got it and not a hick up.

[GBinUSA]

Hi Toby,

My car is a 1986 280i Series 2. The VIN is 019318. I once thought that the body was only spec'd for North American cars but there is currently a UK 280i Series 2 on ebay with the same body treatment:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-280i-2-8-CONVERTIBLE...

I suspect the production run was very limited before the 280i was dropped. There is a 280i Series 3 that is / was owned by Mr Tank which has the same sill panels but slightly different rear valance. I understand that just a handful of Series 3 were made:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIdLmMomtJA

I am not sure if the flared arches are part of the mould or were grafted on, or if the sill panels were used on other cars. They look very similar to the 400 body sills but I think I read that the sills on those cars were part of the body mould.

Personally, the one thing I don't like on my car is the bonnet. I would much prefer a 400 bonnet with it's softer lines.

Cheers,

Gavin.

Edited by GBinUSA on Sunday 17th May 15:58

[GBinUSA]

That would be nice Zig

[GBinUSA]

Nice picture Jon.

A couple of subtle differences in the body spec that I can see. You have the S1 door mirrors and shinny door handles and boot hinges. No bright work on the US cars.

[GBinUSA]

Sounds like a neat hood setup. Do you find it practical?

I was thinking about removing my AC system. It seems totally redundant in a car of this style. Not having the components in the engine bay will make maintenance a bit easier and removing the condenser from ahead of the radiator should improve the cooling efficiency.

[GBinUSA]

The Esprit S1 is actually a very reliable car IF maintained correctly. The biggest issue is the heat soak in the engine compartment. It just kills the life of anything that's rubber. Hence the need for frequent timing belt replacements. The other issue is the placement of the distributor immediately below the carbs. lots of cars have been lost due to the odd dribble of fuel. NA engines are much more forgiving and less of a strain on the wallet. Know what to look and listen for and don't put the blinkers up if something isn't quite right then you will be fine. Pretty much just like any classic. I regret selling mine but now I have the 280i so that's made up for it.

I'd really like a FHC.

[GBinUSA]

Stog said:

It's an itch that I know don't go away

One must scratch those itches or they will drive you nuts

Personally I prefer the look of the FHC but finding a good one is difficult. One day perhaps I'll have both body styles.