Outright thrills

[Ken_Code]

I’ve posted a few threads about switching round and slimming down what’s inadvertently become a collection of cars, and I’m now wondering if there’s another direction to go in for the “fun” part.

I’m extremely fortunate to have a McLaren 650s, Emira and GR Yaris for high days and holidays, but all three are still a bit sensible.

I enjoy motorbikes, which of course have none of the comforts of these cars, so if what I want is just a major step up in weather protection then what’s the most fun on four wheels?

[Ken_Code]

cerb4.5lee said:

Fun is obviously subjective, but what about something like a Caterham?

That’s the direction my first thoughts were going in; what’s the top of the pile if I want to be able to drive it on the roads without a helmet and fuel it at normal petrol stations?

[Ken_Code]

sjc said:

You might think that it’s a bit similar to your Emira in its role… it’s not.


There’s a couple of crackers for sale on the FB forum at the moment.

Is it much better than my McLaren in terms of driving joy?

I’ve not tried one, but thought they’d be similar-ish.

[Ken_Code]

paulmnz said:

I bought a group A 1990s rally car... 4WD, short ratio sequential gearbox, anti-lag with 477ft/lbs (mapped on 95 supermarket rubbish fuel - quite a bit more on 102 octane). its running a 34mm restrictor plate so peak power and torque is about 2700rpm so it's very unique to drive, like a very powerful diesel but with instant throttle response (proper anti-lag is ridiculous)

funnily enough, there is nothing faster on a b-road that I have been in or driven (including a caterham 620r and ferrari f12). the suspension is quite soft but incredible dampening. gearing is about 120mph at the limiter in 5th so you spend most of your time shifting gears (flat-shift with a sequential is pretty brutal).

The noise (straight cut gears, turbo flutter, anti-lag) and the shear brutality of the power delivery certainly wakes you up.

for outright thrills, I'd say it ticks the box....

Where do you get one of those from?

[Ken_Code]

I love the Up Gti, but my GR Yaris gives me similar fun to that already.

[Ken_Code]

200Plus Club said:

Gardner Douglas T70
https://www.gdcars.com/product-page/gd-t70-red

500bhp, 900kg, proper chassis/brakes/suspension and a whacking great LS3/LS6 behind you. Hold value remarkably we'll, fully road legal.

That looks good. Any idea roughly what they cost? I don’t want to waste their time.

[Ken_Code]

200Plus Club said:

Alternatively Lister Bell Stratos replica
https://www.lbspecialistcars.com/str/

Absolutely fantastic build quality and drama.

They do look lovely; how much are they?

[Ken_Code]

Soloman Dodd said:

Take flying lessons.

I’m already doing that, and also learning paramotoring.

[Ken_Code]

Frankychops said:

what 650s and how much!?

I'd say get rid of the emira, can't see what it adds?

I’d the Spyder. I’ve no idea what it’s worth, I’ve had it for about five years now.

[Ken_Code]

Frankychops said:

can you drop me details?

The McLaren’s not up for sale, I might swap it for a Portofino later in the year, but I’m not looking to move it on at the moment.