Time for a change maybe.

[VetteG]

A couple of years ago I had operations on my left knee and foot, since then I am struggling a wee bit with the clutch in the vette. The engine is quite lumpy due to state of tune (400+ hp) which necessitates a lot of clutch work in town and this is limiting my enjoyment. So with great reluctance and I'm by no means certain I'm thinking of moving it on. So what to replace it with? I've always had a thing about Jensens and I'm fancying a CV8, but I've been hearing stories of catching fire, cooling issues, etc. Are these real issues or just old stories?

G

[roscobbc]

Sorry to hear you are thinking of selling the Vette - I understand where you are coming from - I had a major prolapsed disc a few years that left me with a weakened left ankle and back - I can't ride a modern bike as I am unable to hook up the gear shifter. Can't drive a modern manual car as I sit too high, can't lift my left foot up to the clutch - they are also so light I can't feel the 'bite' point. Oddly my Vette even though manual is perfect for me to drive - sitting down low I don't need to raise my left foot to operate the clutch (CenterForce Dual Friction - lighter than stock)- the clutch has enough weight so I can 'feel' it but not so much that it becomes hard work. The raked seating position fortunately for me is a really comfortable driving position.
The point I am coming to Graeme is that depending on your disability there are things that can be done to make driving easier, like alternative seats, clutches with lighter weight, adjustable electric power steering, even electro mechanical servo systems for manual gearboxes. Even swapping-in an auto gearbox. Thought of a Bristol?

[Huntsman]

roscobbc said:

Even swapping-in an auto gearbox. Thought of a Bristol?

Auto box was my first thought.

Keeble?

[Motown Junk]

One of these with the optional paddle shifters maybe?

http://www.tciauto.com/tc/6x-six-speed-gm-automati...

Or a simpler route, my car has a 4 speed auto with ratchet shifter and buttons on the wheel. Hopefully your right leg/ankle/foot is ok as the manual brakes need a shove! I'm sure I'd consider the Vette in part ex

[VetteG]

Yeah I talked to Scott about going auto with a 4 speed, doable really with the money I would get for the 6 speed Tremec, however its a bit more than that if I'm honest, my wife has never liked being in it (not always a bad thing ) and I think I'm looking for something a bit more day to day usable as I slide towards my dotage.
The other side of me says F**K that, lets keep it and drive the arse off it but in truth that's just not happening. It's a difficult decision believe me!

G

[spoodler]

Not quite in the same league but... I recently sold my Vincent Hurricane and replaced it with an "easier to live with" MX5. No doubt that it's easier to live with but an awful lot of what I wanted a car for has gone with the departure of the Hurricane so just make sure you choose carefully...
Would a more modern Vette or a T.V.R. fit the bill? Or one of the Anglo-American hybrids, mostly bigger and lazier than the 'Vette. Best of luck whatever...