Wife - don't buy another Subaru. Me - ok. Bought a BAC Mono
Discussion
As title indicates I bought a BAC Mono. This will go well with the two Imprezas. See Readers cars
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Also have a very special Viper ACR that is in the US, which I will have to get around to and start a thread.
Anyway back to the Mono
So as I am sometime from finishing both Subarus with the STi closest at 3 months and the track WRX next year sometime, I got itchy feet for something capable on track but that would also be good around the mountain roads on my doorstep.
Looked at various Exiges and thought of a Sport 350 and taking that out to 470bhp via a trip to Hangar111. Came close on a Cup 380 which was magnificent, but did not want to start modding a limited edition as I have done with the Viper.
At the same time was looking for an Arial Atom 4, but as so new, none were on the second hand market yet. Then one appeared on Collecting Cars. Spec was good and would only need a few extra options to bring it to my spec. Set my budget and waited on the auction. Come auction evening, price quickly rose above the invoiced price and came up close to my max. Ultimately only 2 of us left bidding and we traded blows over the last few thousands. I dropped out I think at £60100 and the winner went to £60500. Good luck to the buyer.
I had seen that the BAC was on next night and quickly started reviewing these. I remember when they came out in 2103 and the reviews, plus the lap records and the list of cars that it left in its wake, but always considered a rich mans toy. I am not a rich man that these probably appealed to when new, and thought second hand they would be like the Arial Atom and hold their prices.
When looking at these and trying to find a price I saw what was on PH but were all newer models, although the prices for the updated 2106 2.5l model gave me some hope that just may come into my price range. It seems that the single seat and focused nature lessens their appeal compared to the Atom and similar big bhp Catrehams.
Spoke with seller and factory who were both very helpful. Was provided all history and paperwork. Car was build number 3 and factory knew it quite well.
Engine was replaced under warranty by Cosworth as developed an issue and since then had not done much mileage but enough to keep it in working order.
Interesting invoice was a 2017 full stripdown and rebuild by the factory and that is when it was put into storage and not used much.
Agreed with BAC that if I was successful bidder, I would be sending it to them for a check over even though it was there last year for its MOT and was serviced. Dependant upon purchase price was what money left over for modifications to be done. As engine is NA 2.3l and already high bhp for its capacity, I believe engine mods are out, but will check with BAC about race fuel. Possibility are the new lighter wheels (very light but not cheap), maybe some brake upgrades and possibly some colour accents.
So I was successful bidder at £60500. It again came down to final two and the other bidder did not bid against me once £60k was passed. I was going to stretch to £70 so that was a good result. Very exciting and definitely heart rate went up a bit in the last 5 minutes of bidding. Collecting Cars were great with the contact and the whole process was seamless with the dealer. Was worried about buying without seeing it but the info provided put me at ease.
Car is being sorted for collection by BAC as they have their own driver they use.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Also have a very special Viper ACR that is in the US, which I will have to get around to and start a thread.
Anyway back to the Mono
So as I am sometime from finishing both Subarus with the STi closest at 3 months and the track WRX next year sometime, I got itchy feet for something capable on track but that would also be good around the mountain roads on my doorstep.
Looked at various Exiges and thought of a Sport 350 and taking that out to 470bhp via a trip to Hangar111. Came close on a Cup 380 which was magnificent, but did not want to start modding a limited edition as I have done with the Viper.
At the same time was looking for an Arial Atom 4, but as so new, none were on the second hand market yet. Then one appeared on Collecting Cars. Spec was good and would only need a few extra options to bring it to my spec. Set my budget and waited on the auction. Come auction evening, price quickly rose above the invoiced price and came up close to my max. Ultimately only 2 of us left bidding and we traded blows over the last few thousands. I dropped out I think at £60100 and the winner went to £60500. Good luck to the buyer.
I had seen that the BAC was on next night and quickly started reviewing these. I remember when they came out in 2103 and the reviews, plus the lap records and the list of cars that it left in its wake, but always considered a rich mans toy. I am not a rich man that these probably appealed to when new, and thought second hand they would be like the Arial Atom and hold their prices.
When looking at these and trying to find a price I saw what was on PH but were all newer models, although the prices for the updated 2106 2.5l model gave me some hope that just may come into my price range. It seems that the single seat and focused nature lessens their appeal compared to the Atom and similar big bhp Catrehams.
Spoke with seller and factory who were both very helpful. Was provided all history and paperwork. Car was build number 3 and factory knew it quite well.
Engine was replaced under warranty by Cosworth as developed an issue and since then had not done much mileage but enough to keep it in working order.
Interesting invoice was a 2017 full stripdown and rebuild by the factory and that is when it was put into storage and not used much.
Agreed with BAC that if I was successful bidder, I would be sending it to them for a check over even though it was there last year for its MOT and was serviced. Dependant upon purchase price was what money left over for modifications to be done. As engine is NA 2.3l and already high bhp for its capacity, I believe engine mods are out, but will check with BAC about race fuel. Possibility are the new lighter wheels (very light but not cheap), maybe some brake upgrades and possibly some colour accents.
So I was successful bidder at £60500. It again came down to final two and the other bidder did not bid against me once £60k was passed. I was going to stretch to £70 so that was a good result. Very exciting and definitely heart rate went up a bit in the last 5 minutes of bidding. Collecting Cars were great with the contact and the whole process was seamless with the dealer. Was worried about buying without seeing it but the info provided put me at ease.
Car is being sorted for collection by BAC as they have their own driver they use.
Thanks for the comments. Just has a call from their Service Manager and we discussed many items such as performance mods, geometry, tyres, carbon brakes and wheels and general servicing. One thing he kept on saying, is that it is a racecar. Treat it and service it like a race car and that will lessen any chance of issues.
Very happy that it is coming to Cyprus and will be used, rather than a museum piece.
Very happy that it is coming to Cyprus and will be used, rather than a museum piece.
Sub5 said:
WOW.....didn’t they have one of these on Top Gear.....Love a go in one of these.
Viper....wow again...
Been lurking your Subaru thread.....that engine.....drool...
Yes, it was on Top Gear and looked very fast. From what they have told me just over 100 built so far, but it seems that half become display pieces. Mine will be used on road and track.Viper....wow again...
Been lurking your Subaru thread.....that engine.....drool...
Both Subarus proceeding slower than expected, as my focus keeps on going elsewhere.
The Viper... The power to weight of the Mono is in low 500s per tonne. I will look to get both Subarus in that region. The Viper though is another step up. Power to weigh starts with a 1 and don't mean in the one hundred range and it is not a drag car. Will get around to a readers thread on that one day.
Edited by Falcon500 on Tuesday 19th May 11:59
Drive it fix it repeat said:
Amazing, so cool. About to go and have a peek at the scooby threads. I need to hear more about that insane viper though. utterly mental, in the best possible way.
Stroked 9L, twin turbo, sequential, XX00BHP 230mph in half mile.
But street driveable as 9L V10.....Many cubic inches.
I will gather my thoughts and receipts and try and remember what we have done, broken, improved. Having the car in the US means don't often get to see it. Each time spec has changed without me knowing.
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