Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 21]

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

dscam said:

Congratulations Alec! Your car is fabulous and that’s a nice little keepsake for the future. I think the exhausts look great and suit the OEM+ approach you’ve taken.

In less glamorous news this looks like a pretty decent E34:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284812180684?mkcid=16&a...

That E34 looks great. Wonderful cars, and getting extremely rare these days

[Cascade360]

If anyone wants a very good example of a Rover 75 CC has what appears to be a very nice low miles top spec version in a fabulous colour combination.

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2001-rover-75-...

[Jim the Sunderer]

Cascade360 said:

If anyone wants a very good example of a Rover 75 CC has what appears to be a very nice low miles top spec version in a fabulous colour combination.

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2001-rover-75-...

I nearly bought one once for less than the buyer's premium!

It was a stty diesel with 200,000 on the clock with potato sack seats...

[pauper]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

Steady on old fruit, that isn't the thread way *at all*. Thread MO is to buy, fleetingly regret, then titivate. All whilst trying to convince yourself that you're pursuing the most environmentally sound option whilst celebrating the pinnacle of 90s design, avoiding the needless fripperies of modern cars, and secretly hoping that everyone else admires your contrary individualism.

Until, that is, The Man chucks you a 4 figure bill after the fking thing wouldn't start, or wouldn't stop, or wouldn't steer or something, and your wife gets pissy because all she wants is a nice little modern lease car that means she gets to see her husband at weekends and there are no new oil leaks on the expensive driveway. It's only then that your commitment to the cause can waver; to fail to even be persuaded to buy the old thing before all that starts shows a distinct lack of character.

Rarely have I read such wisdom and experience condensed into so few words. Bravo!

[Derventio]

Cascade360 said:

If anyone wants a very good example of a Rover 75 CC has what appears to be a very nice low miles top spec version in a fabulous colour combination.

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2001-rover-75-...

I am going to come right out and say it, despite the real risk of derision, I think that looks great. The colour/engine/interior/spec combination is just about perfect for a Rover 75. The only way it could be bettered, for me, is if it was the Touring model. I have personally owned 3 variants of this car, A manual club estate, a Connoisseur Saloon and an MG ZT.

Agreed the interior is a bit old hat and fashioned from some slightly questionable materials in places. However, after a long day at work or at the start of a particularly arduous journey, the Connoisseur in particular was an extremely comfortable, cosseting and pleasant place to sit whilst the miles slipped by.

In all honesty, and at the risk of further mockery and accusations of Longboat fondling, If it wasn't for the fact that some key parts are now starting become unobtanium and iron oxide is starting to become a problem, I would quite happily have another. Especially in this format.

I shall now proceed to don my thick skin and tin hat in expectation of the barrage of general mickey taking that will inevitably now be heading my way.

[Krikkit]

As a swan-song for Rover, the 75 was definitely a great one. Proper champagne living at lemonade money.

But, that said, there's something wrong with my brain - I couldn't bring myself to own one, or a Vauxhall, of any description.

[W00DY]

dscam said:

Congratulations Alec! Your car is fabulous and that’s a nice little keepsake for the future. I think the exhausts look great and suit the OEM+ approach you’ve taken.

In less glamorous news this looks like a pretty decent E34:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284812180684?mkcid=16&a...

Very tasty. Wonder how old those metric tyres are.

[Cascade360]

My 75 has been a great car, terrible fuel economy relative to performance aside. It has a hole in the sill however and an MOT next month which might put an end to it.

The XJ6 was picked up today, after eight weeks in the local garage. It seems it was with them for so long in part because they were trying to work out why the specialist thought it was so fked!

I'm not yet entirely sure what they did as still need to pay and get the invoice but I think it was just track rod ends, front discs and pads and possibly a suspension component or two. Only did a few miles so far but touch wood is driving fine...

[TommoAE86]

Macron said:

I want to argue that for two bags it's a good car, esp a 260, but paint and miles aside, these would make me sad.

That's not a real interior plastic on a MB is it?

Derventio said:

Good stuff on Rover 75/MG ZT's

I had a MG ZT, I count it as my "Alfa" moment as all it did was go wrong - but it worked once when I took it through some lanes and it was an absolute joy with the V6 and much better control that I thought it should have.

[bolidemichael]

pauper said:

CharlesdeGaulle said:

Steady on old fruit, that isn't the thread way *at all*. Thread MO is to buy, fleetingly regret, then titivate. All whilst trying to convince yourself that you're pursuing the most environmentally sound option whilst celebrating the pinnacle of 90s design, avoiding the needless fripperies of modern cars, and secretly hoping that everyone else admires your contrary individualism.

Until, that is, The Man chucks you a 4 figure bill after the fking thing wouldn't start, or wouldn't stop, or wouldn't steer or something, and your wife gets pissy because all she wants is a nice little modern lease car that means she gets to see her husband at weekends and there are no new oil leaks on the expensive driveway. It's only then that your commitment to the cause can waver; to fail to even be persuaded to buy the old thing before all that starts shows a distinct lack of character.

Rarely have I read such wisdom and experience condensed into so few words. Bravo!

[bolidemichael]

0a said:

alec.e said:

Great 290 mile run out to RAF Cosford today for a Jaguar meet

Was very supprised to get 'best post 2000' award!

Now sporting my drainpipe exhaust

Looks fantastic and the award was well deserved. Such tasteful mods as always Alec.

You must be tempted to deal with this chrome around the lights though. To what I don't know. The only bad bit on the car to my eyes! An X-type aftermarket look.

I love the plate.

Well done Alec. I too squint at various parts and wonder, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Stay classy.

[Venisonpie]

Derventio said:

Cascade360 said:

If anyone wants a very good example of a Rover 75 CC has what appears to be a very nice low miles top spec version in a fabulous colour combination.

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2001-rover-75-...

I am going to come right out and say it, despite the real risk of derision, I think that looks great. The colour/engine/interior/spec combination is just about perfect for a Rover 75. The only way it could be bettered, for me, is if it was the Touring model. I have personally owned 3 variants of this car, A manual club estate, a Connoisseur Saloon and an MG ZT.

Agreed the interior is a bit old hat and fashioned from some slightly questionable materials in places. However, after a long day at work or at the start of a particularly arduous journey, the Connoisseur in particular was an extremely comfortable, cosseting and pleasant place to sit whilst the miles slipped by.

In all honesty, and at the risk of further mockery and accusations of Longboat fondling, If it wasn't for the fact that some key parts are now starting become unobtanium and iron oxide is starting to become a problem, I would quite happily have another. Especially in this format.

I shall now proceed to don my thick skin and tin hat in expectation of the barrage of general mickey taking that will inevitably now be heading my way.

I agree, I think it's a great barge - from inside you can't see the outside which is where the biggest challenge is imo. It's also ULEZ compliant! The minimum £600 buyers premium is rather off putting though.

[alec.e]

bolidemichael said:

0a said:

alec.e said:

Great 290 mile run out to RAF Cosford today for a Jaguar meet

Was very supprised to get 'best post 2000' award!

Now sporting my drainpipe exhaust

Looks fantastic and the award was well deserved. Such tasteful mods as always Alec.

You must be tempted to deal with this chrome around the lights though. To what I don't know. The only bad bit on the car to my eyes! An X-type aftermarket look.

I love the plate.

Well done Alec. I too squint at various parts and wonder, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Stay classy.

Thanks both

The chrome surrounds are factory and are not going anywhere
The aftermarket ones are much thicker and don’t look right.

Non sport X350s got chrome surrounds, sport ones were black.

On the X358 they strangely made them red. However for the Daimler they gave it all the optional brightwork.

[Cascade360]

Venisonpie said:

I agree, I think it's a great barge - from inside you can't see the outside which is where the biggest challenge is imo. It's also ULEZ compliant! The minimum £600 buyers premium is rather off putting though.

I think it is a rather charming thing on the outside, especially in green.

[gobuddygo]

alec.e said:

Thanks both

The chrome surrounds are factory and are not going anywhere
The aftermarket ones are much thicker and don’t look right.

Non sport X350s got chrome surrounds, sport ones were black.

On the X358 they strangely made them red. However for the Daimler they gave it all the optional brightwork.

You could get a de-chrome option for the X350 which mine has, although not a sport it has black trim around the lights, also none on the window surrounds, not a cheap option in 2004.

[alec.e]

gobuddygo said:

You could get a de-chrome option for the X350 which mine has, although not a sport it has black trim around the lights, also none on the window surrounds, not a cheap option in 2004.

Correct, you could spec black trims and on the otherhand spec chrome to XJRs in the US anyhow.

[Macron]

pauper said:

Rarely have I read such wisdom and experience condensed into so few words. Bravo!

Your first post and it’s praising CdG.

Ok so which banned regular is this?!?!?

[Cascade360]

Collection of British barges. Hopefully doesn't give the wrong impression to my neighbours. I don't only buy British on purpose, honest...

[bolidemichael]

alec.e said:

bolidemichael said:

0a said:

alec.e said:

Great 290 mile run out to RAF Cosford today for a Jaguar meet

Was very supprised to get 'best post 2000' award!

Now sporting my drainpipe exhaust

Looks fantastic and the award was well deserved. Such tasteful mods as always Alec.

You must be tempted to deal with this chrome around the lights though. To what I don't know. The only bad bit on the car to my eyes! An X-type aftermarket look.

I love the plate.

Well done Alec. I too squint at various parts and wonder, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Stay classy.

Thanks both

The chrome surrounds are factory and are not going anywhere
The aftermarket ones are much thicker and don’t look right.

Non sport X350s got chrome surrounds, sport ones were black.

On the X358 they strangely made them red. However for the Daimler they gave it all the optional brightwork.

I should add that my praise ends when it comes to tinted front windows

[Triumph Man]

W00DY said:

dscam said:

Congratulations Alec! Your car is fabulous and that’s a nice little keepsake for the future. I think the exhausts look great and suit the OEM+ approach you’ve taken.

In less glamorous news this looks like a pretty decent E34:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284812180684?mkcid=16&a...

Very tasty. Wonder how old those metric tyres are.

Probably ancient, and they're fking expensive. When I bought mine someone had removed them and put on 17" Style 49 wheels, which did not suit the car at all. Easy to clean though I put on a set of imperial basket weaves, for which tyres are more sensibly priced.

That E34 looks nice, shame that AmAtEuR PhOtOgRaPhEr has done some weird focus stuff because arty.