Spotted - 2013
Discussion
TOENHEEL said:
I will never understand why people build these, what exactly is the point... besides the issue that they never look right theres the final kick in the balls that your driving a ford cougar of all things or Peugeot 406 coupe. Then the deluded individuals put them on the classifieds for the best part of £30k.
It was the rear quarter that got me.... And the fact you dont often see a scud on prince regent street in stockton!! Mastodon2 said:
Spotted this Uno Turbo in the Metrocentre Yellow car park about an hour ago. So intriguing I stopped to get some photos even though it was chucking it down with rain.
, I was more excited about seeing this than I would have been seeing the latest Ferrari.
Hang on a minute, what are the words I'm searching for? Oh yeah, it's a s, I was more excited about seeing this than I would have been seeing the latest Ferrari.
t box. Seriously, what does that inter cooler look like, let alone the chav body kit?In the immortal words of Brian Potter, have you ever kissed a girl?
zebra said:
Hang on a minute, what are the words I'm searching for? Oh yeah, it's a st box. Seriously, what does that inter cooler look like, let alone the chav body kit?
In the immortal words of Brian Potter, have you ever kissed a girl?
It doesn't look like a st box. Seriously, what does that inter cooler look like, let alone the chav body kit?In the immortal words of Brian Potter, have you ever kissed a girl?
t box to me, it looks like a fair bit of work had gone into it. It certainly didn't have the air of a "track attack Saxo" or any of the "track look" tat the likes of Max Power used to peddle in their later days. The intercooler install could be neater possibly, though then again, it might not have been possible to mount behind the bumper without doing some considerable cutting so then again maybe not. The big problem of having the intercooler out front with no mesh for protection is stones holing the front surface. I'd hazard a guess that with the FMIC, it's probably running a larger turbo than the car was supplied with.The body kit looked well integrated, was colour matched properly and had the Abarth stripes integrated into it and looked pretty OEM to me, and the wheels were properly sized and spaced to fill the arches. The cage on the inside looked like a decent job too. I suppose there is only so much you can tell by looking but it didn't look like it had been done on a shoestring, despite your opinions on the aesthetics of the intercooler or body kit. Given the lengths apparently gone to to get the car into it's current condition, it would appear there is a bit more going on than sticking big wheels and smoked lights on it and calling it done. It doesn't seem to have been built for the McDonald's car park crowd. For a start, a look in the rear confirmed there was no subwoofer installed, and the wheels aren't 20" diameter, running ridiculous amounts of camber!
I suppose to some it's never going to be anything more than a fettled, old Italian hatchback, but I'd rather see someone's attempt at building their own rally car for the road and track than look at the endless procession of Audi TDis or those hideous "DUB" creations that seem so popular these days.
I'd imagine that an old Fiat, with potentially questionable reliability, and complete lack of creature comforts, is probably something that takes a fair bit of commitment to own and drive, but you'd drive it for the visceral thrill and the passion you have for motoring. I don't think it matters whether you get that thrill and satisfy your passion in a lightweight road racer like an Exige, a heavyweight V8 cruiser like a Monaro, or indeed a turbocharged hatchback that you stripped and upgraded on your driveway. The fact that someone cared enough to make a car faster and handle better gets a thumbs from me.
If were calling a spade a spade..As far as I can remember the UNO turbo was remembered for one thing only and that was its surprising ability to be rather quick in a straight line without spending a fortune getting there with mods. They handled like ste, drove like ste, looked like ste, rusted like...ste oh and were about as reliable as a chocolate teapot.
te, drove like ste, looked like ste, rusted like...ste oh and were about as reliable as a chocolate teapot. 
Mastodon2 said:
I'd imagine that an old Fiat, with potentially questionable reliability, and complete lack of creature comforts, is probably something that takes a fair bit of commitment to own and drive, but you'd drive it for the visceral thrill and the passion you have for motoring. I don't think it matters whether you get that thrill and satisfy your passion in a lightweight road racer like an Exige, a heavyweight V8 cruiser like a Monaro, or indeed a turbocharged hatchback that you stripped and upgraded on your driveway. The fact that someone cared enough to make a car faster and handle better gets a thumbs from me.
Well saidAnyway some info about it for those who are interested in cars and motorsport. I have no idea about that particular car but the body kit and other bits are an Avanti motorsport job. They run Lancia's and Fiats in rallying and competed one of those Uno's on the RAC rally back in the 80s. Until Abarth became a meaningless badge, some stickers and silly wheels you could order for a road car they where the official UK distributor for all things Abarth. They ran the one make Fiat race series in the 80s and 90s as well as supporting customer uno rally cars at the top level. These days there better known for transmission work building gearboxes for Ferrari's or making new limited slip diffs for the bug eb110 although they still do fiat tuning parts and even tune Micras. If you've ever been club rallying you'll have seen how quick the little Micra can be and it's probably got more Avanti bits than Nissan in it. Most of the road cars they've built have a 2.0 Turbo conversion circa 240BHP, Chassis/brakes etc upgraded for motorsport, Seam welded and caged shells etc. The bodykit is to conform with rally rules. The track has been widened and so the body needs widening to cover the wheels the slates were a design feature of the time think Testarossa, 348 etc and you'll see where they got the design influence from. Calling that a driveway lashup is like referring to an ex Mcrae Group A scooby as a chav wagon.
Zammy said:
Followed a red Porsche 928 cabrio (L plate) on the A66/A19 north this morning, first spot for me. On the A19 we both caught up to a white Cayman and a Bentley GT...Nice start to the day!
Porsche didn't make the 928 as a convertible.Must have been a conversion, which I personally think look s
t.555JWR said:
Well said
Anyway some info about it for those who are interested in cars and motorsport. I have no idea about that particular car but the body kit and other bits are an Avanti motorsport job. They run Lancia's and Fiats in rallying and competed one of those Uno's on the RAC rally back in the 80s. Until Abarth became a meaningless badge, some stickers and silly wheels you could order for a road car they where the official UK distributor for all things Abarth. They ran the one make Fiat race series in the 80s and 90s as well as supporting customer uno rally cars at the top level. These days there better known for transmission work building gearboxes for Ferrari's or making new limited slip diffs for the bug eb110 although they still do fiat tuning parts and even tune Micras. If you've ever been club rallying you'll have seen how quick the little Micra can be and it's probably got more Avanti bits than Nissan in it. Most of the road cars they've built have a 2.0 Turbo conversion circa 240BHP, Chassis/brakes etc upgraded for motorsport, Seam welded and caged shells etc. The bodykit is to conform with rally rules. The track has been widened and so the body needs widening to cover the wheels the slates were a design feature of the time think Testarossa, 348 etc and you'll see where they got the design influence from. Calling that a driveway lashup is like referring to an ex Mcrae Group A scooby as a chav wagon.
I do not recall the term 'driveway mash-up' used. Anyway some info about it for those who are interested in cars and motorsport. I have no idea about that particular car but the body kit and other bits are an Avanti motorsport job. They run Lancia's and Fiats in rallying and competed one of those Uno's on the RAC rally back in the 80s. Until Abarth became a meaningless badge, some stickers and silly wheels you could order for a road car they where the official UK distributor for all things Abarth. They ran the one make Fiat race series in the 80s and 90s as well as supporting customer uno rally cars at the top level. These days there better known for transmission work building gearboxes for Ferrari's or making new limited slip diffs for the bug eb110 although they still do fiat tuning parts and even tune Micras. If you've ever been club rallying you'll have seen how quick the little Micra can be and it's probably got more Avanti bits than Nissan in it. Most of the road cars they've built have a 2.0 Turbo conversion circa 240BHP, Chassis/brakes etc upgraded for motorsport, Seam welded and caged shells etc. The bodykit is to conform with rally rules. The track has been widened and so the body needs widening to cover the wheels the slates were a design feature of the time think Testarossa, 348 etc and you'll see where they got the design influence from. Calling that a driveway lashup is like referring to an ex Mcrae Group A scooby as a chav wagon.
Raving about it is something else though. Point me in the direction of a proper rally car that has its intercooler in that exposed position.
zebra said:
I do not recall the term 'driveway mash-up' used.
Raving about it is something else though. Point me in the direction of a proper rally car that has its intercooler in that exposed position.
Obviously the FMI is a latter addition and i didn't say it was one of there comp cars they were also road cars built. There was no raving did you even read what was posted? I was just giving some info about the company who appear to of built it for the guy who spotted it and was obviously interested in what it was. Having spent some time around rally cars and rally prep companies i was in a position to enlighten him as to what it was. I thought that was part of what these boards are about look at this interesting car does anyone know anything about them? Yes that's a xyz built by xyz etc. Not look at this interesting car. Sorry i'm not interested in that therefore its a heap of junk and your stupid for thinking its not.Raving about it is something else though. Point me in the direction of a proper rally car that has its intercooler in that exposed position.
It's really not my thing but to keep an old Fiat on the road and in use for 20+ years takes some dedication and is the mark of a true petrolhead if the guy enjoys it and someone else finds it interesting whats the problem and why try and belittle anyone who was an interest in older and unusual cars?
Just don't get the attitude on here that if its not a modern off the shelf sportscar it's rubbish and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot and must be told so by the same people every time. Its funny but when i go to Pistonheads events where people have the latest and greatest hypercars there all very friendly and genuine enthusiasts. They can talk all day about Golf Gti's, 205s etc and don't feel the need to talk down to anyone. I've mentioned it on here before but i've been extremely privileged to passenger in things like the mac F1, F40, Carrera GT etc all thanks to people who i've met at events like VMax and trackdays all these people are genuine enthusiasts who are happy to share the experience of these great cars. Some of these people are now good friends.
My favorite car is a near 20 year old Rover that cost several times more to maintain every year than its value. Does that make me less worthy of being a petrolhead because i choose to do that when it would be cheaper to buy a 911? The old thing makes me happy every time i drive it. It makes stupid noises, there's a big hole in the roof that leaks in the rain, about the only modern bit is electric windows, a diesel Audi is probably quicker, any modern car would be more reliable and its Nurburgring time could be calculated by a calander but i just don't care i love the thing and im never parting with it. To me thats what makes a petrolhead a passion for cars regardless of what it is. Its only on the North East part of Pistonheads where you seem to get the attitude it's not a modern Lotus or Porsche so its rubbish.
Just as a side note. I had a day out in the Jag F-Type yesterday and a passenger ride in it with a pro driver(Thank you Stratstone) and i didn't like it. Does that now mean its junk and i should have a go at anyone who mentions how great it is because i don't like it? The reality is it's a great in fact an excellent car but i prefer a manual with no traction control etc and some of the tech seems a bit pointless to me. Why do i need a switch to control the exhaust? Shouldn't it just work.
I only post on here occasionally as i find it sad that we have the potential in the North East for a thriving Pistonheads community just like there is in Yorkshire the North West sections etc where it doesn't matter if you have a 1.2 corsa or a Zonda all are welcome and treat equal but the attitudes displayed on here prevent that from ever happening.
Anyway sorry for rambling on a bit but that's just my 2p worth.
zebra said:
I do not recall the term 'driveway mash-up' used.
Raving about it is something else though. Point me in the direction of a proper rally car that has its intercooler in that exposed position.
Obviously you wouldn't put an intercooler in front of the bumper if you had a better option available, but short of hacking the bumper to bits it's probable you just couldn't mount one behind the bumper. Stone punctures are something you'd just have to live with I guess. That said, if the car was being upgraded and needed an intercooler, you'd hit a brick wall in terms of getting more power without one, as the original car probably did not have one or would have had a small side mount unit inside the wing or something. There is probably not room for a top mount, and if there was you'd need to modify the bonnet anyway.Raving about it is something else though. Point me in the direction of a proper rally car that has its intercooler in that exposed position.
It seems a little sad to me how disparaging some people on PH can be about other people's cars, especially when it's clearly been worked on with the intention of improving the performance. If the owner of the stripped out Uno was a PH member, would you tell him you thought his car was a "s
t box"? If he turned up at a PH meet would you slag his car off? I'd imagine you'd probably have the manners and decency not to. Check out the reader's rides forum, where people post about their cars of all kinds, generally without people being rude about the things the don't like. One of the things I like about PH, though it is more prevalent in some areas than others, is that being wealthy enough to own a top of the line 911 Turbo or whatever was not an entry requirement, just being passionate about cars was enough. Also, 555JWR, thanks for the info on the car!
zebra said:
Point me in the direction of a proper rally car that has its intercooler in that exposed position.
It would do for a tarmac rally though, if you weren't going to be encountering any gravel or other things that could ding it. I bet it's a hoot to drive too. Small, light and furiously fast is nearly a thing of the past for motoring now. Many drivers will never have driven a car without loads of superfluous toys and driver aids too, which is a shame. I'd love to see it on a good B road. Very interesting to hear some background on the car and the parts on it, so thanks to the above poster for giving us that info!
Got to love this spotted thread sometimes!
Ok so I like to see older performance hatchbacks etc since they were the sort of cars I grew up wanting when I was a kid.
I like the uno turbos and you hardly see any nowadays, infact haven't seen one on the road in years.
However, that one unfortunately, as with so many of these cars, has been ruined with stupid "mods" and now looks like an old stbox. All imo of course.
Ok so I like to see older performance hatchbacks etc since they were the sort of cars I grew up wanting when I was a kid.
I like the uno turbos and you hardly see any nowadays, infact haven't seen one on the road in years.
However, that one unfortunately, as with so many of these cars, has been ruined with stupid "mods" and now looks like an old s
tbox. All imo of course. 555JWR said:
Obviously the FMI is a latter addition and i didn't say it was one of there comp cars they were also road cars built. There was no raving did you even read what was posted? I was just giving some info about the company who appear to of built it for the guy who spotted it and was obviously interested in what it was. Having spent some time around rally cars and rally prep companies i was in a position to enlighten him as to what it was. I thought that was part of what these boards are about look at this interesting car does anyone know anything about them? Yes that's a xyz built by xyz etc. Not look at this interesting car. Sorry i'm not interested in that therefore its a heap of junk and your stupid for thinking its not.
It's really not my thing but to keep an old Fiat on the road and in use for 20+ years takes some dedication and is the mark of a true petrolhead if the guy enjoys it and someone else finds it interesting whats the problem and why try and belittle anyone who was an interest in older and unusual cars?
Just don't get the attitude on here that if its not a modern off the shelf sportscar it's rubbish and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot and must be told so by the same people every time. Its funny but when i go to Pistonheads events where people have the latest and greatest hypercars there all very friendly and genuine enthusiasts. They can talk all day about Golf Gti's, 205s etc and don't feel the need to talk down to anyone. I've mentioned it on here before but i've been extremely privileged to passenger in things like the mac F1, F40, Carrera GT etc all thanks to people who i've met at events like VMax and trackdays all these people are genuine enthusiasts who are happy to share the experience of these great cars. Some of these people are now good friends.
My favorite car is a near 20 year old Rover that cost several times more to maintain every year than its value. Does that make me less worthy of being a petrolhead because i choose to do that when it would be cheaper to buy a 911? The old thing makes me happy every time i drive it. It makes stupid noises, there's a big hole in the roof that leaks in the rain, about the only modern bit is electric windows, a diesel Audi is probably quicker, any modern car would be more reliable and its Nurburgring time could be calculated by a calander but i just don't care i love the thing and im never parting with it. To me thats what makes a petrolhead a passion for cars regardless of what it is. Its only on the North East part of Pistonheads where you seem to get the attitude it's not a modern Lotus or Porsche so its rubbish.
Just as a side note. I had a day out in the Jag F-Type yesterday and a passenger ride in it with a pro driver(Thank you Stratstone) and i didn't like it. Does that now mean its junk and i should have a go at anyone who mentions how great it is because i don't like it? The reality is it's a great in fact an excellent car but i prefer a manual with no traction control etc and some of the tech seems a bit pointless to me. Why do i need a switch to control the exhaust? Shouldn't it just work.
I only post on here occasionally as i find it sad that we have the potential in the North East for a thriving Pistonheads community just like there is in Yorkshire the North West sections etc where it doesn't matter if you have a 1.2 corsa or a Zonda all are welcome and treat equal but the attitudes displayed on here prevent that from ever happening.
Anyway sorry for rambling on a bit but that's just my 2p worth.
Interesting post. I agree, it doesn't matter what you drive to be a petrol head. It's really not my thing but to keep an old Fiat on the road and in use for 20+ years takes some dedication and is the mark of a true petrolhead if the guy enjoys it and someone else finds it interesting whats the problem and why try and belittle anyone who was an interest in older and unusual cars?
Just don't get the attitude on here that if its not a modern off the shelf sportscar it's rubbish and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot and must be told so by the same people every time. Its funny but when i go to Pistonheads events where people have the latest and greatest hypercars there all very friendly and genuine enthusiasts. They can talk all day about Golf Gti's, 205s etc and don't feel the need to talk down to anyone. I've mentioned it on here before but i've been extremely privileged to passenger in things like the mac F1, F40, Carrera GT etc all thanks to people who i've met at events like VMax and trackdays all these people are genuine enthusiasts who are happy to share the experience of these great cars. Some of these people are now good friends.
My favorite car is a near 20 year old Rover that cost several times more to maintain every year than its value. Does that make me less worthy of being a petrolhead because i choose to do that when it would be cheaper to buy a 911? The old thing makes me happy every time i drive it. It makes stupid noises, there's a big hole in the roof that leaks in the rain, about the only modern bit is electric windows, a diesel Audi is probably quicker, any modern car would be more reliable and its Nurburgring time could be calculated by a calander but i just don't care i love the thing and im never parting with it. To me thats what makes a petrolhead a passion for cars regardless of what it is. Its only on the North East part of Pistonheads where you seem to get the attitude it's not a modern Lotus or Porsche so its rubbish.
Just as a side note. I had a day out in the Jag F-Type yesterday and a passenger ride in it with a pro driver(Thank you Stratstone) and i didn't like it. Does that now mean its junk and i should have a go at anyone who mentions how great it is because i don't like it? The reality is it's a great in fact an excellent car but i prefer a manual with no traction control etc and some of the tech seems a bit pointless to me. Why do i need a switch to control the exhaust? Shouldn't it just work.
I only post on here occasionally as i find it sad that we have the potential in the North East for a thriving Pistonheads community just like there is in Yorkshire the North West sections etc where it doesn't matter if you have a 1.2 corsa or a Zonda all are welcome and treat equal but the attitudes displayed on here prevent that from ever happening.
Anyway sorry for rambling on a bit but that's just my 2p worth.
Celebrating a poorly modified car is something else though and don't get too worked up as its only my opinion.
Mastodon2 said:
Obviously you wouldn't put an intercooler in front of the bumper if you had a better option available, but short of hacking the bumper to bits it's probable you just couldn't mount one behind the bumper. Stone punctures are something you'd just have to live with I guess. That said, if the car was being upgraded and needed an intercooler, you'd hit a brick wall in terms of getting more power without one, as the original car probably did not have one or would have had a small side mount unit inside the wing or something. There is probably not room for a top mount, and if there was you'd need to modify the bonnet anyway.
It seems a little sad to me how disparaging some people on PH can be about other people's cars, especially when it's clearly been worked on with the intention of improving the performance. If the owner of the stripped out Uno was a PH member, would you tell him you thought his car was a "st box"? If he turned up at a PH meet would you slag his car off? I'd imagine you'd probably have the manners and decency not to. Check out the reader's rides forum, where people post about their cars of all kinds, generally without people being rude about the things the don't like. One of the things I like about PH, though it is more prevalent in some areas than others, is that being wealthy enough to own a top of the line 911 Turbo or whatever was not an entry requirement, just being passionate about cars was enough.
Also, 555JWR, thanks for the info on the car!
When the only option to modify a car had the end result of an intercooler in that location, it's time to get another car and start again.It seems a little sad to me how disparaging some people on PH can be about other people's cars, especially when it's clearly been worked on with the intention of improving the performance. If the owner of the stripped out Uno was a PH member, would you tell him you thought his car was a "s
t box"? If he turned up at a PH meet would you slag his car off? I'd imagine you'd probably have the manners and decency not to. Check out the reader's rides forum, where people post about their cars of all kinds, generally without people being rude about the things the don't like. One of the things I like about PH, though it is more prevalent in some areas than others, is that being wealthy enough to own a top of the line 911 Turbo or whatever was not an entry requirement, just being passionate about cars was enough. Also, 555JWR, thanks for the info on the car!
I disagree with the fact that you think it has improved its performance on the basis of how vulnerable that intercooler is. Straight line speed isn't everything.
The UNO, whilst never a fantastic car, did its job. The body kit is a little bit OTT for my liking but hey what ever floats someone's boat. However, I still think that the mods have made it a s
t box. Max power stuff etc, Scoobys, Skylines, whilst not my cup of tea but I don't slag it off.
Seems to me that you and your mate baryonyx almost troll on these threads. If you want to do a spotted, do a spotted. You are naive if you don't think that posting up cars like that will not polarise opinion and statements like 'much more interesting than the latest Ferrari' is just inverted snobbery.
So your holier thn thou attitude cuts no mustard for me.
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