The light blue haze from the back grew worse as we drove the car home and it was apparent that something was amiss. The quoted 200bhp felt tardy to say the least and a check on the compression showed figures between 130 and 150 psi, a rebuild of the head failed to rectify both the compression and the smoking was still apparent. There was some good news though, a thorough investigation on a garage ramp revealed the shell to be absolutely mint. A bare shell restoration had been carried out to a reasonable degree and a Skip Brown strengthening kit welded on, however, the metallic paint had failed to receive its lacquer coat over the top (apparently due to some legal wrangling between the previous owner and the paint company) and was decidedly lacklustre. In spite of this, a coat of polish stops it rusting and gives a mild satin shine!

A year and a half later, the interior is completely stripped, a cage resides within, some bucket seats balance precariously on a couple of bolts and the front suspension is refurbished. The Leda shocks both needing the rods replacing after we discovered them to be bent and locking out after about half the travel, this explained the curious handling through tight corners!
On the 5th March 2000, after a year in pieces, the engine coughed into life, rejuvenated with new bearings, piston rings, lighter flywheel and a heart-stopping quantity of Mobil1. A few minutes warming up the engine with only the primary pipes on soon brought the neighbours running.......

This is where we stand, the Easter project is the back axle, finishing the interior and getting it ready for the first test, a burn down the A303 followed by some intensive airfield fun!
Hopefully we'll be competing later this year, and look forward to giving every one of you a run for your money, we don't foresee any podium places but as far as smiles are concerned, there'll be plenty!