Have You Seen Any Interesting Cars On The Road Lately?

[brucemillar]

Err...no! But this is part of my notes on the car aerodynamics: Following the XJ120 Jaguar which had a top speed of 120mph, the implication of the XJ220 name was clear to the public, but apparently never meant by Jaguar. The car had also been sold on its dramatic looks, so little could be done to change those. There was a limit of about 550bhp that could be produced within the emission regulations so the aerodynamic drag would dictate the top speed of the car. Although the basic shape remained true to the prototype show car, much effort went in to the detail to encourage the car to produce some real downforce and to aid stability. Two large venturi tunnels beneath the rear of the car and considerable wind tunnel testing allowed us to hit the stability target with acceptable drag. I have a very personal reason for being thankful for the downforce and therefore stability of over 600lbs at 200mph. I was the first person ever to drive the car at this speed! After nearly two days of engine and aero mapping at speeds of up to 160mph at Bridgestone’s 8mile test oval in Fort Stockton in Texas (yes, everything really is bigger there!), we were eager to see if our calculations of top speed were correct. Entering the second turn on the first lap, the accurate speedometer was already reading 208mph just as a bird hit the top of the screen. I ducked and chickened out (!), but the car tracked absolutely true as I headed straight back to the workshop. Andy Wallace arrived the following day for performance testing, and was absolutely flat through both turns on the very first lap on his way to 217mph. I’m not sure if that says more about the cars inherent stability of the lack of imagination shown by racing drivers, but aerodynamics had moved, once again, to the top of priority list. But Andy is a good friend and a Le Mans winning driver

Thank you for sharing. I feel I could spend an interesting evening tucked away in the corner of a pub with you.

Did Elton John's chauffeur not crash his brand new one on delivery?

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[Mike Walker]

I sense that GTG getting closer..........

 

[Norte23]

Saw a White Rangey sport today in Chester with W5 GGY.

 

[Scott_F]

Citroen Xantia on steroids:

 

[gaz_l]

Not a car, but about 3 weeks ago I saw a motorbike and sidecar, and thought "how many years since I saw one of those?" (Answer - many). B*gger me, saw another one yesterday! Clearly they're making a comeback..

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[Codger49]

Rather splendid XK 150 in Park Farm Tesco in Ashford

 

[mike_es]

Rather splendid XK 150 in Park Farm Tesco in Ashford

I was just thinking you haven't got that SAAB cabrio centred very well

 

[mike_es]

Saw this 722 a few years ago when the missus and I lived in Spain

 

[kid-jensen]

Laguar XJ 220 in chjipstead valley.....that rare enough?

Very nice it looked too....

 

[Lennox]

Laguars are very rare!!

 

[Norte23]

On my way to work I pass a few rather large houses being built. The big one in the estate has just been finished. Thursday morning a looked & saw a Lamborghini Aventador parked on the drive. Bright orange.

 

[mike_es]

On my way to work I pass a few rather large houses being built. The big one in the estate has just been finished. Thursday morning a looked & saw a Lamborghini Aventador parked on the drive. Bright orange.

Probably the builder snagging the house before handover.

 

[BIG UN]

Haven't seen one of these on the road for years

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

[Tim203]

Haven't seen one of these on the road for years Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Years ago, we used to make exhausts for turbo technics. I borrowed one of these from one of their outlets to develop an exhaust . It was a twin turbo V6. I drove it back down the A303 in pouring rain. I never felt so safe in a car, it was so sure footed and had so much power. Great machine.

 

[Kpeter20]

Always wanted an xr4x4 when I was a kid. That looks amazing in red

 

[BTB 500]

Rather splendid XK 150 in Park Farm Tesco in Ashford

That's lovely.

My (step) grandfather had an XK 150 S - dove grey with red wire wheels and the numberplate "S150". I rode in the back of it many times as a small child, wearing a WW2 flying helmet and goggles.

I idly googled the registration and to my complete and utter amazement it's still around and currently up for sale ("POA"):

Jaguar XK150 S 3.4 litre Drophead 1 of 37 - JD Classics

 

[Lennox]

Stunning mate stunning. You like me may wish your family kept these as heirlooms. My grandad had an Original Ferrari 246GT Dino up until 1985ish..... He traded it in for a brand new Range Rover and a 308GT4 dino.. He thought he was getting a great deal. No!! Let's say one set is now worth circa £100k in good condition the other 8-10 times that!!! Not a good deal!!!

 

[Deleted member 65149]

That's lovely. My (step) grandfather had an XK 150 S - dove grey with red wire wheels and the numberplate "S150". I rode in the back of it many times as a small child, wearing a WW2 flying helmet and goggles. I idly googled the registration and to my complete and utter amazement it's still around and currently up for sale ("POA"): Jaguar XK150 S 3.4 litre Drophead 1 of 37 - JD Classics

In 1966 I wasn't interested in any major events in the UK because I dedicated my time to the 1954 XK120 Roadster I'd bought as a 19th birthday present to myself. It was British Racing Green with green hide and in pretty good condition. I was pleased with my £145 purchase! But then it rained and I discovered that the hood acted as an excellent sieve. I tried some DIY repairs by stitching on canvas patches, but to no avail. I couldn't afford the £100+ needed for a new hood so after just nine months of ownership I sold my baby for £169 and felt really chuffed at the profit I'd made whilst having fun when the sun was shining. I daren't think what it would be worth today.

 

[Lennox]

So what's the equivalent today??? Or do we just not have the icons of yesteryear!?! 1990 SL500!?!

 

[Scott_F]

So what's the equivalent today??? Or do we just not have the icons of yesteryear!?! 1990 SL500!?!