10/10!
Regards, Mick
1 Aug 2023, 6:20am
A Triumph Swordfish 1500 - On The Road
1 Aug 2023, 12:35pm
Peter and Mick – Thanks chaps. 
Quite a few people came over on the basis they had no idea what it was.
(R-L = E-Type, TR7, 911, WFT?
)
Unfortunately, my GoPro didn’t film me driving through the tunnel, under the track, to park in the pits.
(As I didn't notice it had switched from video to camera mode when we left the holding pen.)
Having said that, I hope this video link works and gives a decent idea of the event.
Cheers, Paul.
https://youtu.be/BN_z28jg0oM
Quite a few people came over on the basis they had no idea what it was.
(R-L = E-Type, TR7, 911, WFT?
)Unfortunately, my GoPro didn’t film me driving through the tunnel, under the track, to park in the pits.
(As I didn't notice it had switched from video to camera mode when we left the holding pen.)
Having said that, I hope this video link works and gives a decent idea of the event.
Cheers, Paul.
https://youtu.be/BN_z28jg0oM
8 Sep 2023, 4:09pm
Bailing Out
Apologies, thinks have been quite hectic here for me, so this is going back a bit…
1st August
The day after I got home from Goodwood in the rain.
Left the covers out to dry.
At which point a dirty black cloud appeared overhead.
Thankfully, it kept on moving and I could start mopping up the inside of the cabin.
Unfortunately, some ends of the seat belts ended up sitting in the water under the seats!
Not a very good guide to how much water was in there, but it was quite a bit!
But the truly gutting thing is I have clearly messed up the paintwork completely!
(Not a great photo of the blotches on the bonnet.)
I took the car out again a few weeks later.
And the blotches were still there, so I will have to do ‘something’ about that ‘sometime’ in the future.
No photos, but I took my brother-in-law out for a spin when he came to visit recently.
As with every journey, he couldn’t believe the positive reaction the car gets.
(Regardless of how bad the paint work is.)
Cheers, Paul.
Apologies, thinks have been quite hectic here for me, so this is going back a bit…
1st August
The day after I got home from Goodwood in the rain.
Left the covers out to dry.
At which point a dirty black cloud appeared overhead.
Thankfully, it kept on moving and I could start mopping up the inside of the cabin.
Unfortunately, some ends of the seat belts ended up sitting in the water under the seats!
Not a very good guide to how much water was in there, but it was quite a bit!
But the truly gutting thing is I have clearly messed up the paintwork completely!
(Not a great photo of the blotches on the bonnet.)
I took the car out again a few weeks later.
And the blotches were still there, so I will have to do ‘something’ about that ‘sometime’ in the future.
No photos, but I took my brother-in-law out for a spin when he came to visit recently.
As with every journey, he couldn’t believe the positive reaction the car gets.
(Regardless of how bad the paint work is.)
Cheers, Paul.
8 Sep 2023, 4:11pm
PS
Started a new work contract on Monday, so no Goodwood Revival for me this year.
Started a new work contract on Monday, so no Goodwood Revival for me this year.
24 Dec 2023, 1:24pm
It’s been a while…
My new contract from September is still mainly WFH, but did involve some trips to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, after clocking up many hours travelling by train, I caught Covid for the first time!
Once I was fully recovered from that I did have the odd trip out in the car.
Trying to catch a sunset.
Still taking it to the shops.
Unfortunately, I forgot to disconnect the battery when life was getting in the way.
Got a couple of patches for my ‘racing’ overalls, but haven’t sew them on yet.
The big Shell one will go on the back and the Goodwood one on the shoulder.
But that’s all for now.
Merry Christmas!
Cheers, Paul.
My new contract from September is still mainly WFH, but did involve some trips to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, after clocking up many hours travelling by train, I caught Covid for the first time!
Once I was fully recovered from that I did have the odd trip out in the car.
Trying to catch a sunset.
Still taking it to the shops.
Unfortunately, I forgot to disconnect the battery when life was getting in the way.
Got a couple of patches for my ‘racing’ overalls, but haven’t sew them on yet.
The big Shell one will go on the back and the Goodwood one on the shoulder.
But that’s all for now.
Merry Christmas!
Cheers, Paul.
25 Dec 2023, 8:36pm
Hi Paul, nice to see your still out-and-about!!
3 Jan 2024, 6:40pm
Hi Paul,
Good to see you had a great time at Goodwood. I hope ending being totally soaked didn't spoil the fun.
Shame for the blotches on the bonnet though, maybe they can be polished out!?
I like your radiator shroud fabrication. I didn't notice many Heralds or Vitesses having these. I saw them mainly on Spitfires - I don't know if that's something specific to Spitfires.
When the time comes, I will try to drive my car without it first, but as I have a Spit engine, I might need to make one in the future too.
Anyway, it's great to see you're out and about enjoying your rides in Swordfish!
Good to see you had a great time at Goodwood. I hope ending being totally soaked didn't spoil the fun.
Shame for the blotches on the bonnet though, maybe they can be polished out!?
I like your radiator shroud fabrication. I didn't notice many Heralds or Vitesses having these. I saw them mainly on Spitfires - I don't know if that's something specific to Spitfires.
When the time comes, I will try to drive my car without it first, but as I have a Spit engine, I might need to make one in the future too.
Anyway, it's great to see you're out and about enjoying your rides in Swordfish!
7 Jul 2024, 1:09pm
A very belated 2024 Update
First of all, it is not my imagination, The Times confirmed it, it has rained a LOT!
At least the rain, stopped the snow settling.
Whenever I get the chance, I try to at least start the engine on my driveway.
Adding some fresh petrol to the stuff that has been in there a while.
Checking the engine oil level.
The odd trip to see my mum.
And the usual trips to the shops.
Unfortunately, I lost one of my driving gloves somewhere in/around IKEA.
Now I need to ‘wear in’ a new pair, as the old ones looked the part.
Good News!
I’ve been invited back to the Goodwood Breakfast Club.
I was in the pit area last time, so I see this as a ‘promotion’ onto the main straight this year.
I’m also planning to meet up with Deni soon, so I took the car out for a quick run this morning.
The clouds and weather forecast were not looking promising.
Thankfully, I had a dry, but short, run and was going to take a photo of a much darker sky when the rain started.
Once area I was putting the covers on over wet body work, which ruins the paint.
As it turns out, I had a luck escape, as it has been hammering down on and off ever since!
Hopefully I will get a chance to do a few little jobs before I head off to Goodwood.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
First of all, it is not my imagination, The Times confirmed it, it has rained a LOT!
At least the rain, stopped the snow settling.
Whenever I get the chance, I try to at least start the engine on my driveway.
Adding some fresh petrol to the stuff that has been in there a while.
Checking the engine oil level.
The odd trip to see my mum.
And the usual trips to the shops.
Unfortunately, I lost one of my driving gloves somewhere in/around IKEA.
Now I need to ‘wear in’ a new pair, as the old ones looked the part.
Good News!
I’ve been invited back to the Goodwood Breakfast Club.
I was in the pit area last time, so I see this as a ‘promotion’ onto the main straight this year.
I’m also planning to meet up with Deni soon, so I took the car out for a quick run this morning.
The clouds and weather forecast were not looking promising.
Thankfully, I had a dry, but short, run and was going to take a photo of a much darker sky when the rain started.
Once area I was putting the covers on over wet body work, which ruins the paint.
As it turns out, I had a luck escape, as it has been hammering down on and off ever since!
Hopefully I will get a chance to do a few little jobs before I head off to Goodwood.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
15 Jul 2024, 10:47am
Hi Paul,
Great news about Goodwood! I hope I
Great news about Goodwood! I hope I
22 Jul 2024, 10:46am
Update
Thankfully, a few hours after my last photos were taken, the sun came out.
So, I was able to remove the covers and dry them and my car, before recovering it.
I’ve also made a couple of Ebay purchases, the first was small, some electrical connectors.
(To replace the original ones that broke and their ‘bodged’ temporary replacements.)
The second was bigger and one of the best bargains of my whole build.
12 x 1mm aluminium sheets of 1.0 x 1.2m for thirty pounds!
I will use this to finally make some front inner wheel arches and sell on the rest.
Meeting Deni
I was due to meet Deni (Miglia builder) on Saturday, so had a bit of prep work to do on Friday.
Excuse the poor photo due to fading light, but I did the oil, tyre pressures & washed the wheels.
The sun was setting as I finally got around to filling up.
Unfortunately, my phone couldn’t do justice to the moon/street light combo on the way home.
Left the car on the street overnight, so I was all set to go first thing in the morning.
Thankfully, the directions were about as simple as it gets.
Meeting point.
It was great to meet Deni & his wife and I took them both for a spin.
After lunch, Deni was able to take photos of my engine bay for his wiring & plumbing.
(His Herald is fitted with a Spitfire 1500 engine.)
Then it was time to say goodbye and head home.
I know I would never have finished my build without the help and support of this forum.
So, it was good to ‘pass it forward’ to Deni and can’t wait to see his car on the road.
Take care, Paul.
Thankfully, a few hours after my last photos were taken, the sun came out.
So, I was able to remove the covers and dry them and my car, before recovering it.
I’ve also made a couple of Ebay purchases, the first was small, some electrical connectors.
(To replace the original ones that broke and their ‘bodged’ temporary replacements.)
The second was bigger and one of the best bargains of my whole build.
12 x 1mm aluminium sheets of 1.0 x 1.2m for thirty pounds!
I will use this to finally make some front inner wheel arches and sell on the rest.
Meeting Deni
I was due to meet Deni (Miglia builder) on Saturday, so had a bit of prep work to do on Friday.
Excuse the poor photo due to fading light, but I did the oil, tyre pressures & washed the wheels.
The sun was setting as I finally got around to filling up.
Unfortunately, my phone couldn’t do justice to the moon/street light combo on the way home.
Left the car on the street overnight, so I was all set to go first thing in the morning.
Thankfully, the directions were about as simple as it gets.
Meeting point.
It was great to meet Deni & his wife and I took them both for a spin.
After lunch, Deni was able to take photos of my engine bay for his wiring & plumbing.
(His Herald is fitted with a Spitfire 1500 engine.)
Then it was time to say goodbye and head home.
I know I would never have finished my build without the help and support of this forum.
So, it was good to ‘pass it forward’ to Deni and can’t wait to see his car on the road.
Take care, Paul.
26 Jul 2024, 3:22pm
Great to see you out and about enjoying yourselves.
6 Aug 2024, 12:32pm
I went away after meeting Paul, and I have been away for a while now, so I couldn't post on the forum (internet is not so great where I'm at the moment).
It was great to meet Paul and to see the Swordfish - I'm so grateful he invited us for a spin, which we enjoyed a lot, so thank you again Paul.
It was very useful to chat to him about the build challenges he had, as well as to receive valuable advice from him. Being a rather inexperienced car builder, this was very useful to me, and as he said, without this forum providing the help and advice that people post on it, it would be very difficult for me to build the car. So, thank you all again.
I'm looking forward to continuing work on my car when I'm back, as the spin with Paul gave me extra motivation and confidence that I can finish the car. When I do finish it, I will take Paul for a spin in it!
Cheers, D
It was great to meet Paul and to see the Swordfish - I'm so grateful he invited us for a spin, which we enjoyed a lot, so thank you again Paul.
It was very useful to chat to him about the build challenges he had, as well as to receive valuable advice from him. Being a rather inexperienced car builder, this was very useful to me, and as he said, without this forum providing the help and advice that people post on it, it would be very difficult for me to build the car. So, thank you all again.
I'm looking forward to continuing work on my car when I'm back, as the spin with Paul gave me extra motivation and confidence that I can finish the car. When I do finish it, I will take Paul for a spin in it!
Cheers, D
7 Aug 2024, 6:59am
Peterux – Thanks.
Deni – You are more than welcome & I look forward to seeing your car on the road.
Pre-Goodwood
Gave my ‘garage’ wall a bit of a trim.
Then fitted a new car cover.
Using my home made leather headlight grille covers underneath to avoid tearing it.
It wasn’t long before the cover saw some ‘action’.
Took my ‘racing suit’…
And did some sewing…
Also added this to the top of the right shoulder.
Travelled down South on Saturday afternoon to stay in a Premier Inn closer to Goodwood.
Tucked the car up for the night.
With my directions ready for the early morning.
End of Part 1…
Deni – You are more than welcome & I look forward to seeing your car on the road.
Pre-Goodwood
Gave my ‘garage’ wall a bit of a trim.
Then fitted a new car cover.
Using my home made leather headlight grille covers underneath to avoid tearing it.
It wasn’t long before the cover saw some ‘action’.
Took my ‘racing suit’…
And did some sewing…
Also added this to the top of the right shoulder.
Travelled down South on Saturday afternoon to stay in a Premier Inn closer to Goodwood.
Tucked the car up for the night.
With my directions ready for the early morning.
End of Part 1…
7 Aug 2024, 7:02am
Goodwood Breakfast Club – Classic Car Sunday - 04/08/24
I arrived at the circuit just after 7am and was parked on the straight, just as the sun cleared the stand.
Excuse the poor quality photo, but I was sandwiched between a Mini Moke & a Ferrari 308.
I was part of one set of cars lined up approaching the first corner.
While another set of cars stretched out in the other direction from the starting grid.
There were nice/interesting cars everywhere you looked.
(And I didn’t even get to see the Pit area that I was parked in last year.)
The public are there from 8 am to 12 noon and I had a constant stream of people interested in my car.
Most common question was “What is it?”
Those that took the time to look through my collection of build photos couldn’t believe the work involved.
(To be honest, it is only when I go through those photos myself that I remember just how hard it was to build.)
Met a couple of Sammio owners, one had a Herald based Spyder & the other a Simitar based ‘Lancia D24’.
(Both had bought finished cars, rather than build them, but both were interested in my build photos.)
My proudest moments came when a number of people asked me if I’d raced my car at Goodwood.
As one thing that kept me going through some of the low points of my build was the thought of ending up with a car that wouldn’t look out of place on the Goodwood Revival grid.
This really is an amazing event and I hope to be back again in the future.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
PS
I’ve also got GoPro videos for both a ‘walkabout’ and me driving in & out of Goodwood.
Once I’ve finished editing them, I’ll load them onto YouTube & post the links.
I arrived at the circuit just after 7am and was parked on the straight, just as the sun cleared the stand.
Excuse the poor quality photo, but I was sandwiched between a Mini Moke & a Ferrari 308.
I was part of one set of cars lined up approaching the first corner.
While another set of cars stretched out in the other direction from the starting grid.
There were nice/interesting cars everywhere you looked.
(And I didn’t even get to see the Pit area that I was parked in last year.)
The public are there from 8 am to 12 noon and I had a constant stream of people interested in my car.
Most common question was “What is it?”
Those that took the time to look through my collection of build photos couldn’t believe the work involved.
(To be honest, it is only when I go through those photos myself that I remember just how hard it was to build.)
Met a couple of Sammio owners, one had a Herald based Spyder & the other a Simitar based ‘Lancia D24’.
(Both had bought finished cars, rather than build them, but both were interested in my build photos.)
My proudest moments came when a number of people asked me if I’d raced my car at Goodwood.
As one thing that kept me going through some of the low points of my build was the thought of ending up with a car that wouldn’t look out of place on the Goodwood Revival grid.
This really is an amazing event and I hope to be back again in the future.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
PS
I’ve also got GoPro videos for both a ‘walkabout’ and me driving in & out of Goodwood.
Once I’ve finished editing them, I’ll load them onto YouTube & post the links.
2 Jul 2025, 11:45am
PS
I’ve also got GoPro videos for both a ‘walkabout’ and me driving in & out of Goodwood.
Once I’ve finished editing them, I’ll load them onto YouTube & post the links.
OK, so it has actually taken me 11 months to finally get around to uploading the videos.
Goodwood Breakfast Club - Classic Car Sunday – 04/08/24
Walkabout
https://youtu.be/Pk_oo78v9Bw
Drive
https://youtu.be/IikbeHE3i9g
And the reason I’ve finally got around to uploading the videos today, is because this arrived last week.
Yes, I’ve been invited back to Goodwood for the third year running and am really looking forward to it.
I’ll make another post soon(ish) to cover what has been going on with me & my car for the last 11 months.
Until then, take care, Paul.
PS
I’ve also ordered a new Gimbal for my GoPro to avoid ‘Shakey Cam’ this year.
PPS
Like Mister Towed, I'm not sure why the photo is so big.
3 Jul 2025, 9:18am
OK, catch up time...
Car Cover Problems
I’ve been through a number of car covers over the years.
Initially, I didn’t think it mattered that this one was a bit over-sized (seen above before Goodwood in 2024).
Now, finding snails hiding under the cover was not unusual.
However, finding fungus growing on the leather head rests and headlight covers was a bit of a shock!
Turns out that water was pooling on the inside of the cover, where is sagged on the ground.
Then that was turning the inside of the cover into a kind of sauna when the sun came out.
Thankfully, a large amount of elbow grease restored all the leather without any lasting issues.
And another new cover has prevented the problem returning.
Brother-in-law
Whenever my wife’s brother is over from Ireland, I try to take him out for a spin.
As he is over 6’ 3”, I have to give him some safety glasses to keep the wind/flies/etc. out of his eyes.
Aug.24
May25
He can’t get over how much attention the car gets and how many people wave/take photos/talk to us.
Out and about
These days, it seems like work and life have got in the way of me driving the car as much as I’d like.
But I still like to find excuses to take it to the shops.
Although during the recent heatwave, I had to find a shady spot to park in as it was seriously HOT!
I am currently approaching 6,000 miles on the road and I still can’t believe I built this car myself.
(With a LOT of help from this forum and a few professional mechanicals along the way.)
Not sure if I will have any time for major tinkering before Goodwood next month, but we will see.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
Car Cover Problems
I’ve been through a number of car covers over the years.
Initially, I didn’t think it mattered that this one was a bit over-sized (seen above before Goodwood in 2024).
Now, finding snails hiding under the cover was not unusual.
However, finding fungus growing on the leather head rests and headlight covers was a bit of a shock!
Turns out that water was pooling on the inside of the cover, where is sagged on the ground.
Then that was turning the inside of the cover into a kind of sauna when the sun came out.
Thankfully, a large amount of elbow grease restored all the leather without any lasting issues.
And another new cover has prevented the problem returning.
Brother-in-law
Whenever my wife’s brother is over from Ireland, I try to take him out for a spin.
As he is over 6’ 3”, I have to give him some safety glasses to keep the wind/flies/etc. out of his eyes.
Aug.24
May25
He can’t get over how much attention the car gets and how many people wave/take photos/talk to us.
Out and about
These days, it seems like work and life have got in the way of me driving the car as much as I’d like.
But I still like to find excuses to take it to the shops.
Although during the recent heatwave, I had to find a shady spot to park in as it was seriously HOT!
I am currently approaching 6,000 miles on the road and I still can’t believe I built this car myself.
(With a LOT of help from this forum and a few professional mechanicals along the way.)
Not sure if I will have any time for major tinkering before Goodwood next month, but we will see.
Until next time, take care, Paul.
4 Jul 2025, 9:36pm
Nice update Paul, enjoying your car the way you are is what its all about.
7 Aug 2025, 1:34pm
Gave my ‘garage’ wall a bit of a trim.
Goodwood Breakfast Club – Classic Car Sunday – 03/08/25
Preparation
Did my usual rounds of checking the oil, water, tyre pressures, etc.
Found some stickers I’d bought a long time ago (& then mis-placed), so put them on.
Fuse Box Cover:
Side Mirror Covers (the second one is Guy Martin’s logo):
Petrol tank access panel:
Battery cut off switch (which I clearly need to re-apply because it isn’t straight):
The Night Before
Drove up on Saturday night and stayed at a local Travelodge.
Sunday Morning
I got there just after 7am, so was the second car in the 1980s section, which was a new layout for 2025.
I thought over 4 years was a long time to build my car, but this Mk2 Escort took the owner 20 years!
Here is a selection of cars from the 1980s section that I was parked in:
This was parked opposite me and made me smile.
This mint Spitfire was also close.
This was parked behind me.
And this drove past as the show was ending, making a lovely noise even at low revs.
Home Sweet Home
The drive home was a traffic nightmare & it took 3h 45m to travel around 100 miles.
Still, at least the car was back under the covers before the rain came bucketing down.
Here are my GoPro videos from the 2025 Goodwood Breakfast Club:
My 'walkabout' but this is just a fraction of the cars on display:
https://youtu.be/r1y5t4Kj4OY
Small part of my drive to, and around, Goodwood:
https://youtu.be/N6NHMzac4hc
Until next time, take care, Paul.
Goodwood Breakfast Club – Classic Car Sunday – 03/08/25
Preparation
Did my usual rounds of checking the oil, water, tyre pressures, etc.
Found some stickers I’d bought a long time ago (& then mis-placed), so put them on.
Fuse Box Cover:
Side Mirror Covers (the second one is Guy Martin’s logo):
Petrol tank access panel:
Battery cut off switch (which I clearly need to re-apply because it isn’t straight):
The Night Before
Drove up on Saturday night and stayed at a local Travelodge.
Sunday Morning
I got there just after 7am, so was the second car in the 1980s section, which was a new layout for 2025.
I thought over 4 years was a long time to build my car, but this Mk2 Escort took the owner 20 years!
Here is a selection of cars from the 1980s section that I was parked in:
This was parked opposite me and made me smile.
This mint Spitfire was also close.
This was parked behind me.
And this drove past as the show was ending, making a lovely noise even at low revs.
Home Sweet Home
The drive home was a traffic nightmare & it took 3h 45m to travel around 100 miles.
Still, at least the car was back under the covers before the rain came bucketing down.
Here are my GoPro videos from the 2025 Goodwood Breakfast Club:
My 'walkabout' but this is just a fraction of the cars on display:
https://youtu.be/r1y5t4Kj4OY
Small part of my drive to, and around, Goodwood:
https://youtu.be/N6NHMzac4hc
Until next time, take care, Paul.
9 Aug 2025, 12:27pm
Some lovely cars there, Paul, especially the mini pickup, which is an old favourite of mine and very nicely done.
I once got tasked to move two 1,000lb bombs from Top Secret point 'A' to Top Secret point 'B' somewhere in the country back in the day, so I put a request into the M.T. (Motor Transport) section at the RAF base I worked at for a suitable vehicle for the job. When I went to collect it, the Sergeant in the M.T. yard handed me the keys to a mini pickup. As I expressed my doubt that this miniscule vehicle would be capable of hauling two 1,000lb bombs half way across the country he pulled a face, and, presumably because of the confusing nature of the bombs' nomenclature, he asked me a couple of very pertinent questions: "Why not? How much do they weigh?"
Never the sharpest slices of lemon in the cocktail, our M.T. drivers...
I once got tasked to move two 1,000lb bombs from Top Secret point 'A' to Top Secret point 'B' somewhere in the country back in the day, so I put a request into the M.T. (Motor Transport) section at the RAF base I worked at for a suitable vehicle for the job. When I went to collect it, the Sergeant in the M.T. yard handed me the keys to a mini pickup. As I expressed my doubt that this miniscule vehicle would be capable of hauling two 1,000lb bombs half way across the country he pulled a face, and, presumably because of the confusing nature of the bombs' nomenclature, he asked me a couple of very pertinent questions: "Why not? How much do they weigh?"
Never the sharpest slices of lemon in the cocktail, our M.T. drivers...
11 Aug 2025, 11:03am
Some lovely cars there, Paul, especially the mini pickup, which is an old favourite of mine and very nicely done.
I once got tasked to move two 1,000lb bombs from Top Secret point 'A' to Top Secret point 'B' somewhere in the country back in the day, so I put a request into the M.T. (Motor Transport) section at the RAF base I worked at for a suitable vehicle for the job. When I went to collect it, the Sergeant in the M.T. yard handed me the keys to a mini pickup. As I expressed my doubt that this miniscule vehicle would be capable of hauling two 1,000lb bombs half way across the country he pulled a face, and, presumably because of the confusing nature of the bombs' nomenclature, he asked me a couple of very pertinent questions: "Why not? How much do they weigh?"
Never the sharpest slices of lemon in the cocktail, our M.T. drivers...
I once got tasked to move two 1,000lb bombs from Top Secret point 'A' to Top Secret point 'B' somewhere in the country back in the day, so I put a request into the M.T. (Motor Transport) section at the RAF base I worked at for a suitable vehicle for the job. When I went to collect it, the Sergeant in the M.T. yard handed me the keys to a mini pickup. As I expressed my doubt that this miniscule vehicle would be capable of hauling two 1,000lb bombs half way across the country he pulled a face, and, presumably because of the confusing nature of the bombs' nomenclature, he asked me a couple of very pertinent questions: "Why not? How much do they weigh?"
Never the sharpest slices of lemon in the cocktail, our M.T. drivers...
10 Apr 2026, 5:58am
Belated Catch Up Time
After the Goodwood Breakfast Club in Aug.25, I was still taking my car out to the shops.
My daughter gave me a present of a Driving Experience and I finally used it in September.
Despite seeing this near where I live, you’ll be glad to hear I have no gold wrapping plans for my car.
In September, I found myself behind something as low as me.
Whereas, normally, most cars remain taller than mine.
In October, my wife and I took a trip to Rome, as I’ve always wanted to see this in real life.
Where even my car would look big compared to some of the tiny City Cars in Rome.
Unfortunately, my work really cranked up at this point and I had little time to myself since then.
I did try to start the car regularly and just drive it back & forth on my driveway to stop things seizing up.
By December, it was frosty on my driveway, but not a lot of snow this year.
When I pulled the covers off in March, I was met by cobwebs and snail droppings.
Nothing a quick wash with a sponge and bucket couldn’t sort out.
It was nice to be out in the sunshine, even if it was cold enough for a thick jumper.
In the photo above and this one below, you can see the car cover has taken its toll on my bonnet’s paint.
My last trip out was on Bank Holiday Monday (6th April)
Plans for 2026 include:
Early August - Goodwood Breakfast Club – Classic Car Sunday (if I get invited back)
Late August – Goodwood Track Day – To mark approaching 10 years on the road!
Which brings me back to the sad news that this forum is closing down.
https://forum.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/mad-chat/general-chatter/177748-this-forum-will-be-closing-from-the-12th-april
Tomorrow, I will post some final thoughts on this forum and all the help I’ve received from it.
Until then, take care, Paul.
After the Goodwood Breakfast Club in Aug.25, I was still taking my car out to the shops.
My daughter gave me a present of a Driving Experience and I finally used it in September.
Despite seeing this near where I live, you’ll be glad to hear I have no gold wrapping plans for my car.
In September, I found myself behind something as low as me.
Whereas, normally, most cars remain taller than mine.
In October, my wife and I took a trip to Rome, as I’ve always wanted to see this in real life.
Where even my car would look big compared to some of the tiny City Cars in Rome.
Unfortunately, my work really cranked up at this point and I had little time to myself since then.
I did try to start the car regularly and just drive it back & forth on my driveway to stop things seizing up.
By December, it was frosty on my driveway, but not a lot of snow this year.
When I pulled the covers off in March, I was met by cobwebs and snail droppings.
Nothing a quick wash with a sponge and bucket couldn’t sort out.
It was nice to be out in the sunshine, even if it was cold enough for a thick jumper.
In the photo above and this one below, you can see the car cover has taken its toll on my bonnet’s paint.
My last trip out was on Bank Holiday Monday (6th April)
Plans for 2026 include:
Early August - Goodwood Breakfast Club – Classic Car Sunday (if I get invited back)
Late August – Goodwood Track Day – To mark approaching 10 years on the road!
Which brings me back to the sad news that this forum is closing down.
https://forum.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/mad-chat/general-chatter/177748-this-forum-will-be-closing-from-the-12th-april
Tomorrow, I will post some final thoughts on this forum and all the help I’ve received from it.
Until then, take care, Paul.
11 Apr 2026, 8:58am
One last update post from me before this Forum is closed tomorrow.
It is hard to put into words just how much help and support this forum gave me, when I really needed it.
My donor car arrived on 22nd April 2012.
Followed by the kit.
An early hint at what might be possible gave no clue to the problems that lied ahead.
Through the lowest points of the build, when it was clear I had a mountain to climb if I wanted to finish.
As what was supposed to be a ‘simple’ rebody had morphed into project ’Frankenstein Hillbilly’.
Phase 1 - Turned the original kit framework...
Into this unique hybrid of Cordite, Spitfire & scratch build parts.
Phase 2 – Transformed the body shell and bonnet to match the new framework and fixed the faults.
Doors sealed, rear cut in half, rear arch cut, second hump fitted, new scuttle built from scratch with wind break.
And that was before I decided to add a boot opening, which was another dumb idea.
The bonnet was also cut in half, given a ‘nose job’ new lower valance, new rear edge profile, radiator bulge.
Then part of the bonnet became the bodywork and all four wheel arches were fixed.
31st August 2016 – After 4 years, 4 months, 9 days I had my first MOT and was on the road in primer.
14th May 2017 – Started the final preparations to paint the car (outside with a brush).
18th November 2017 - 6 months & 4 days later I was back on the road with a fresh MOT.
Total Elapsed Build Time - 4 years, 10 months, 13 days.
Without doubt, there were many times when I thought I would never finish this build.
But I also never imagined I would end up with this one, of one, car, that turns heads wherever I go.
I still get a kick when I open the bonnet using scissor hinges I made myself.
Driving to the Goodwood Revival
On display at Goodwood Breakfast Club (by invitation only).
Hope you all have as much pride in driving a car you have built yourself as I do.
Thanks for everything.
Take care, Paul.
It is hard to put into words just how much help and support this forum gave me, when I really needed it.
My donor car arrived on 22nd April 2012.
Followed by the kit.
An early hint at what might be possible gave no clue to the problems that lied ahead.
Through the lowest points of the build, when it was clear I had a mountain to climb if I wanted to finish.
As what was supposed to be a ‘simple’ rebody had morphed into project ’Frankenstein Hillbilly’.
Phase 1 - Turned the original kit framework...
Into this unique hybrid of Cordite, Spitfire & scratch build parts.
Phase 2 – Transformed the body shell and bonnet to match the new framework and fixed the faults.
Doors sealed, rear cut in half, rear arch cut, second hump fitted, new scuttle built from scratch with wind break.
And that was before I decided to add a boot opening, which was another dumb idea.
The bonnet was also cut in half, given a ‘nose job’ new lower valance, new rear edge profile, radiator bulge.
Then part of the bonnet became the bodywork and all four wheel arches were fixed.
31st August 2016 – After 4 years, 4 months, 9 days I had my first MOT and was on the road in primer.
14th May 2017 – Started the final preparations to paint the car (outside with a brush).
18th November 2017 - 6 months & 4 days later I was back on the road with a fresh MOT.
Total Elapsed Build Time - 4 years, 10 months, 13 days.
Without doubt, there were many times when I thought I would never finish this build.
But I also never imagined I would end up with this one, of one, car, that turns heads wherever I go.
I still get a kick when I open the bonnet using scissor hinges I made myself.
Driving to the Goodwood Revival
On display at Goodwood Breakfast Club (by invitation only).
Hope you all have as much pride in driving a car you have built yourself as I do.
Thanks for everything.
Take care, Paul.