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...they have the rear light, brake light, indicator and number plate light all in one. They're MOT legal for my car as it's a 1968 reg so there's no requirement for them to be 'E' marked.
It doesn't need a rear fog light either for the same reason, and I used to run it legally with just a single, central brake light but people kept flashing me and telling me that my outboard brake lights weren't working, which was a pain, so I changed to a matched pair.
The 'bible' for lighting is The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 (as amended) -
Careful reading of the regs, specifically the requirements (or otherwise) for historic vehicles will light your path to fitting legal, but period correct lights (pun fully intended).
I use the rear lights on my cafe racers, there are a few different versions and 2 sizes. You can get them with red or clear lenses and bulb or LED versions. Only the LED version has the indicator version, they are available in black or chrome. The larger version comes a single unit, the smaller version comes as a pair, search on eBay for "cats eye light".
Thanks Gary. Better spraygun and a bit more experience wielding it helped me get a better shine. The silver cellulose still has that decades of patina look that I like though, it's just a fair bit shinier than before.
One or two subtle changes to the size and positioning of the roundels and Lancia decals has also made a difference.
And, on stopping for petrol on the way home from the signwriter's, it got the usual selection of heartfelt compliments from random strangers. If you're shy of meeting new people you really shouldn't drive one of these.
Thanks for the lighting advice and links Mr T. I never think of the earlier car constraints (or lack of ?) as I am going down the Kobra route and have a 2001 donor.
Not ordered the kit yet as spending time on the donor by way of brakes and suspension components first over the winter.
New black 'n' white rear plate now fitted so took a trip in the sunshine to get some pics at Sandringham gates -
Car soon attracted a group of mamil's on expensive racing cycles with a thousand questions and requests to take their own pictures. Such is life with a Spyder, every journey results in the car winning itself some new fans.
Despite it now being for sale, I'm still out and about enjoying my Spyder at every opportunity. Took a trip down to Southend for the Italian Festival yesterday - a 200 mile round trip during which my Spyder ran faultlessly at motorway speeds and in nose to tail town traffic.
Festival was good fun with lots of Italian themed entertainment, but the cavalcade of cars was a little disappointing for me as it was mostly modern Lambos, Maseratis and Ferraris, with just a few classic Alfas and me making up the historic presence.
Once I'd parked up and my car was cordoned off I couldn't get a decent picture due to the crowds round it, but here's a few taster pics anyway -
My car's in there somewhere
Just a few classic Alfas
Including this lovely Sprint Coupe
Just had a simple lunch of sausage roll and chips, which was a bit of a boar. Well, coarsely minced and seasoned boar, actually...
Now giving the car a thorough check over prior to Goodwood next week, and I'm actually quite pleased it hasn't sold yet as I'm really looking forward to the event.
Fantastic weekend at Goodwood even though it pi$$ed down for most of Friday and some of Saturday afternoon. The rain just made the racing more entertaining as some of the drivers were drifting around the track with some style.
Despite me getting thoroughly soaked on the drive back to my hotel on Friday evening, my car ran perfectly for a total of 500 miles at motorway speeds and while stuck in the hour long crawl into the Revival car park mud bath each morning.
My Spyder got loads of positive attention (as usual) and was in good company in the field of dreams -
I actually saw you around about Southsea on the motorway Saturday morning ...you were motoring on quite nicely heading towards Goodwood ..looks good on the move ...
I actually saw you around about Southsea on the motorway Saturday morning ...you were motoring on quite nicely heading towards Goodwood ..looks good on the move ...
Cheers Gary, it was nice to catch up with you too and thanks for bringing those spares along.
It was a weekend of coincidences in fact, you saw me on the motorway, on Friday morning a chap who'd read my ad the night before followed me into the Goodwood parking area and was thrilled to see the car in the flesh, and as I was leaving on Saturday I bumped into Slarti (was good to see you again Paul if you're reading this).
And yes, my Spyder really does go well and handle confidently, the trick is to use softer springs than most people seem to favour. I have 180lb Spitfire springs on the front and took one leaf out of the main rear spring stack in addition to the three loose ones. That keeps the tyres in contact with the road surface rather than have them hopping about, after all, the tyres can't grip if they're in mid air.
Anyway, best of luck with your Formosa, it'll be nice to see some new builds starting.
