1400 km of shake down

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

I needed to bring back a proof to show you... I had to fight with some holland bikers to take that shot! Geeez

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

On the way down, no overheating problem obviously!

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

After a stop at the hotel , it was time to drive back home.

I loved it because of their obvious good taste for the choice of colours!

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

We had some nice refreshing irish drinks...

the view from that Hotel du cirque de St Meme is stunning!

Surrounded by mountains cliff and a cascade ....

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

On the way back home the last pass also called Col du Rousset? every good thing has an end!

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

I left sat afternoon and I was back on wednesday eve.
Covered 1400 km at a fast pace behind Caterhams, killed 2 XAS brand new tires, bought 2 Vredestein Sprint, new geometry, my Klaxon died ( still need to figure out why), a light pod got loose ( fixed by now).

I understood I need to upgrade lights, improve the rad cooling abilities, prepare a box of spares... find sponsors!

Come and meet me for the Jean Behra Historic in September, you re welcome!
http://www.rallyejeanbehrahistorique.com/

It is wayyyy cheaper than the Monte carlo !!!!

[el-saturn]

the standard spitfire radiator is basically a piece of ..................... and the TTR is superb: - Tony sold me
a used (double core?) one for 100 quid - 32 years ago ------------------ and there?s no pass steep or high
enough to get over 90? C: did you also replace the impeller/bearing etc... my last thermal problems had to do with the water pump ---- just an idea alpine greetings PS you fellas are pretty generous: here no-one
would let a mx5 join the fun - the Swiss are pretty stubborn as you might know

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

Geez... Price have slightly increased since then...!

[trw99]

Great wee story and photos, thanks for posting. The rally looks like it will be great fun.

Also splendid to see you using your Sprint as it should be - well done!

Tim

[archigator]

Great trip summary and photos! That mist makes it all look very ethereal. Good luck in your rallying pursuits, and keep the great pictures coming!

(I had XAS tires on my '74 Fiat X1/9 back in the day, and thought they were awful, especially in the wet. Also, I use a product called WaterWetter for the radiator. I live in Miami, and it really helps cool the engine down with my Sprint's stock radiator on those hot days.)

Gary
'71 Sprint FHC
Miami, Florida

[Bud English]

That color even looks great in the fog! Easier to see as well. Nice write up.

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

The xas in FF (soft compound) offer a nice ride. They re very sticky, no slide at all in tight hairpon curve, no squeal.
However the vredestein sprint are 3 times cheaper and it does not feel they re 3 times less eficient than the xas...
My xas were the las gift from my dad at christmas before he left us. It pissed me to ruin them as i thought i was going to keep them for the next three years...

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

Once the blatt is all over. Your friends live far away from you, in a distant galaxy. Normal life start again... Back to work etc... Mmmh depressing...!

[richardcox_lotus]

Excellent use of an Elan! Those roads are terrific - just watch out for the rockfalls in the rain.

Was there last year -seems an awfully long time ago now.

http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/lotus-talk-f50/elan-epic-drive-this-summer-t26162.html

[gjz30075]

Great story!

What did the tire man find that was wrong with the alignment setup? The only adjustable item on the suspension is the front toe (in stock form).

Greg Z