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Jun 18, 2017 22:24:05 GMT
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Strictly speaking 4 different platforms but with common dimensional characteristics - saves money not only on design and development, but because key dimensions are shared they can use a common production set up - several identical production lines are cheaper per unit than a single bespoke one.
It was a very early example of the common 'platforms' (which they're not really at all) which use scalable relative dimensions, although today its been taken a bit further and actual components and sub assemblies are shared.
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Jun 18, 2017 22:17:17 GMT
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Historically significant. People often cite the 306TD as the first mainstream diesel sporty hatch, bit the GTD well predated it. As it stands now I'd say £600-£1000 depending on whether a Vegger or a VW enthusiast buys it, but another ten years and original spec GTDs will be all bit extinct, and VW nutters love to find a chunk of unobtanium so in the future may start to appreciate.
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Jun 18, 2017 21:18:37 GMT
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Thema turbos were quick old things, running slightly detuned Integrale motors.
The Type 4 project was interesting. There wasn't a great deal of component sharing, but the four platforms all shared the same essential characteristics, such as door hinges located in the same relative position in 3D space. Pretty sure my old Feller did some work on the Fiat production facilities.
Alas, I know little about the later Croma, but watching with interest.
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Jun 18, 2017 20:50:40 GMT
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Also 4 bolt fitting five stud wheels are an abomination. If manufacturers must do it then at least fit a centre cover so us of a sensitive disposition aren't offended. If you mean 4 bolt fittings on 5 spoke wheels, you're dead right ! (if you mean something else, I've read it wrong ) Sorry, I did indeed mean 4 bolt, 5 spoke. They clearly made me so Ill I became confused.
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Jun 18, 2017 11:14:17 GMT
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Now he tells me!
Another detail that irks me. Plastic blanking plates to fill switch holes on lower spec cars. Just make another blummen moulding, you tight arises! Not so prevalent these days but you still see it.
Also 4 bolt fitting five stud wheels are an abomination. If manufacturers must do it then at least fit a centre cover so us of a sensitive disposition aren't offended.
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Jun 17, 2017 21:58:03 GMT
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I love those Venturi. Silly fast, sexy, rare, French. What's not to like?
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Jun 17, 2017 10:52:21 GMT
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A mech injected L200 will run on about 80% veg in warm weather, 50/50 in winter. Used to visit Costco for my weekly fill up at 60p/L.
On diesel, driven normally, did better than my D1 dieseasel ever did
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Blimey. About 20 years ago some nice person helped themselves to my Kwaka GT550 and I bought a Honda Express for £30 to get me to work until the insurance paid. It neither looked good or went well with a 6'5" 265lb rider aboard. My oldest daughter then used it as a field bike until it expired.
A lot of interest in classic mopeds at the moment.
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I've not long sold one of those of a similar vintage. Rot, rot and rot are the things to look out for. The example there doesn't have the troublesome electronic injection that graces the post 02 models, and also won't suffer the very frequent HGF either, so an earlier model is the one to choose.
If you want to use it in the slime then Colway M/Ts or similar are cheap and effective.
Other than that they're robust and capable. Mine went anywhere that some quite highly modified Defenders could, aided by the rear difflock. The only real handicap is the large rear overhang, which can be awkward for really challenging off road stuff, but wont be an issue for more regular off road use.
Navaras of the era suffer significant chassis snapping problems which isn't getting any better with age and corrosion.
Rangers etc of the era are thin in the ground.
If you're after a cheap pickup, then the early L200 is the one to have. There are better trucks out there for sure, but not for bargain basement money.
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Jun 16, 2017 19:23:52 GMT
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I tell you what grinds my gears, oh what did. Land Rover Discovery 1 seven seater. Tail light blown, no problem, I'll just whip out the bulb and...
Only to discover one of the dicky seats needs to be able to access to trim cover over the bulb holder.
Once I'd discovered this - the hard way - every time I drove, looked at, or even thought about that car the bulb access sprang to mind andnid break out in a cold sweat. Completely ruined my ownership of the car.
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Jun 16, 2017 15:52:25 GMT
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There isn't a list as such. Between the years the OP states some cars were incapable of meeting new emissions standards, and the Ministry as it was then exempted certain affected models by agreement with each manufacturer. For example, Nissan Primeras up to chassis number 380000 are exempt.
Each manufacturer with such a model was issued a technical bulletin back then confirming for testers the exemption, which at the time made it essential for those with affected models to get them MOTd at the appropriate dealer as they would be aware of the exemption. Today its electronic by reg or VIN and once entered the machine instructs the testers which emissions test is required. If the machine says your little mini should have a cat, then a conscientious tester will fail it.
Cats can make a fair bit of difference, easily many times the difference between a pass and a fail
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Jun 16, 2017 13:51:45 GMT
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Name : Rich
Location : Northants
Retro/Interesting Cars Owned : At present, a 2005 Ford Fusion, slowly having Fezza ST150 suspension and Gubbins swapped onto it to create a kind of sporty Fiesta estate (why didn't Ford simpky name them Fiesta Eastate?) with enough room for a 6'5" driver behind the wheel, and the Wife's wheelchair in the boot. Practical, virtually unheard of in modified form, and generates a lot of interest.
Shows Regularly Attended: Anything at Silverstone as I live close by, La Vie En Bleu, Pugfest (got friends in the Peugeot scene)
What are you hoping to do here: Marvel at the workmanship, ingenuity and passion of the folk out there as they show us what they're up to, and maybe help out a bit, and hopefully become a part of the community.
Other cars, non retro: 66 plate Kia Sportage, courtesy of Motability. 1991 Yamaha FZR600 in Special edition John Kosinski livery, believed to be one of only two left in the country.
Anything else we should know: Medically retired police officer, manager for a lowland search and rescue team. Keen cyclist, radio amateur, and Labrador owner.
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Last Edit: Jun 16, 2017 13:59:57 GMT by Rex Kramer
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I can't say I've ever seen a Ford Fusion that hasn't been standard ever, off to google.. I have a plan for my one..mwhahahaha ;-) Mine is under way. Colour coded interior trim, Zetec S badging, clear Mk1 hradlamps, painted mirrors and grille surround, Ford GT style side stripes. Awaiting fitting are drilled and grooved discs, Festa ST150 suspension. (Gives a 2" drip), 22mm axle spacers, Milltek exhaust, tailgate spoiler, ST150 quick shift, uprated torque link, induction kit. Pleasant... Tarty... I've gone and knackered my shoulder and am having an operation in July, bit once I'm fit again I'll be resuming work. I have most of the parts already, so its just time and ability to fit them, so probably Septemberish. There are a couple of modded Fusions out there, but not many. The appeal of modding something unusual, yet which is so cheap and easy to do (Fezza MK6 mechanicals are a straight swap) was too much to resist.
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