[Matra et Alpine]

Originally Posted by Vaigra

Wanna elaborate on the drive, Peter? I've got a soft spot for that car, would be nice to know how it moves.

First mistake was goign in my normal shoes So had to drive in my bare feet !! Will be ok with "pixie-boots"
It is a road car and has extra-padded, re-upholstered seats. So my head was toucing the roof.
Thrid, the car hadn't been run for 3-4 months so the brakes weren't at their best.
Finally, it was at Knockhill and so it was raining -- and ended up raining heavily

It's an original 1300, so whilst brisk, not astounding.... but know source for a 1600 Gordini It is also on the original single-circuit brakes and no bias adjust, so we coulnd't brake too energetically into corners. Again, got source of twin cyulinder adjustable master cylinder conversion. And to top it off the rears are still drums -- always been a road car so none of the normal "upgrades" ! Even with all that in mind, it's lightweight and great grip makes it very fast arouind the twisties.

It was a very good example tho in the handling stakes. Nothing out of alignment or loose about it at all. Turn in was very direct and throttle oversteer very easy to induce and control -- slower wet tarmac making it all happen slower at lower speeds

Definately grin from ear to ear run.

BUT .... .... it needs new seats, roll cage, radiator moved to the front, new brake circuits, new upgrade rear discs and (most expensive) a complete gel coat strip and rebuild. Previous owner (Italian) had a "restoration" done about 8-10 years ago and the lacquer/primer/gell-coat is sperating from the original and peeling apart. Weirdest thing I've ever seen and definately needs a professional to look at it. I think it's just a poor primer layer on a full body respray but it's exceptionally thick and seesm to be shrinking !!

Good news is all of that makes price a little more negotiable