You guys have no idea of how bummed I am because my car is put away for the winter.
it is time again Dom because these cars deserve their day...and maybe i could help provide an interesting backdrop to the piece and give a different perspective to the article. i'm a long term, hardcore 400 owner (and the owner of a shop that is dedicated not only to the marque, but to the 2+2 series in particular) and the new owner of a 1995 456GT. in the last few years we've done complete mechanical overhauls (motors, gearboxes, the works) and sympathetic restorations on everything from 365 GT's to 456M's for customers from Toronto to Alaska to NJ to Texas... we went extensively 'through' a '68 365 GT, including gearbox rebuild, in the spring... we did a major +++ on a 1999 456M in the fall... i'm just finishing a sympathetic restoration on a '78 400GT right now (motor, suspension, brakes, exhaust, interior, paint)... i'm well into a similar process on a '73 365 GT4 right now (motor, gearbox, paint)... i'm starting the major on the 456 right now... we're doing the heads on a 400i right now... it's a very recent cross section of the maintenance on the front engine, V-12, 2+2's, ranging from '68 - '99...30 years of mechanical maintenance and refreshening (is that a word ?) it could make an interesting peice for those guys that own the cars and for those guys that want one but would like to know what they're getting into first. maybe we even get you into the machine shop to see the gear in action on a V-12...milling, boring, honing, seating cutting...spin up a V-12 crank on the balancer...the works. it could be the corner stone of an interesting peice...from a working shop and owner perspective... and the whole thing could be supported by these very guys who visit this forum everyday... interesting, no ? brett
Dom, And you can supplement the piece with photos of Brett's customers' 2+2s, which have been through his shop. My 365 gt4/2+2 got the "business" at Gran Turismo, is located in NJ (hopefully not to far from you) and is not camera shy. Regards, Gregg
like these ? but better quality ? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for the story idea. I'll call my editor and see if he's interested. I will let you know what happens. Again, thanks. Dom
More more !! Is it yours ? #22579 ? Was it White in original color ? I want it ! Carbs+5-speed+White black leather combo !
Not originally White, but a color-change from a color-change. Originally Silver, then Resale Red (ACK!!!). Interior was Black (overhead shot is without interior), but going back with all new leather in Grey/Black combination. More to come in a separate thread........soon. It's a very comprehensive restoration, into a very personal vehicle; one that Brett should be proud of.
grey leather w/black accents...the accents are a mix of ultra suede (dash and door 'cut outs')...door pulls, arm rests, etc. are black leather. although that's Eddy, one of my Senior Tech's pictured below, the actual retrimming is courtesy of Gary Nolan at Diamond Trim in Aurora, Ontario. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
in the last pic you'll see his original seat still in place, that's so we could continue driving and 'braking in' the new motor while we made headway on the interior. thanks Bruce...and thanks for everything Kurt ! and sure, go ahead and start a thread for yourself and i'll pitch in... i'm glad you like it Paul...i'm sending you the complete file tomorrow...i promise...i went back and did the whole thing over again...i made it much, much longer ! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very nice in white, Jay, but your silver 412 is the business! Thanks for taking me for a spin! Aidan Image Unavailable, Please Login
thanks Aiden, but again, the seat upholtsery is courtesy of Diamond Trim and i need to add that the dash, tunnel and door panels, front and rear, were done by Serge and his team at New Image. i'll say...they both look stunning Jay.
Aidan- Yeah I love the 412 just as much... Oh and I'm still remembering your loving embrace as you tried to squeeze my 6'3" carcass into your amazing Caterham... Now I know why you don't see too many of those on our roads... a snug fit for us big Americans. (But i want one...)
Hi Jay Getting to know you... I hope you're not remembering too fondly. SevensElans up in Ayer have a slightly wider SV model for sale - it would be a perfect fit for you! Let me know if you want to go and take a look at it. Aidan
Well today is sunny with temps pushing 50 degrees and weather that was not so great for skiing in Vermont this week was perfect for taking a drive this morning in the 400i! As usual, the roads were empty and so I was able to really enjoy the country road twisties without any traffic to slow me down. After all, I hadn't driven the car since last year! Anyone else ring in the New Year with a 12 cylinder symphonic drive? Happy New Year everyone!
Intended to go to the Brooklands Classic meet with the 400 yesterday, but the weather was too wet, so I took its competitor of the time, the Mercedes 450SLC. It's a lovely place, there's something for everyone: Historic aircraft, a portion of the original racing circuit where blower Bentleys and Bugattis user to fight. Many good cars were there yesterday, but I could only spot a few modern Ferrari, and one lonesome 308.
Yes I did, dry roads when I took out -but surpriced by rain Short crappy phonevideo with addictive sounds for you guys with too much snow outside http://youtu.be/jwwaiAe6RFo