Lotus Europa A Europa in good fettle requires concentration to drive. Even when they are right they can be little buggers on the limit. The steering is quick and keen to turn in, they are unstable. With practice you can make all four wheels slide and revel in this. Driving quickly there is little toContinue reading “Driving the…”
Author Archives: The.Roger.Bannister
What do I think about…
The Jaguar XJ8 X350 Made by Jaguar between 2002 and 2009 before being superseded by the X351. These are all four door saloons with a long wheel base option for chauffeuring duties. All are rear wheel drive with power being fed through a ZF6 automatic gearbox. The engine range starts with the V6 petrol, thenContinue reading “What do I think about…”
The Joy of a Van
6am drinking coffee, vapours steaming from the cheap thermal cup combine with the petrochemical plastic smell of the interior. Outside it is just above freezing but warm air issues from the vents. The radio hums quietly, it’s the BBC announcing the news. Traffic is quiet to non-existent, from your vantage point you peer over hedgesContinue reading “The Joy of a Van”
The Joy of Riding a Motorcycle
There is something pleasingly primeval about riding a motorcycle. It is not hard to do but the feeling it generates is one of happiness. Great bikes and great cars for that matter are more than the sum of their parts, there is some indefinable magic, unexplainable voodoo which triggers endorphins and makes the world restContinue reading “The Joy of Riding a Motorcycle”
The Joy of Owning a Garage
Wearing three shirts, one jumper, one fleecy coat and a waterproof over the top I lie on the wet ground swearing at the seized trailing arm bolt. My hands are numb and the coldness of the ratchet pressed against my palm defines me. I have slipped once and blood is flowing softly from my knuckles,Continue reading “The Joy of Owning a Garage”
The Joy of the Manual Gearbox
Yes, yes a subject done to death by rows of clones clamouring on about how they won’t be buying a new Porsche gt3 when in reality they drive a diesel VW. In the UK around 40% of buyers now choose an auto gearbox. Consumers, especially of premium cars demand them and it is recognised mostContinue reading “The Joy of the Manual Gearbox”
The Joy of Hire Cars
Worn interior, slippery silicone on the dashboard, kerbed alloys and a suspicious tapping from under the bonnet. You my friend have chosen your hire car well. Not for you the upgraded “premium” Volkswagen which still smells of new car. You chose wisely, cheapest hire car company and a sales desk based out of a caravan,Continue reading “The Joy of Hire Cars”
The Joy of Crap Tyres
I once fitted a set of Cheng-Shing tyres to an already ill handling Triumph T140 Bonneville. Nothing cured me quicker of crap tyres on bikes. I was 19 and had rebuilt the engine, put a hot cam in it, ported the heads with a Dremel and stuffed ram pipes on the carbs. The tyres wereContinue reading “The Joy of Crap Tyres”
The Joy of French Cars
As a kid I was a very lucky boy in the holidays department. My Dad worked for British Rail which meant the whole family got free rail travel through continental Europe. For at least two weeks every summer we travelled, normally on sleeper trains thoughout France, Italy, Germany and Austria. I loved seeing the carsContinue reading “The Joy of French Cars”
The Driven Wheel 