(My!!) New Rosso Mondiale over Avorio Gransport

[Harry]

Well, what a first week I've had with this car!

In a good way!!

I was planning on taking my 1966 Alfa Sprint GT Veloce to the Spa classic, but when I was washing it I realised that the new boot seal I fitted was badly leaking water. I look at the forecast and it was for heavy rain for the whole trip. Then pictured all of the steaming up on the way and didn't ahve time to muck about with the leak.

Sat next to it was the GS.

You can guess the rest!

I was only too delighted to take it instead, my new toy etc. After the most cursory of checkovers I took it instead.

So I've done 750 miles to Spa and back, 220 back from darlington, about 1000 miles in my first week of ownership!

There were four of us and we hired a house.

I also got to do some laps around the track, only about 8 laps but that was plenty enough to have fun and experience the circuit.

The track sessions are quite comedy to be honest, there is a two page disclaimer, no briefing at all and then as long as you have your towing eye and a helmet, off you go!

One lap behind the course car then they release you to do whatever you want, managed a few laps like on a proper track day.

It was a bit dicey though, some of the worst trackday driving I've ever seen, want to overtake on both sides, of overtake 3 cars in a braking zone??? Then go ahead if you are that kind of knob!

As is often the case some of the most powerful/premium cars were like a rolling road block, such as a C6 ZR1 and a Ferrari California, both seemed to never check their mirrors and have very wide cars that were very slow in the corners!

Also shared the track with a Lamborghini Miuria and a few GT40 reps and a Mclaren Can Am rep!

I was impressed with the composure of the car on track and the way it handled, fast enough in a straight line not to be embarassing too.

Had a bloody brilliant time on track!! Spa is right up there with the best place I've driven I'd say.

Spa is not too brake heavy but the brakes are I would say only just about adequate on mine despite new disks and pads.

Got to have a look at what pads I have as the initial bite is poor on road and track. They also squeeked like a ******* before and after the track work.

We had the most amazing time, second time at the Spa Classic, its such a laid back atmosphere, you can go wherever you like and the Ardenne region is obviously lovely, also stuffed full of good resteraunts.

The roads in the area are pretty rough in places though! Like many I wished I could use the sport gearbox with standard suspension...

Oh, and as you might have guessed, the car was faultless.....!

Also, the car got so much positive attention on the way there and at the circuit too. In my old Silver 3200 I never seemed to get noticed.

This included 4 very boisterous Belgian blokes hanging out of their car behind me wanting to film the car in tunnels near Brussels!

Some Photos:

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Ford CEO Racing this GT40
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Brilliant write up, I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for the superb pictures, too. I particularly like that blue and white car in the last photo!

 

[Vampyrebat]

Brilliant write up, I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for the superb pictures, too. I particularly like that blue and white car in the last photo!

That's a Ford GT40 (probably a rep). My favourite car of all time!

 

[Oneball]

Well, what a first week I've had with this car!

In a good way!!

I was planning on taking my 1966 Alfa Sprint GT Veloce to the Spa classic, but when I was washing it I realised that the new boot seal I fitted was badly leaking water. I look at the forecast and it was for heavy rain for the whole trip. Then pictured all of the steaming up on the way and didn't ahve time to muck about with the leak.

Sat next to it was the GS.

You can guess the rest!

I was only too delighted to take it instead, my new toy etc. After the most cursory of checkovers I took it instead.

So I've done 750 miles to Spa and back, 220 back from darlington, about 1000 miles in my first week of ownership!

There were four of us and we hired a house.

I also got to do some laps around the track, only about 8 laps but that was plenty enough to have fun and experience the circuit.

The track sessions are quite comedy to be honest, there is a two page disclaimer, no briefing at all and then as long as you have your towing eye and a helmet, off you go!

One lap behind the course car then they release you to do whatever you want, managed a few laps like on a proper track day.

It was a bit dicey though, some of the worst trackday driving I've ever seen, want to overtake on both sides, of overtake 3 cars in a braking zone??? Then go ahead if you are that kind of knob!

As is often the case some of the most powerful/premium cars were like a rolling road block, such as a C6 ZR1 and a Ferrari California, both seemed to never check their mirrors and have very wide cars that were very slow in the corners!

Also shared the track with a Lamborghini Miuria and a few GT40 reps and a Mclaren Can Am rep!

I was impressed with the composure of the car on track and the way it handled, fast enough in a straight line not to be embarassing too.

Had a bloody brilliant time on track!! Spa is right up there with the best place I've driven I'd say.

Spa is not too brake heavy but the brakes are I would say only just about adequate on mine despite new disks and pads.

Got to have a look at what pads I have as the initial bite is poor on road and track. They also squeeked like a ******* before and after the track work.

We had the most amazing time, second time at the Spa Classic, its such a laid back atmosphere, you can go wherever you like and the Ardenne region is obviously lovely, also stuffed full of good resteraunts.

The roads in the area are pretty rough in places though! Like many I wished I could use the sport gearbox with standard suspension...

Oh, and as you might have guessed, the car was faultless.....!

Also, the car got so much positive attention on the way there and at the circuit too. In my old Silver 3200 I never seemed to get noticed.

This included 4 very boisterous Belgian blokes hanging out of their car behind me wanting to film the car in tunnels near Brussels!

Some Photos:

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Ford CEO Racing this GT40
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What did you think of a Peter Auto race meeting? They have quite an interesting way of marketing themselves to racers.

 

[urquattrogus]

What did you think of a Peter Auto race meeting? They have quite an interesting way of marketing themselves to racers.

I loved it; it’s so rare these days to have a relaxed attitude like this. You could use any grandstand and go right in and out of the pits, with just a sensible person policing the pit lane, not busy. £30 Euros a ticket for the whole weekend for general entry that gets you everywhere. Then although there are a lot of rich gentlemen racers, you get the impression that the racing is still serious and people want to be there for the right reasons.

As good as places like Goodwood are, they are just so rammed with people and it costs so much for general entry and even then you are not allowed in a lot of areas.

All in all I think they do a great job. Some quirks such as no live screens to watch the race on, programmes available but very hard to find. The first time I went super limited food options, this time it was a lot better.

 

[Nibby]

I loved it; it’s so rare these days to have a relaxed attitude like this. You could use any grandstand and go right in and out of the pits, with just a sensible person policing the pit lane, not busy. £30 Euros a ticket for the whole weekend for general entry that gets you everywhere. Then although there are a lot of rich gentlemen racers, you get the impression that the racing is still serious and people want to be there for the right reasons.

As good as places like Goodwood are, they are just so rammed with people and it costs so much for general entry and even then you are not allowed in a lot of areas.

All in all I think they do a great job. Some quirks such as no live screens to watch the race on, programmes available but very hard to find. The first time I went super limited food options, this time it was a lot better.

Remember when I went to Goodwood FoS in 2007 and being hungry I bought a sausage in a roll as soon as I got in there, £10 and it turned out to be one of those horrible hot dogs like a piece of rubber you use to get in the 70s.

 

[Oneball]

Oulton Gold Cup always used to be like that. I’ll be racing at the Silverstone Historic Festival this year for the first time in a while, we’ll see whether it’s gone the way of Goodwood. I was at the first Revival but I’ve lost interest in it now.

Spa Six hours is always good if you liked the Historic.

 

[urquattrogus]

Oulton Gold Cup always used to be like that. I’ll be racing at the Silverstone Historic Festival this year for the first time in a while, we’ll see whether it’s gone the way of Goodwood. I was at the first Revival but I’ve lost interest in it now.

Spa Six hours is always good if you liked the Historic.

Not been to Silverstone since the Coys historic days when I was growing up. Heard it’s quite good.

What do you race?

 

[Dman666]

Long day today. I set off from Essex to Darlington on the Train, and then drove 220 miles back in my new car.

Relieved to get home and I'm delighted that I managed to buy one

The A1M was pretty boring, but the last half hour I had some back roads I know well.

I can definitely see what the fuss is about now! I had a blast on the backroads and I'm really impressed with the balance and composure of the car.

In a different league to my old Assetto Corsa in terms of driver confidence.

The previous owner Chris ever so kindly drove 2 hours to meet me in Manchester last weekend where I viewed the car.

Out of the 6 I looked at this one was head and shoulders above the others to be honest. A real credit to Chris whom has owned it for the last 10 years.

It's an LE Spec car which was a bonus.

It's got all new discs and pads on it, a new set of Michelin S4S tyres, had a major 56,000 service not long ago with 15% clutch wear, clutch done not many miles ago before that. It's got invoices for every service from new, not just the stamps. Even got the invoice for the firsts service for example at Maranello Egham. Then mostly serviced at Giallo; lots of invoices for parts and all sorts, just what you want to see!

The paint is superb, it was ceramic coated a couple of times over the years, the underside waxoyled, and the interior has no sticky buttons, air vents chrome intact, all just in superb condition to be honest.

I also take back my comments about not being sure if the GS is quick enough compared to my old 3200. This one has the secondary cats removed and an X pipe, pulls really well! Forgive the comparison, but the engine sort of reminds me of another Italian masterpiece, the 24V Alfa Busso, it has such a wide spread of power and torque, very flexible and will pull from low yet also rev out with gusto.

Cant believe how much value for money these cars are!

Some pictures I took in the evening sun just after getting back, a bit bug splattered but still pretty clean.

I am probably going to change the wheels back to Grigio Mercury and re-fit the original Grille.

There are a few minor things to sort. The Air con is very weak, and the radio only works very quietly, I think the Auditorium amp may have packed up. Also an arb drop link to replace and maybe a chafed handbrake cable. Also being a later car the tax is now £695 a year!!

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wow stunning

 

[Oneball]

Not been to Silverstone since the Coys historic days when I was growing up. Heard it’s quite good.

What do you race?

After almost 30 years of ownership I’m trying to sell the Mini, if it actually goes I might be back in a Maserati.

 

[urquattrogus]

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After almost 30 years of ownership I’m trying to sell the Mini, if it actually goes I might be back in a Maserati.

Wow, quite the pairing! Saw examples of both at Spa. I’ll take the Vette please!

 

[3hcp]

Brake pad mystery half solved..... There is very recent invoice for a full set of Pagid Racing RS44 Brake pads. £350 for a full set so not cheap pads.

These ones: https://www.pagidracing.com/en/products/racing-brake-pads/product-family-rs/rs-44.html

I've used the likes of Ferodo DS2500 pads on the road to good effect, also PFC pads, but these seem way too aggressive for street use???

Is there a thread on brake pad choices? What do people find works?

I think i will look for a fast road type pad, most of all I want good initial bite.

I’m going with EBC Yellowstuff on new forum discs

 

[urquattrogus]

I'm tempted to go for some DS2500 on the front because I know I will get good bite from them.... I think I also have some rear pads in a box from when I had my 3200, not sure what they are but might be the same size?

Service wise I nearly went the Mcgrath Route, their price list seemed reasonable enough but they are not that easy to get back from and wanted the car for a couple of weeks, 6-8 week waiting list.

So at the moment I've booked in for a service and inspection with Mark at Prestige and Performance Cars in Kent; had a nice chat to him on the phone and he is about 50 mins away and easy to hop on the train back.

 

[urquattrogus]

Thought I'd have a very quick look at the Grille tonight to see what I need...

As it is now:



I have the original black mesh and trident section:



However, the attaching backing bit has had the new style slats individually screwed in, and the surround lip has been painted black. In fairness someone must have spent a lot of time doing this, think I will keep it together and sell on as a piece. I mocked up how the grille might look with black mesh and surround just for interest.

If anyone has a backing plate/or outer to make one good grille, or wants to swap anything please get in touch Have enquired about the grille for sale on here but no luck so far.

PS the car is still covered in road trip bugs

 

[Oneball]

Looks much better.

 

[urquattrogus]

Today I've ordered a brand new chrome grille.

The great thing about this is I'll get to try all of the different configurations now; Black Mesh, Chrome Mesh, Chrome Outer, Black outer etc etc and decide what looks best.

 

[urquattrogus]

So it was the auditorium amp that has failed, bypassed it today. Sounds ok without the amp, is it worth me replacing it?? Get it repaired??

 

[Oneball]

I couldn’t find anyone to touch my Audiotorium amp. The consensus was they weren’t really worth it but I did replace mine as it was a 3200 as there’s no simple way to bypass it in those.

 

[urquattrogus]

Also fitted a Bluetooth doojamaflip too

 

[urquattrogus]

New Chrome Grille arrived.

I thought I would like the full chrome, but decided I don’t like it. So I now have a new chrome outer and trident but with the original black mesh which was in mint condition anyway.

I was surprised by how clear cut it was, the black mesh definitely suits the red the most. It’s also what was original.

As a result I have a spare brand new chrome mesh and the old slatted modern style grille if anyone should be interested.

Going to use the old trident as a garage trinket, or fit it to the lawnmower or something stupid

 

[Motorsport3]

In favour of black as well