New Gransport owner

MAF260

Member
Messages
7,662
I suppose I should change my avatar now!

Congrats on becoming the new custodian, Phill. I have many great memories with the car and look forward to seeing future updates.

I bought the GranSport’s ‘replacement’ almost 2 years ago and am still smitten. For those interested in the Supersports it’s a phenomenal car and markedly different to all other Continentals. Mine now has 758bhp and 996nm so is even more extreme. There are quite a few videos on YouTube etc with Derek Bell behind the wheel waxing lyrical about the car. It’s definitely no Elise, but it’s staggering how it changes direction!
 

Felonious Crud

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
21,013
I suppose I should change my avatar now!

Congrats on becoming the new custodian, Phill. I have many great memories with the car and look forward to seeing future updates.

I bought the GranSport’s ‘replacement’ almost 2 years ago and am still smitten. For those interested in the Supersports it’s a phenomenal car and markedly different to all other Continentals. Mine now has 758bhp and 996nm so is even more extreme. There are quite a few videos on YouTube etc with Derek Bell behind the wheel waxing lyrical about the car. It’s definitely no Elise, but it’s staggering how it changes direction!
When are you having the Banana Yellow wrap done...? I honestly can't think of anything else that would make the Mentley more bonkers.

Phil, well done! You've bought a much loved (and not just by MAF) and much admired (again, not just by MAF) GS. Just don't be surprised if lots of people habitually yell at you to slow down, be quiet or to stop being offensive. Even if you're just sitting quietly in the car with the engine off.
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,543
I suppose I should change my avatar now!

Congrats on becoming the new custodian, Phill. I have many great memories with the car and look forward to seeing future updates.

I bought the GranSport’s ‘replacement’ almost 2 years ago and am still smitten. For those interested in the Supersports it’s a phenomenal car and markedly different to all other Continentals. Mine now has 758bhp and 996nm so is even more extreme. There are quite a few videos on YouTube etc with Derek Bell behind the wheel waxing lyrical about the car. It’s definitely no Elise, but it’s staggering how it changes direction!

Highly tempted to look at re-maps for mine. I think first things first though. Get the electrical niggles sorted then a full alignment at (I hope) Wheels in Motion.

Then we shall see!

C
 

PhillV8S

Member
Messages
124
Is there a parts list and workshop manual available for the GS? Always handy to have if available.
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,543
I’m not sure how much tech made it into subsequent ‘normal’ cars but it’s stuff like the torque split and upgraded gearbox that make it very interesting (to me). I doubt it turns it into an Elise but I’d love to find out...

This is the first AWD car I've driven and having been able to go from FWD to RWD to AWD pretty much back to back the difference is night and day.

Of course they are very different cars (Continental, Alfa 147 and Jaaaaaaag) and I suspect some alignment could bring benefits but yes. Very different.

I've been beginning to push the GT at some twisties and while I wouldn't say it's particularly 'pointy' it sure as **** goes where you want it with (size notwithstanding) very little requirement to back off ;)

Need to sort the exhaust valves. There's no Sport / Manual mode so it's in Sport for the exhaust and the bloody thing keeps changing gear.

C
 

MAF260

Member
Messages
7,662
The CSS is quite pointy, I’ve only found some very mild understeer once when pushing on in damp conditions.

Chris - the exhaust is easy. Pull the vacuum tube off the valves and push a golf tee or something similar in the pipe, the tie it up out the way. Instant louder exhaust for free and you don’t need to remove the rear under tray - 10 minute job.
I’ve done that for now while I find some time to have my spare rear boxes opened up to create quiet/ASBO options that will be operated by a switch.
 

Felonious Crud

Administrator
Staff member
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21,013
... then a full alignment at (I hope) Wheels in Motion.

Closer to you, I would fully recommend Elite Tyres in Rainham. And get them to do a rolling road wheel balance thing while they're at it. 'Twas a Newton recommendation, and as we know, dat man know what he talkin' 'bout.
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,543
The CSS is quite pointy, I’ve only found some very mild understeer once when pushing on in damp conditions.

Chris - the exhaust is easy. Pull the vacuum tube off the valves and push a golf tee or something similar in the pipe, the tie it up out the way. Instant louder exhaust for free and you don’t need to remove the rear under tray - 10 minute job.
I’ve done that for now while I find some time to have my spare rear boxes opened up to create quiet/ASBO options that will be operated by a switch.

Yeah, I'd just like to have the option of making it quiet at will as well!

And, I'm more than happy to stand up and say that what you call 'pushing on' is what I call 'suicidal insanity'

Not because it is, but simply you are a far more experienced driver than I!

C
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,543
Closer to you, I would fully recommend Elite Tyres in Rainham. And get them to do a rolling road wheel balance thing while they're at it. 'Twas a Newton recommendation, and as we know, dat man know what he talkin' 'bout.

Ta! Not that much more convenient as it goes. If I go to WIM I can grab coffee from very old pals in Chesham (lockdown permitting!)

I shall consider once I get the (no doubt eyewatering) bill from Cowdrey next week.

They are charging me nothing at all to pick the car up and drop it off though!

C
 

PhillV8S

Member
Messages
124
Not had a chance to get in the car again until now. Every drive is certainly an event. A lot more involving and drama than the Alpina. I am going to love getting to know this Italian hothead.
 

Wessie

New Member
Messages
9
Hi Phil
I came very close to buying the car you now have, it's my favourite colour! By the time I had made up my mind to buy a Gransport you had beaten me to it.
I persevered and finally picked up my Gransport on Saturday.
I have just moved from Worcester and now reside just outside of Hereford, just off the A4103. I was wondering if there were any other owners in the area, if you want to meet up sometime let me know.
Just thinking ahead do you know of any reputable specialists in our area? I have found Migliore Cars in Bromsgrove - anyone know about them?
It will replace my BMW840 which I will be putting up for sale very soon.
 

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philw696

Member
Messages
25,114
Migliore are a well respected Indie and you also have the Super Car Rooms on the Hartlebury Estate too.
 

Wessie

New Member
Messages
9
Thanks for that, I was just looking through the thread with the very useful list of specialists and spotted Super Car Rooms in Hartlebury.
The information on the site is excellent and now I have 'joined the club' I will be checking in regularly.
John
 

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
Messages
7,309
Welcome to the fold. Good to see someone finally bought it. I knew the previous keeper of the car, was a nice tidy car last time I saw it. Only ever heard good things about Migliore.
 

Wessie

New Member
Messages
9
Hi, yes it is a very tidy car and only has 34K miles on it. Drove it back from Surrey and very pleased with it.
Thanks for comment on Migliore, hopefully it will be a while before I need to use them!!!!
 

PhillV8S

Member
Messages
124
Hi Phil
I came very close to buying the car you now have, it's my favourite colour! By the time I had made up my mind to buy a Gransport you had beaten me to it.
I persevered and finally picked up my Gransport on Saturday.
I have just moved from Worcester and now reside just outside of Hereford, just off the A4103. I was wondering if there were any other owners in the area, if you want to meet up sometime let me know.
Just thinking ahead do you know of any reputable specialists in our area? I have found Migliore Cars in Bromsgrove - anyone know about them?
It will replace my BMW840 which I will be putting up for sale very soon.
Hi, glad you managed to find a car you liked quickly. Hopefully meet up sometime and compare newbie impressions of these cars, some good roads around Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
 

Wessie

New Member
Messages
9
Hi Phil

Good to hear from you. Would like to meet up and compare notes sometime. Which part of Worcs. are you based?
John