John Bonnett

Jerry, Lindsay and i together with our respective wives have just returned from the Powderham Show and what a superb event it was; well over forty Triumphs on the Stand.. Overall a terrific mix of vehicles, a great atmosphere and weather to match. On behalf of our little band I would like to say a very big thank you to Sue Franklin our own AO who organised the stand and I would also like to say how lucky we are to have her. She works so hard, always has a smiling welcome for everyone and above all remembers the names of people that perhaps she hasn't seen in a blue moon. Sue you do a fantastic job which is really appreciated. thank you.k you. Sue and John were there with their freshly restored Herald and what a fantastic job they have made too. Really really nice It was interesting that quite a number of cars were being troubled by fuel vaporisation I guess probably as a result of the ever increasing amounts of Ethanol being added to the fuels.

Pete that's very kind of you. I'd love to have a read. I too had an Imp; new in 1967. Like you i really enjoyed it. Such a willing little engine. Darren, when I said "Car" perhaps that was a bit strong. Boxes of bits might have been a bit more accurate. it is in Nottingham so a bit of a logistical nightmare to get it but I do have a plan. A few photos attached which show no shortage of engines and heads. Always good to have a few spares The current owner has had the car for twenty five years, bought in pieces and still in pieces. as far as i know the main bits are there but even the owner cannot guarantee that nothing is missing. As soon as he has the new updated V5C I'll go up for it.

Thank you Darren. I didn't like to mention it myself but I have to say that Paul Wager has produced a very well written article and included some very flattering pictures of the car. True there were a few mistakes in what he said but he worked totally from memory. For those of you who don't know and might be interested, despite what it says in the article, the car will not be up for sale in the Autumn. Paul was quite right in stating exactly what I told him at the time but since then we have been to France where quite a degree of bonding took place between me and the car. I aimed for Caterham level of handling and it has absolutely delivered everything I asked for. No body roll, sharp turn in and corners as if on rails. Biggest surprise has been the engine which is flexible and provides so much power right up through the rev range. The overall lightness of the car coupled with the power of the engine makes it an absolute delight to drive on twisty roads. Just to put the performance into context it has a better power to weight ratio than a Lancia Delta Integrale, Lotus Elise and Fiesta ST185; impressive for a N/A forty year old design 1500. But I do need an new project. To avoid having to sell the Triumph I have ditched the Elan idea in favour of a Ginetta G15 which is much more affordable. Many of you will know that the G15 is Hillman Imp powered but utilises Spitfire front suspension and steering rack. I have a car in mind but haven't collected it yet.

On my GT6 I used graphite grease between each leaf and wrapped the spring with Denso tape which kept the grease in and the water out. It worked really well.

It really is an extraordinary trip Aaron. I shall miss the daily updates.

I think you went on holiday just in the nick of time Roger because hopefully you bought your Euros at a rather better rate than you can get them today. I think we got ours at 1.27 and the last time I looked it was 1.19. But whatever the price you have paid you've certainly found some lovely places to stay and to eat. Not to mention the amazing scenery. It looks like you've got another hot and sunny day ahead of you tomorrow; mid thirties so keep the factor 50 going. Take care and best wishes to you both John 540 views now. You are going viral!

I can see trouble ahead Roger. From five star living to a tent. You certainly know how to give a girl a good time I could have given you a lovely B & B in Arnage. Lovely couple into classic cars as well. You'll have to explain to me how at every hotel you manage to arrange these intimate breakfasts on your own private veranda with views to die for. The poor old Spitty looks a bit lonely down there in the park. I hope the clutch master cylinder hangs on because if you do decide to fit new seals I don't think you can bleed it without taking the tunnel out. Unless of course you have done the fiendish mod of a remote bleed nipple. I guess tomorrow night will be your last post before you hit Le Mans. Look forward to it. John