Michel, it will be good to see you. You may not know, but Bryce may only be in attendance for a short period of time. I am also hoping that my oldest sun Richard will be able to put in an appearance. Last time he went to a club assembly, he finished up purchasing a Rover 3500S, the model with the manual 4 speed transmission.
I took Gleaming Beauty for a shake-down run to Minchinbury in preparation for Sunday's event. It's the first time that GB has been used in well over a year.She's been parked at Seven Hills where I have moved to from Glenorie, and has provided sterling service as a "mule" to test various hydraulic suspension components for various owners. It is absolutely remarkable that she has started each and every time for the last two years at the turn of the key. It is hard to believe, but there has been no fouling of plugs, no undue oil smoke, and it has to be at least two hundred times that she has been started to power up the pressure oil pump, levelling valves and also when we have checked atms pressures in the Air Cells. I was a little apprehensive before I set off this morning as I didn't know what to expect. You know, such a long time since a wheel has been turned. I checked the transmission fluid level (needed 250 mil), Coolant was spot on, engine oil was up to the full mark AND still surprisingly clean - as if the oil had been changed a couple of weeks ago. Well, it's at least eighteen months. I also checked tyre pressures, and increased pressure to the normal reading of 40 lbs/sq.in. as I have low profile tyres - 235.45.18 which, incidentally, are getting on in years.
How did she drive ? Well, surprisingly well all things considered. Brakes pull slightly to the right on initial pedal application, one of the Air Cells does need replacement (I suspect the left rear, or front) but all of those symptoms were there last time I drove the car. It still goes like a scolded cat when you put your foot down, I saw no blue smoke from the exhaust on brisk acceleration, only petrol smoke (not all that bad) and the quality of ride even with the one suspect Air Cell was still superior to the Captiva, and a long way in front of a 6.9 that used to belong to David Rollason with its 450 Centre Differential. The noise is still toxic when accelerating and there is torque available at any time, and plenty of it, and that's what a high compression engine should give you. The tyres felt good, and Gleaming Beauty's ride quality is firm and "wooden" but never harsh. No, it's a great compromise when compared with more modern cars. See you on Sunday - I am going to be early. Regards Styria