Hi Simon, glad to hear you are having fun, I haven't checked my speedo but it came out well during the IVA.  I've switched my mirrors to the doors as it helps to open the door fully and it seem as though the vibration is the same as the stanchion mounting so I'm glad I moved them. The rear mirror is hopeless over 4000 rpm 

Martin 

So jealous...

Mine is still in the garage, completed. CC Crawley couldn't take it for PBC until next week. And VOSA haven't given me an IVA date yet (when I called them the woman said 'you'll just have to wait, there's a backlog').

Meanwhile the sun shines (well, not today at least) and the car languishes.

Mind you, it's getting more shiny as the days pass. I waxed it yesterday - the first time I've ever waxed a car in my life! 

Also, I thoroughly recommened Autoglym vinyl and rubber care. The hood and boot cover are transformed - shiny and black not dull and grey.

Ned

Speedo shouldnt/cant read that much less as its checked at IVA and so would have failed?

Congratulations Simon. Totally agree your conclusion that it's a great little car.

Re mirrors - they are a bit of a problem. This morning I got into and out of my car about 10 times trying to get some sense out of the  passenger side mirror! I'm going to Google an alternative wider interior mirror - I understand they are available in the US. Re speedo - mine was about 6% light at IVA (within tolerance the man said!) so they seem to be a bit hit and miss.

A good tip if you have bought a hood cover roll to velcro behind the roll bar. I was annoyed that it sagged in the middle and potentially might be putting a nice 'fold' in the hood plastic windows. A So7ent Sevener gave me a tip to put a length of guttering in the roll to keep it straight - it works a treat.   

Looks like "Team160" is coming together! simon its great to see your car on the road now, I took mine to the Throckmorton handling day, I was nervous to start but had a blast. And showed me just how good the 160 is. Standing 1/4 mile needed lots of revs to get off the line quick but going around the slalom course showed how well it handled.

Great fun and a great car, enjoy

Mike

Sounds great, Mike!

Though I didn't buy mine to race (that will be the next one...), I do quite fancy trying some autotesting in the 160. It's so nimble, but possibly the turning circle isn't agile enough to work properly. Lots of fun though. I've watched it many times at Brooklands, in cars ranging from stripped down Minis to glorious Bentleys and Frazer Nashers.

Ned

Simon, sounds like that should do the trick I didnt know that about the speedo 

I would highly recommend attending a handling day to all as it's a great way of seeing what your cars capable of in a safe enviroment, I'll make sure I definately go again.

I know one thing I love driving the160 and every chance I get I'm out in it having fun. Funny I have even today taken off the wheels and cleaned the insides,...I've never done that to any of my previous cars 

Mike

You have whetted my appetite Mike, a handling day sounds like ideal low level competition without putting the 'toy' at risk; but do you need a 'special' roll bar?

Returning to a previous blog of mine - is anyone else booked into the Silverstone Classic?

PeterM the handling day at throckmorton was not a competition, It is on an huge old airfield withe big areas for testing acceleration, slalom, and an area with 3 cones for dougnuts (if you do them!) It was all very relaxed and you could have a go as many times as you wanted.

If there is another anywhere count me in, A truly great fun day out!

Mike

100 miles done today on a Solent Se7ens outing to the Sammy Miller motorcycle museum at New Milton, Hants. If you are into bikes it really is a superb visit.

My squeaky brakes are not getting any better - has anyone else experienced it. It is predominantly the left rear when lifting off or feathering. 

PeterM

Squeaky rear brakes I have the same problem slow speed feathering the brakes. I'm not sure if its both or just one side at the moment, I might over the weekend take them off and have a little look. 

I'm at about 800 miles so far and must say loving every minute in it!

Mike

Hi Mike and Simon. Another drive last night and the front brakes were squealing like a frightened piglet! Took the pads out today and confirmed that there is an anti-squeal 'washer' fitted but it is stuck to the pad and when it got really hot the painted finish on the other side seems to have got stuck to the caliper piston, so no wonder they squealed. I prised the washers off the pads and spread copper slip on both sides. Test drive OK but longer period of test needed before I can report it has fixed the problem. Rear brakes........still a bit of a mystery! 

Hi all now down in deepest France with 1,600 miles on the clock, as I'm sure you are all aware, fabulous car but not the ideal touring machine. I'm averaging 48mpg, not going too fast but after 120miles we've often had enough for the day. Luggage had been Ok as in using a touring bag on top of the boot. I check the oil every day with no usage at all and since the oil and filter change the pressure isn't quite as low as it was before on warm idle. The ground clearance has been a problem particularly over French speed humps, Ive grounded the seat nuts a few times. The hood is great but after overnight heavy rain there is water in the foot wells but soon dries out. The car attracts attention,  we've ben hooted, given thumbs up and generally stared/discussed wherever we go. Overall been great fun but don't plan on doing long distances unless you like discomfort 

Martin