Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

I’m happy to say I haven’t a clue

Why deprive me of that pleasure?

Anyway it’s unlikely, most teenage sex takes place at home in Sweden according to a study I once read.

I have a Haynes manual of this if you'd like it?

Very kind of you to offer, as I’m in Sweden I assume postage cost will be prohibitive though?

Hang on, it’s a 1.3 apparently! No wonder it felt so lively.

Apparently it's only a couple o' quid.

Drop me your address and I'll send it over.

Fantastic, have PMd

These Micras are surprisingly good, and as a bonus it will make an excellent engine and gearbox donor for a classic Mini when the rust finally kills it.

The perfect colour to use duct tape to cover up any rust

I learnt to drive in a micra, it was in no way good (or even less shit than it looked).

rust finally kills it.

Yeah. It had an old dinitrol sticker on it and the underside looked at least partially covered in dark gunk so fingers crossed. More worried about the panel rust actually but the duct tape suggestion is probably the best option! Will have a closer look once I pick it up. What cinched it for me was I couldn't find any mechanical or electrical issues at all, even the ancient aircon works.

These have aged so much better than I ever would have expected (with a little tlc) as a child being driven around in my friend's Mum's gold one...

3 Attachments

Seen 3 new Defenders recently in the wild now. 2 in colour, 1 merced out.

Initial thoughts are that in colours they look a bit naff. Sort of like they're trying to capture that FJ Cruiser vibe but lack the fun element. Top-to-toe in black does look good though. Much better than I wanted it to tbh.

I'm sure my feelings will change as I see more on the school/nursery run, but overall I can't see this version lasting long and I think it will date very quickly and badly (much like the new Discos).

I don't think I've ever seen one like that.

Plenty like this:

Compared to all the other small cars of that era I struggle to agree with you.

I've always wanted to swap the 1.3 engine into a classic mini. Not really sure why, other than 5 gears and Jap reliance.

Seen 3 new Defenders recently in the wild now. 2 in colour, 1 merced out.

Initial thoughts are that in colours they look a bit naff. Sort of like they're trying to capture that FJ Cruiser vibe but lack the fun element. Top-to-toe in black does look good though. Much better than I wanted it to tbh.

I'm sure my feelings will change as I see more on the school/nursery run, but overall I can't see this version lasting long and I think it will date very quickly and badly (much like the new Discos).

There's an all black one in Herne Hill, I thought that it lost all the detail and just looked like any other Chelsea tractor. On the other hand the ones in the lighter colours with the white roof look (to my eye) really nicely done.

My E63 really is killing my back, my thinking on this has evolved a little and I think it may be because the seat base is very flat - whereas in the 911 the bucket holds you very tightly with legs pressed together, which my back seems to prefer.

I will try to get a long test drive from Mercedes for the S213 model to see if that's any different, but I think I'm going to get rid of it as I can't deal with back ache after an hour in the car.

The Tasman Blue with the steel wheels is where it's at.

Loving the juxtaposition of this with the Ferrari and whatever the green car parked next to it is (possibly a Huracan?)

1 Attachment

lost all the detail

Maybe that's why I liked it.

Perhaps I'll reserve judgement until I see one in navy or promo-shot bronze - ie something dark but not too dark.

Strangely I'm absolutely certain that the coloured ones I saw were in colours not shown on the website. Memory is a funny thing.

£5 says it got as much attention too.

I've found from playing around with seat settings over the years, if the driving position hasn't been designed from the beginning with an angled sporty position in mind, then putting myself in that slightly tilted back and legs angled up position on purpose ruins my back and legs. It ends up feeling boring and a bit van like but a lot more comfortable if you actually lower the front of the seat base to reduce pressure on the under side of your thighs. Crude diagram below:

1 Attachment

Have you considered a seat fit?

You could then take the measurements to a custom seat builder and get something bespoke.

Joking aside, it seems odd that a car brand renowned for comfort has made a driving position so uncomfortable for you in every way. Maybe it's time for a FFRR.

Did you do the pedal swap in the end?

https://www.tiktok.com/@jack.mcneill/video/6942099986217700614?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Oh that reminds me, here's something vaguely funny.

A photographer, Will Beach, shot some photos of Headie One for an article on Highsnobiety in 2019 and he picked the estate I live on as the location. Anyone who follows me on Instagram and watches my stories will know it's quite a popular shoot location, I assume because directors and photographers think it's gritty looking, which I find ironic because it's actually a pleasant and family vibe council estate. One of the pictures in the shoot was in front of my MX5, not sure why, but OK, so my MX5 has been on Highsnobiety since 2019 on this article about Headie One.

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/headie-one-interview/

Now, some TikTok creator has made this video, which I think is 100% incorrect on all counts, but I found it amusing.

1 Attachment

• WhatsApp Video 2021-04-11 at 19.09.16.mp4