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Title: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: simon131 on May 18, 2012, 04:38:51 PM Some of you will know that when my Abarth was delivered back to me from Mark at IRS a few weeks ago my orange 131S 1600 was taken back with the hope of getting it back on the road for the Summer (and I meant this Summer when I was talking to Mark as he's not known for his speed! :o).
The S has been hibernating in my garage since we moved here in July 2007, but has been off the road since 2003 when the head gasket blew. :-\ The head was 're-worked' by the legendary Guy Croft and I bolted it back on and got the car running again quite quickly, but I never got round to MoTing it again and then I purchased the Abarth (in July 2004) and the rest as they say, is history. All of my hard earned cash has been poured into the house since 2007 and that which was left (not much ::)) went into the Abarth, so the poor old Special lost out. :'( Until this year - when I decided that something had to be done to return it to the road. At the end of last Summer my good friend and fellow 131 enthusiast Andy Cobb came to stay for the weekend with his lovely wife Anita, and before we had beer ;) he stripped the rear brakes and replaced a leaking cylinder. Luckily there didn't appear to be much else wrong with the car - but I rolled it back into the garage and there she stayed - again! ::) Anyway, it was delivered to Mark's a few weeks ago and after a little fettling and re-assembly of the head and rockers etc., this morning it was insured (for a very reasonable ?77! ;D) and taken for MoT - where it passed first time! ;D ;D ;D ;D I'm well pleased. ;D ;D ;D Looks like I'll get it back for my birthday in early June and will able to enjoy it for the Summer! ;D Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: Thotos on May 18, 2012, 04:49:34 PM Well done Simon! It was about time!! ;D ;D
And very well done for getting Mark to work so quickly :o You'll have to let me know your secret ;) Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: simon131 on May 18, 2012, 04:50:49 PM I have a 'secret Wendy'....I mean 'secret weapon'! :o ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D
Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: kev131 on May 18, 2012, 04:58:59 PM Gee that was quick - From the way you were talking up to now I thought it would be some time yet. Enjoy it mate.... :)
Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: Heini131 on May 18, 2012, 06:42:46 PM Very nice, to see this 131S back on the streets, the place where it belongs ;)
I wish you many happy miles with her and always safe trips :) Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: Rob 131 on May 18, 2012, 06:52:20 PM A S1 131S evokes many happy memories for me.
Can't wait to see such an original car :) Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: simon131 on May 18, 2012, 10:39:56 PM Thank you very much for all of your kind comments. ;D
I recently told my youngest daughter Kerry that the car was going away because I had sold it - and she burst in to tears! :'( How bad did I feel? ...... :'( She was driven home from the hospital in this car when she was a new born 11 and a half years ago and she said "I've never been in that car Daddy". :-\ Little wonder I got it roadworthy again.......... ;D ;D Now we can all relive the experience. 8) ;D :D This is the car that I shall be buried in when I die...... ;) Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: simon131 on May 26, 2012, 08:17:44 PM I got my baby back tonight - and I'm really overjoyed ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: Thotos on May 27, 2012, 04:11:25 PM Once again, congratulations Simon! ;) Enjoy it and I look forward to seeing again out and about :D
Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: bellamacchina on May 27, 2012, 08:44:46 PM Fantastic, enjoy it!
Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: simon131 on May 27, 2012, 08:49:51 PM Thanks guys. I appreciate it. ;D
I used her today for about 50 miles and the only real fault is that she is running a bit hotter than normal. I hope that a change of thermostat will sort it. ??? Title: Re: An old friend......back from the dead? Post by: stathe174 on May 29, 2012, 11:34:35 PM I still remember that feeling when I got mine back! Nice work keeping it running!
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