With Hedingham tomorrow celebrating 40 years of the RS, it's time to come clean on my new acquisition.
I've had an 8 year love affair with NLX 100L my original stock 2.4E, and adored it in all its blood orange glory.
We've notched up over 20,000 miles together, driving through 9 countries, and visiting a very long list of classic race circuits.
And then earlier in the year - and just as I started to wonder if owning the same car forever was just a little unadventurous...
I heard that one of Alan Drayson's projects had come on the market again, and I was immediately taken by that viper green temptation
Before taking the plunge, I spoke with several experts with far more knowledge than me about RS.
They gently pointed out that although some of the details aren't 100% correct, the car was about as good as you could get.
Before I confuse any casual readers, I should be quick to confess that my new car is not a genuine RS.
Much as I lust after that rare beast - I just can't justify the expense of owning a real one.
The replica market these days is amazingly sophisticated.
Granted, if you are happy with a cheap knock off, an approximate lookie-likey with non period innards, there are still plenty of options to choose from.
But take some time properly learning the market, being careful who you go to, and you'll find there a handful of specialists manufacturing items that are virtually indistinguishable from the originals.
As regards this one, I spent several months carrying out my research. I watched the forums for feedback on this specific car, and listened to everyone's opinions.
In the end, I do admit I have paid top dollar replica money.
But in doing so I have one that looks like, feels like, and runs just like the real thing.
And all at a fraction of the price of the real thing.
(Some might say that in many respects it's better than a real one - the movement is a little more solid than standard, and being a rep I can afford to drive it all over Europe in the correct manner
).This end of the market is also built on reputation - Alan is known for repairing any faulty goods, and for looking after their customers long after sale:
Peace of mind in the replica market - who'd have thought it!
I won't try and mislead on this thread, over time I shall post some photos of my car on its travels and as I make modifications, in the hope that a supremely knowledgeable bunch enjoy my new journey.
The car already looks and rides a little differently to the photos above. Plenty more to come over time...
I know that it's safe to discuss (car) reps here, there's no need for me to move my thread to a different forum
.As for NLX100L, the car won't be disappearing from the DDK stable.
The new owner has been on the forum here for a while now, and I'm sure he'll be posting soon enough with his own updates
