Road Trips Update

[Tclynes]

Well, it's been a while, a mixture of work and waiting for recovery vehicles, but we've done some big trips, some less successful than others.

First big one was LeMans. We had a great route down, we were the oldest car in the group between Lamborghini's and even one of those fancy 918's (the owner camped next to it, still don't know if that's genius or madness) The car was great the whole way but as we got to the circuit on Saturday, we got stuck in awful traffic due to a road closure for Francois Holande to visit, which essentially killed the Dynamo. We made it to the camp, but the return trip was a no go, I got put up for the Sunday night by friends and lectured on why I should have bought an Aston, and got a lift back to Blighty.

It then took a month to get the car home, the strikes at Calais and the French mentality not helping the matters. They did offer to drop it off at Porsche LeMans to get it fixed, but I told them they would be picking up the bill!

A quick turn around when she was home, a set of period correct Michelin's, a dynamo repair and a new battery and we were on our way back to the south of France.

Fuel pump died at Portsmouth but a quick fitting of an electrical inline pump got us on the next ferry. sadly the battery took a beating, resulting in some night driving with no lights and a night in the services as the Dynamo still isn't perfect.

We made it South, just in time for 40degrees heat, but had a lovely time, the roads were excellent, some real carving going on. Better half would have appreciated air con, even I did to be honest, the heat was relentless.

We then did a long winding route back north on some amazing roads, quickly left the chateau we had booked after the lady running it seemed to have a mental break down, checked into Hotel de France last minute (if you haven't already, stay there, it's superb and the food and setting it perfect) and then dragged ourselves back to Yorkshire.

I haven't driven her much since the trip, engine rebuild is planned over winter and hill climbs and more tours next year, but for now, on calls and some money earning!

[Tclynes]

[hot66]

nice to see you using a car as it should be

[mrk]

Breathless!

Sounds fantastic, and I absolutely love your photo outside the Hotel de France...very atmospheric...great photo!

[Timo]

Sounds like some great road trips. You had the exact same issue as me the first time I went to lemans, dead dynamo on the way down! We were so lucky as we travelled down with a few 911s and managed to loan a battery from Gary on the way down and then sourced a spare dynamo from mark (912uk) which we swapped over at the event, still can't believe how lucky we were and can't thank those guys enough for their help. Your car looks amazing by the way, and the photos look great too, is it on 4.5" Fuchs?

[40 scout]

Player - well done for using it as intended !

Hotel de France is very cool eh.

Steve

(Off to Italy soon but Alfa trip, 911 engine not done yet )

[Tclynes]

Cheers, it definitely turned the holiday into an adventure, other half showed the patience of a saint at times!

That was super lucky with the Dynamo at LeMans, I did try and tell the 918 owner he had plenty of spare electric but he was having none of it. Alternator is a job for the winter, need the reliability, especially if we are doing winter trips, taking a battery and charger into your cabin on the ferry gets some funny looks.

And yes, Hotel de France saved the holiday, got to stay in Stirling Moss and Graham Hill room, and spend a long evening in the bar with the lovely couple who run it now. Anyone going through France has to stay there really.

Planning the Scotland 500 route in spring and maybe a run to the French mountains in January with winter tyres for a friends 30th. Any recommendations?

[40 scout]

Done the bar thing - it'll be a late one !

Also did Scotland (Alfa again) amazing roads views etc, based ourselves near Loch Ness, the run to Applecross via the Skyfall road was great, top food in the pub at Applecross too, great setting by the Loch.

You'll love it.

Steve

[rinkster]

Sounds like you had a great vacation, Your other half must be a keeper to put up with all the 'fun' the car throw at you both !!
Loved the photos !!!

[paul911]

Awesome trip!

Pictures look great.

I am off to Monza in mine in a few weeks time, can't wait!!!!

Cheers
Paul

[Tclynes]

She is very tolerant, also doesn't require the handbag/shoe purchases some friends seem to have to keep buying their partners, keep the car fund wel stocked!

What route are you taking to Monza?

[paul911]

I am going Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, over the Alps and down to Monza for the GP.

Should be interesting.

Paul