Miscellaneous Motoring Stuff

Late summer 2010 I got car sick, and the biggest problem was that I didn't know what I wanted. I was a bit bored with my Jaguar XJ12, and wanted to have something older and a bit more special to replace it. Local Jaguar dealer had this Lincoln, so in August we made a deal where I relieved them from this weird thing and they took the Jag as a part exchange. As I already had the Dart, another American car wouldn't make much further damage...

Frankly speaking the Lincoln is not as immaculate as my Jag was, but basically it's in solid condition. It's been imported to Finland from Florida in early 90's and renovated here. The body is in very good condition but mechanics and electrics need still some small sorting out. Anyway, it gives a nice ride and 430 ci engine makes all the right sounds. Moreover, there are not many 4 door convertibles and suicide doors around.

When I was purchasing the Jaguar from Lasse Peltola a few years ago, he had also this Dart in his collection. Later it changed hands, and autumn 2009 I heard that the new owner was willing to sell it. So after a couple phone calls I went to see it, and found myself buying it. In fact it's my first ever American car, and quite a different kind of beast when compared my previous toys. Anyway, new things are always interesting.

Dart is actually in a pretty solid condition and fairly original, even though its age is showing a bit here and there. It was originally fitted with 273 cid V8 and 4 speed manual transmission, and they are still there. Anyway, the main thing is that it's got pretty good FIA homologations for pre '66, so currently it's transforming to a race car...

I used this as an everyday transport until autumn 2002. Now it enjoys a bit lesser use, being more like an enthustiast vehicle. As such it is fairly fun and practical, a real multi purpose machine indeed. Rangie's main job is to tow the Spitfire to races, but sometimes we use it also otherwise on our spare time and holidays. The worse the conditions, the nicer it is to take the Range for a ride.

It has a 3,5 litres V8 Efi engine and manual 5 speed LT77 gearbox. The equipment include De Carbon shocks, rear anti-roll bar, polyurethane bushes all round, stainless steel exhaust, K&N air filter, double electric Kenlowe fans, wood rim steering wheel, lamp guards, towing kit, alarm system, 230VAC inverter, etc. One of the latest additions include 17" Predator wheels with Yokohama tyres.

The required repairs include quite extensive rust repair, gearbox rebuild, camshaft and headgasket replacement and upper tailgate replacement just to mention some... Even both the front and rear axle casings are replaced due to rust damage. Also the body received a respray spring 2005. So, now it's practically fully rebuilt. After such an extensive (and expensive) job it's best to keep it for long.

This Fiesta is Lea's old everyday car which she managed to sell to me. It is practically fully rebuilt and in very good condition when keeping in mind its age. Now it has its license plates returned and it is stored for undetermined time.

Maybe some day in the future someone makes a great barn find of a 70's disappeared classic... 8*)