It's been a long time coming.

[Stratosnord]

Hello all

My name is Martin and I've been a fan of the Stratos for a very long time. I first became aware of the Stratos in the early seventies when my Dad showed me a feature on the stradale version in the Sunday colour supplement of the Daily Telegraph. It must have made a big impression on him als, because he has never been very interested in cars In fact he never remarked about or passed on any other features on cars.

In the eighties I was into rallying, navigating for a couple of years in club rallies and doing the occasional Motoring news event and Mull twice. Car and Car Conversions magazine was a monthly bible for me and my mates at the time, and one friend (for whom I navigated) fitted a Fiat Twin Cam engine into his escort. He was so fed up of the useless ford cross-flow engines which were always knackered by the end of a rally. That Fiat engine made a big impression on me, it would rev to 7500rpm and sounded as good as new after an event. For me it fuelled an ever-increasing interest in all things Italian.

Then I met my wife (still happily married) and I drifted away from all that a bit but, obviously I was aware of the success the Stratos enjoyed and they were never far from my mind, and I had a book about them which was well thumbed.

Fast forward about 10 years and I end up fitting a Fiat twin cam engine into a Fiat X/19 for a friend. Turns out he was (and still is) nuts about the Stratos and wanted to build a replica. We talked about building a replica together as a long-term plan and looked at the kits available. So, when the X/19 gave in to rust we harvested it for parts, and when his brother's misadventure with a Ferrari Dino replica ended, we held onto the now homeless Busso V6 and transaxle.

Now, post kids and me a Grandad, we are looking to scratch the Stratos itch. But before I send a deposit to Gerry Hawkridge and wait for over two years for a kit, I reckon it would be wise to see if we can get into one! I have never tried before. So, would someone be kind enough to let us try to get into into their Stratos? We are in the Manchester area.

Thanks for reading to the end. Martin

[Guy Mayers]

Is Formby in Lancashire too far to travel?

Guy

[hedge]

Is Formby in Lancashire too far to travel? Guy

Martin,

The answer you're looking for here, is no (it isn't too far)

Cheers,
Hedge

[Stratos Fear]

Good luck Stratosnord - yours is a familiar story I'm sure a number of us can recognise. I hope you fit into a Strat - but would urge you also to consider a Lister Bell (although I admit I'm unsure of whether Craig's order book is open again). - and by the way you will find full membership of the SEC club would be very beneficial if you're building a replica.

[Normb666]

Hi Grandad Martin - I've not got a Hawk, but if you want a good look/sit in a ListerBell by way of comparison, you're welcome to pop over to see mine (I'm in St Helens). I know the LB order book is still closed but it might be worth having a look in case a "previously-enjoyed" one comes up for sale. Or, if you're going to the Classic Car Show next weekend, call in on the club stand! But do take Guy up on his offer as well - the more info you've got, the better!

[Guy Mayers]

Busy day tomorrow - Martin is coming over to look at the car in the morning and David Hanman is here in the afternoon! I'll advise Martin to pop in to see Norman on the way home although anyone wanting to build a car is currently limited to a long wait for Gerry or the Corse kit that's on the market right now?

Guy