Wow us with your XK8/R photos
#21
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Summerville, South Carolina
Posts: 24,354
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#22
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#23
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Rudy Abbott (01-25-2021)
#24
Hi Norm 427,
Although I have them, the Corvette has been in a total stripped to the bone restomod for the past 5 years. The GTO which was in very nice driver condition when I bought it, I decided I wanted to respray and since I didn't really know much about the history of the car, decided to rebuild engine, suspension..., First guy who worked on it, took it all apart then flaked. Second guy who I helped out and paid him a chunk in advance, and he flaked, so it's sitting torn apart. I am probably going to send it to Kevin King (Year One), I've spoken with him and he's a close friend of one of my close friends.
And then there's the Pantera, the truth is that in the 4 years since I bought the XKR, outside of a couple of track day events per year with So Cal Audi Club (my partner and I take turns driving his track prepared S-5, what a great car), I probably have driven the Pantera 50 miles in the past couple of years. You really have to plan for driving it. It can't be too warm (wants to overheat even if it doesn't), there can't be too much traffic (see previous excuse), your clutch leg has to have prepared by doing leg presses...the XKR is just so easy to hop in and drive spiritedly without thinking about it. If I hadn't always wanted one and still think it is one of the most beautiful, contemporary looking, striking automobile designs that any mechanic can work on, I probably would have sold it. I just can't seem to do it.
Finally the 280z, I have had since new, but it just doesn't have the power and it feels like an old car when driving it, unlike the Pantera or the XKR. So the truth is I have those interesting cars, but I just don't drive them anymore.
I am looking forward to the GTO getting back together. I can't tell you how many thousands of times I was able to stay awake in high school by sketching it in my notebook. It was and is my favorite car of all time and I just want to get back to taking out for a cruise once in a while.
And by the way, your Carnival Red XK8, besides being exquisite, shows you're a man of impeccable taste!
Thanks,
Ted
Although I have them, the Corvette has been in a total stripped to the bone restomod for the past 5 years. The GTO which was in very nice driver condition when I bought it, I decided I wanted to respray and since I didn't really know much about the history of the car, decided to rebuild engine, suspension..., First guy who worked on it, took it all apart then flaked. Second guy who I helped out and paid him a chunk in advance, and he flaked, so it's sitting torn apart. I am probably going to send it to Kevin King (Year One), I've spoken with him and he's a close friend of one of my close friends.
And then there's the Pantera, the truth is that in the 4 years since I bought the XKR, outside of a couple of track day events per year with So Cal Audi Club (my partner and I take turns driving his track prepared S-5, what a great car), I probably have driven the Pantera 50 miles in the past couple of years. You really have to plan for driving it. It can't be too warm (wants to overheat even if it doesn't), there can't be too much traffic (see previous excuse), your clutch leg has to have prepared by doing leg presses...the XKR is just so easy to hop in and drive spiritedly without thinking about it. If I hadn't always wanted one and still think it is one of the most beautiful, contemporary looking, striking automobile designs that any mechanic can work on, I probably would have sold it. I just can't seem to do it.
Finally the 280z, I have had since new, but it just doesn't have the power and it feels like an old car when driving it, unlike the Pantera or the XKR. So the truth is I have those interesting cars, but I just don't drive them anymore.
I am looking forward to the GTO getting back together. I can't tell you how many thousands of times I was able to stay awake in high school by sketching it in my notebook. It was and is my favorite car of all time and I just want to get back to taking out for a cruise once in a while.
And by the way, your Carnival Red XK8, besides being exquisite, shows you're a man of impeccable taste!
Thanks,
Ted
My older brother got a new 1965 GTO when I was in college. Nice cruising car, just don't try to stop or turn too fast! Still, what a fun car!
1958 is my favorite year for C1 Vettes. I love the extras in design that they put on that car. That's the car I'd really like to have. But for almost the same price I can have a daily driver '58 or keep my daily driver '07 Z06 ... decisions.
Thanks.
Norm
#25
Hey Norm,
The '58 Corvette was unique because of the "washboard" hood and the chrome spears along the trunk. It is my son's favorite car and I bought it when I thought I was getting a decent one for a decent price. WRONG! An absolute money pit. I personally can't even fit in the car, not enough room for my legs to let the clutch out without hitting the steering wheel. Your '07 Z06 is one that makes an ideal track day car, and I've considered buying one.
Although I've done the obvious Pantera cooling system upgrades, Fluidyne radiator, fans, etc., you still don't want to drive it in hot weather or heavy traffic. Unfortunately, I live in the San Fernando Valley part of Los Angeles which means I get to experience both on a nearly everyday basis.
However, I am taking it to a track day event at Buttonwillow in Bakersfield in a couple of weeks. I haven't driven it in such a long time.
There are several outstanding features which make it all worthwhile. First, it's definitely a looker, even parked next to new R-8's (Audi club events), it still looks modern and can hold its own. Second, the sound of that V-8 with it's wide mouthed exhaust and factory headers is intoxicating, and third, the torque and acceleration from second through fourth is exhilarating. And finally, it doesn't have the sheer speed and acceleration of a V-12 Ferrari or a Z06 Corvette, however, it is so low to the ground, and so relatively small that at 40 mph it feels like you're doing a 100 mph. So, all of the thrills, none of the danger.
I have to fold myself into it like a pretzel and drive barefoot as there is not enough room for my sized 14-W shoes to differentiate between the gas and brake pedals.
There are several heavily modified Panteras running around with Z06 engines in them and upgraded (modern) suspension packages and these cars are wickedly fast and easier to drive.
Finally, I prefer the lines of the original body style as penned by Tom Tjaarda. The later GT5 and wide bodied models, while certainly more aggressive looking, just don't have the sleek, sensual lines of the original.
Now, I'm all worked up, I may have to go out and drive it this week!
The '58 Corvette was unique because of the "washboard" hood and the chrome spears along the trunk. It is my son's favorite car and I bought it when I thought I was getting a decent one for a decent price. WRONG! An absolute money pit. I personally can't even fit in the car, not enough room for my legs to let the clutch out without hitting the steering wheel. Your '07 Z06 is one that makes an ideal track day car, and I've considered buying one.
Although I've done the obvious Pantera cooling system upgrades, Fluidyne radiator, fans, etc., you still don't want to drive it in hot weather or heavy traffic. Unfortunately, I live in the San Fernando Valley part of Los Angeles which means I get to experience both on a nearly everyday basis.
However, I am taking it to a track day event at Buttonwillow in Bakersfield in a couple of weeks. I haven't driven it in such a long time.
There are several outstanding features which make it all worthwhile. First, it's definitely a looker, even parked next to new R-8's (Audi club events), it still looks modern and can hold its own. Second, the sound of that V-8 with it's wide mouthed exhaust and factory headers is intoxicating, and third, the torque and acceleration from second through fourth is exhilarating. And finally, it doesn't have the sheer speed and acceleration of a V-12 Ferrari or a Z06 Corvette, however, it is so low to the ground, and so relatively small that at 40 mph it feels like you're doing a 100 mph. So, all of the thrills, none of the danger.
I have to fold myself into it like a pretzel and drive barefoot as there is not enough room for my sized 14-W shoes to differentiate between the gas and brake pedals.
There are several heavily modified Panteras running around with Z06 engines in them and upgraded (modern) suspension packages and these cars are wickedly fast and easier to drive.
Finally, I prefer the lines of the original body style as penned by Tom Tjaarda. The later GT5 and wide bodied models, while certainly more aggressive looking, just don't have the sleek, sensual lines of the original.
Now, I'm all worked up, I may have to go out and drive it this week!
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Abby's Guy (11-27-2020)
#26
Hello,
XK8 and Cayman are in storage til May. I made a short video of the Cat before putting it to sleep. Pictures below were shot in August when there was still light (EC-130 with Porsche). Pretty dim today with snow, removed the front bumper cover and sent it to the paint shop to rid of stone chips. Hope paint will match better than stock did... Wonder if other owners with Sherwood green have same issue.
XK8 and Cayman are in storage til May. I made a short video of the Cat before putting it to sleep. Pictures below were shot in August when there was still light (EC-130 with Porsche). Pretty dim today with snow, removed the front bumper cover and sent it to the paint shop to rid of stone chips. Hope paint will match better than stock did... Wonder if other owners with Sherwood green have same issue.
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#27
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#29
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#31
#32
You can't post a video clip directly but can link to it on YouTube.
Graham
#34
Nice pair! Cat and Croc get along very well actually even if Croc could eat Cat for breakfast. BTW Cat gets better mileage, adrenalin probably more a factor than octane....
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#35
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#37
Hey Norm,
The '58 Corvette was unique because of the "washboard" hood and the chrome spears along the trunk. It is my son's favorite car and I bought it when I thought I was getting a decent one for a decent price. WRONG! An absolute money pit. I personally can't even fit in the car, not enough room for my legs to let the clutch out without hitting the steering wheel. Your '07 Z06 is one that makes an ideal track day car, and I've considered buying one.
Although I've done the obvious Pantera cooling system upgrades, Fluidyne radiator, fans, etc., you still don't want to drive it in hot weather or heavy traffic. Unfortunately, I live in the San Fernando Valley part of Los Angeles which means I get to experience both on a nearly everyday basis.
However, I am taking it to a track day event at Buttonwillow in Bakersfield in a couple of weeks. I haven't driven it in such a long time.
There are several outstanding features which make it all worthwhile. First, it's definitely a looker, even parked next to new R-8's (Audi club events), it still looks modern and can hold its own. Second, the sound of that V-8 with it's wide mouthed exhaust and factory headers is intoxicating, and third, the torque and acceleration from second through fourth is exhilarating. And finally, it doesn't have the sheer speed and acceleration of a V-12 Ferrari or a Z06 Corvette, however, it is so low to the ground, and so relatively small that at 40 mph it feels like you're doing a 100 mph. So, all of the thrills, none of the danger.
I have to fold myself into it like a pretzel and drive barefoot as there is not enough room for my sized 14-W shoes to differentiate between the gas and brake pedals.
There are several heavily modified Panteras running around with Z06 engines in them and upgraded (modern) suspension packages and these cars are wickedly fast and easier to drive.
Finally, I prefer the lines of the original body style as penned by Tom Tjaarda. The later GT5 and wide bodied models, while certainly more aggressive looking, just don't have the sleek, sensual lines of the original.
Now, I'm all worked up, I may have to go out and drive it this week!
The '58 Corvette was unique because of the "washboard" hood and the chrome spears along the trunk. It is my son's favorite car and I bought it when I thought I was getting a decent one for a decent price. WRONG! An absolute money pit. I personally can't even fit in the car, not enough room for my legs to let the clutch out without hitting the steering wheel. Your '07 Z06 is one that makes an ideal track day car, and I've considered buying one.
Although I've done the obvious Pantera cooling system upgrades, Fluidyne radiator, fans, etc., you still don't want to drive it in hot weather or heavy traffic. Unfortunately, I live in the San Fernando Valley part of Los Angeles which means I get to experience both on a nearly everyday basis.
However, I am taking it to a track day event at Buttonwillow in Bakersfield in a couple of weeks. I haven't driven it in such a long time.
There are several outstanding features which make it all worthwhile. First, it's definitely a looker, even parked next to new R-8's (Audi club events), it still looks modern and can hold its own. Second, the sound of that V-8 with it's wide mouthed exhaust and factory headers is intoxicating, and third, the torque and acceleration from second through fourth is exhilarating. And finally, it doesn't have the sheer speed and acceleration of a V-12 Ferrari or a Z06 Corvette, however, it is so low to the ground, and so relatively small that at 40 mph it feels like you're doing a 100 mph. So, all of the thrills, none of the danger.
I have to fold myself into it like a pretzel and drive barefoot as there is not enough room for my sized 14-W shoes to differentiate between the gas and brake pedals.
There are several heavily modified Panteras running around with Z06 engines in them and upgraded (modern) suspension packages and these cars are wickedly fast and easier to drive.
Finally, I prefer the lines of the original body style as penned by Tom Tjaarda. The later GT5 and wide bodied models, while certainly more aggressive looking, just don't have the sleek, sensual lines of the original.
Now, I'm all worked up, I may have to go out and drive it this week!
Have fun tracking the Pantera at Buttonwillow!! (My son used to track his Vette there before his untimely death.) I haven't tracked my Z06 in a long while but I will this coming spring.
Thanks again for filling us in on the details.
Norm
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GGG (11-13-2013)
#39
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