Hi
The idea for this blog came about because I discovered so many different Jaguar SS 100 'replicas' whilst searching for information on my own Carisma Century bought last year.
I would love to own a genuine Jaguar SS 100 but serious wealth seems to have eluded me and a 'replica' or something with similar looks is all I am likely to achieve. In fact, most 'replicas' started out as kits and even they were beyond my means back in the 80's and 90's when most of them were being made. Most of the companies making those kits are no longer with us or are not making them any more.
Suffolk Sportscars are one of the few survivors and are very much at the top end of the market. They have a superb product which faithfully reproduces a facsimile (at least appearancewise) of the original. Sadly they come with a hefty price tag that makes them almost as unlikely a choice for me as an original!
So a Carisma Century it was, with a 2.0 Ford Pinto engine and Cortina Mark V mechanicals. A very well used (but perhaps not so well cared-for) example came my way via EBay and is giving me huge amounts of pleasure.
From the old boy who ran an 'identical' one just after petrol rationing, to white van man "nice motor pal", to waves from children and even to the little boy in our street who after several admiring comments asked if I was perhaps a little mad (amazing perspicacity) it has been a pure pleasure to own.
Yes, I know it's not practical, I know it needs a lot of work, it's even got a dreaded 'Q" plate but I don't care. The fun element outweighs all the downsides and I doubt whether I would have had any more 'fun' with the genuine article. I certainly wouldn't have told the two little boys posing for their mum next to the car to "hop in and pretend to be driving if it had been an original or even a Suffolk.
Based as I am in Cumbria (UK) I don't run into fellow owners everyday but would love to hear from any.
The surface has been rubbed down more than I care to think about and I'll have to watch that the veneer doesn't get too thin. I had a lot of problems with glue bleeding through the veneer and holes appearing mysteriously. Every time I filled them the filler either seemed to swell or to dip. I've now accepted that absolute perfection is probably not an option and that the natural flaws in the walnut are the features that make it interesting. It still needs to be lightly rubbed down (600 grade I reckon) and re-varnished another couple of times (I'm using a paint pad rather than a brush now and getting better results). I've got to allow 24 hrs between coats and it is frustrating resisting the temptation to tinker with it. I'll get another pic prior to installation.
I finally had to bite the bullet as it has been bugging me since I bought the car. My old dash was awful. Damp had set in and swollen the mdf. The proportions were all wrong too though the felt tip guide to the controls had a certain home made charm. I bought a new set of TPI instruments from the US which should be easier to calibrate with my 16" wheels. I have 3 original Carisma gauges Speedo, Fuel and Temp (which are still available to order at reasonable cost from Speedy Cables) for sale if anyone needs them and also the ones from my old dash (Smiths - see pic).
Joe Mitchell from the north of Scotland displayed his Carisma at Forres' theme day a few years ago. Joe built the car himself and I wouldn't mind betting that it is the only tartan Carisma in the world!
Wherefore art thou Lady Anne? Apparently this car - Lady Anne - has just been offered for sale at http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C110563?pt=pf but has either been sold or withdrawn. I am trying to trace all current Carisma owners with a view to meeting up sometime. Chris, a former owner of "Lady Anne" was extremely helpful when I bought mine and sent me a load of photos illustrating how mine could look with a bit of work. I'd love to hear from Lady Anne's current owner either through this blog or by email at ocheye@mac.com.
