Continental Carismas - Spain/lBelgium/Ireland

I believe that several Carisma Centuries have found their way onto the Continent but I've been unable to trace them. If any readers of this blog can help me find them I'd be most grateful.

The most recent information I have is regarding the following owners and cars:

Ted Legg who used to be secretary of the Carisma owners club believed to live in Spain. His car was 'custard and cream' Reg Q568 NTM. Believed to have been sold.

Miguel Casado Villen last address in Madrid - car details unknown

TJI 6358 (originally CFD 994T) original owner John Bews of Evesham and later sold to Michael English who has sent me a fascinating photographic record of its time in his ownership. Car sold to someone in Belgium via Total Headturners who resprayed it silver from the original red

Robbie Harrison of Hollwood (Ireland) apparently owned a Carisma and may still do so. Car details not known

If anyone can help please email ocheye@mac.com

Lady Jezebel takes to the road after a 12 year break

Congratulations to Kevin Furnish who bought WFN 281T a few weeks ago. After a couple of days freeing the brakes and fitting a new exhaust "Lady Jezebel" as she is now known, has passed her MOT and is on the road somewhat ahead of Kevin's Christmas Day deadline. He sent me some pics and here are a couple.
Apparently the Mangels wire wheel 'baskets' were in the dishwasher and missed the photoshoot! Happy motoring Kevin.

Last day on road

The end of october has come and my road tax is expiring tonight so I thought I would take Carrie for a final blast before I start to strip her for a respray.It was also the first road test of my rear mounted spare. I fitted the spare a week or so ago but felt unsure of the strength of the glassfibre boot and boot lid so I had a couple of substantial steel frames (2.5" wide and 6mm thick) welded up to go inside the lid and the boot surround and it has really stiffened it up. a pair of mini hinges and two chrome turn button locks in addition to the existing boot lock have made it extremely rigid. The balance of the car feels a bit different with the extra weight at the back making the steering a touch lighter. I think it looks so much better now than with the sidemount. I'm still toying with the idea of a leather strap as a 'belt and braces' effort as I am still a little worried that the spinner might vibrate off depositing the spare in the path of following traffic. The trip out was fantastic, it's a lovely time of year here on the edge of the Lakes and the roads were virtually empty, The new stainless exhaust system has a really rorty note and sounded awesome in the narrow country lanes. I loved every minute and took a few pics.

Intermeccanica Squire for Sale

This 1973 Intermeccanica Squire is for sale on eBay in the USA http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-SQUIRE-SS100-73-INTERMECCANICA-SQUIRE-SS-100-MANUFACTURE-CAR-NOT-KIT-/160494569597?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item255e38c87d#ht_11840wt_1167

There are some great pics of this lovely factory built car. The Squire has a very interesting history with only around 50 being made as, if I recall, 50 engines exported to the Turin plant got 'lost' at the Italian factory.

I've just googled and this is a very interesting site http://www.intermeccanica.org/vehicles/squire/Squire_History.htm

A starting bid of $10000 is sought though the reserve is anyone's guess.

Have a look though as they seem beautifully made

Carisma comes out of hiding

Kevin Furnish sent me some terrific pics of his latest acquisition. This car has been mothballed for 12 years and sadly the previous owner has passed away. I was contacted by his daughter via this blog and was able to put Kevin in touch. I am so envious as it looks as though it doesn't need a great deal of work.(famous last words). Kevin is really enthusiastic and aims to be driving it by Christmas (I think he'll need to ask Santa for a flying jacket). I haven't got room here for all the pics but here are a few to savour

Sidemount Well

I have removed my passenger side sidemount well from Carrie as I am mounting the spare on the boot so it is now surplus to requirements. I believe it was original equipment and as such fits the Carisma wing but I suspect will fit some of the American kits. Old picture shows it with ugly rubber trim but this is not necessary.

Anyone interested?

ocheye@mac.com

Set of 14" ford wheels with Mangels basket wires

Mick Bates, the new owner of Lady Anne has asked me to publicise his wheels that he is replacing with knock-on wires (see photo). Anyone interested should email Mick at mickay@blueyonder.co.uk