Top Gear (British)/ Kirkham ?

[James Stern]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

The English version of Top Gear is a humorous enterainment show. Nothing more. And the US version just sucks.

Well said John. That's exactly the way I feel.

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by Trevor Legate

But sadly, it proved the point that there ain't no such thing as bad publicity as the phone went mad the following day at Hawk with enquiries regarding the purchase of a Stratos.

I'm pleased it worked out okay in the end. Anything else would have been a travesty as Gerry's Stratos is a thoroughly well designed and engineered product. I had considered one myself as I well remember watching the likes of Sandro Munari and Hannu Mikkola driving them on the RAC Rally when I was a youngster.

[LMH]

I know the show is way more about entertainment than actually testing performance cars. That's obvious to anyone who knows about real testing. What I thought would be neat is how they might present it using a close replica of an original Cobra. The whole British/American thing over the original car might come into play. Personally, I like the show and it's fun to watch it.
Larry

[Jamo]

It's damn fun...been watching it for years, as has my wife (she even watches it when I'm on the road). I watch it for every reason other than the so-called testing.

Read Russell's bio of Clarkson and you'll soon learn why objective testing soon gives way to personal bias and desires...not a bad thing IMO since I think Clarkson's usually spot on when dealing with such things as government interference, video cameras, overdone marketing, etc. There are glitches from time to time, but overall, I'd like to have a beer with the basturd.

[REAL 1]

Probably the most entertaining auto show out there. They do make you laugh.

I would love to original to see a test of a Kirkham or any other built to original specs just to see what they would say about it. Although I think they love to knock American stuff they would have a real quandary in view of the Cobra's history and it's British connection. It would be fun to see.

[Jamo]

Nice to see you old friend.

[Avmaviator]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Probably the most entertaining auto show out there. They do make you laugh.

I would love to original to see a test of a Kirkham or any other built to original specs just to see what they would say about it. Although I think they love to knock American stuff they would have a real quandary in view of the Cobra's history and it's British connection. It would be fun to see.

Excatly what this gentleman said!

[Trevor Legate]

Last night's epsiode was NASCAR-based. Any good old boys might not want to watch, tho the Hampster did big it up while JC provided the opposing view. Also took a dig at the American method of developing British sports such as netball and rounders into 'entertainment'. Matt Le Blanc's lap in the Reasonably Priced Car is worth catching...interesting....

[mpanten]

They are more likely to do a show on the new british Autocar version than a kirkham. Id be intersted to see what the stig would turn in for a lap time compared to the other supercars out there.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Probably the most entertaining auto show out there. They do make you laugh.

Evan, it's great to see you back. I was going to drop you a note, I think we've got a reasonable compromise on that "real v. fake" thing. I saw in last month's magazine from Shelby, his "Shelby 50 Years, 2011 Annual" rag, that he used a new phrase in describing the cars he builds -- "true replicas." If you're comfortable using his language then we can just put this dispute to rest -- lemmee know. Here's the excerpt:

[REAL 1]

Hi guys: Thanks for the welcome back.

Hello Jamo, hope you are well and things are good.

I've reached a point in my life where stuff that got my panties in a wad years ago doesn't matter as much to me anymore. Whats important is enjoying the car, enjoying family and friends and comraderie with guys who like the same cars whether "replica", "real" or somewhere in between and getting the younger generation into these cars so they don't fade away with future generations.

Patrickt: I didn't see that article in the last Shelby Annual. Must have missed it. "True replica" or "replica"...are we talking the dictionary definition or the commonly accepted meaning???? its just too confusing to the average Joe. Candidly, doesn't really matter to me anymore.

I think SAAC nailed it though as far as how they treat and view the new Shelby Cobras. It was neat and I think significant to see a CSX 4000 on the cover of the SAAC annual. However, it is what it is and time and history will be the final arbiter as to how the new Shelby Cobras are viewed and ultimately accepted by the general public in years to come. In the mean time I still love my Shelby as much as the first day I got it and intend to enjoy it (Can't believe it's 11 years old already! If I had the balls to take it out on the track maybe it could even gain some provenance.. LOL ). It still makes my heart race though.

Glad to see you guys are doing well.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

I've reached a point in my life where stuff that got my panties in a wad years ago doesn't matter as much to me anymore.

Dang, and I already had my next three moves planned out. Oh well, WTF....

[REAL 1]

Ah yes, as always I'm one step ahead.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Hi guys: Thanks for the welcome back.

Hello Jamo, hope you are well and things are good.

I've reached a point in my life where stuff that got my panties in a wad years ago doesn't matter as much to me anymore. Whats important is enjoying the car, enjoying family and friends and comraderie with guys who like the same cars whether "replica", "real" or somewhere in between and getting the younger generation into these cars so they don't fade away with future generations.
Patrickt: I didn't see that article in the last Shelby Annual. Must have missed it. "True replica" or "replica"...are we talking the dictionary definition or the commonly accepted meaning???? its just too confusing to the average Joe. Candidly, doesn't really matter to me anymore.

I think SAAC nailed it though as far as how they treat and view the new Shelby Cobras. It was neat and I think significant to see a CSX 4000 on the cover of the SAAC annual. However, it is what it is and time and history will be the final arbiter as to how the new Shelby Cobras are viewed and ultimately accepted by the general public in years to come. In the mean time I still love my Shelby as much as the first day I got it and intend to enjoy it (Can't believe it's 11 years old already! If I had the balls to take it out on the track maybe it could even gain some provenance.. LOL ). It still makes my heart race though.

Glad to see you guys are doing well.

It's nice to see you back, and what's even better is your priorities now seem to be addressing what is really important.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Clarkson

Take liberties with a Cobra (cob-ra) and it will kill you. It will use its looks to pull you in and its power to pull your trousers down. Then it will rip your head off and swallow it whole, pits and all.

My favorite hyperbolic Cobra quote used to be the one about a car with an engine too big and a body too small, etc. but this one kicks its butt. I roll my eyes at Clarksons dogmatic personal biases, but he is a hoot and anyone who sez that about a Cobra knows from whence he speaks, and can't be all bad.

[Buzz]

PS: Welcome back Evan. Its REal nice to see you posting again.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

....Candidly, doesn't really matter to me anymore.

...and it's good to see that you are still full of crap. Did they kick you off the Ford GT board?

[Jamo]

Geez Ron...can't you see he's a changed man?

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Jamo

Geez Ron...can't you see he's a changed man?

For look-up, see: "leopard"

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by computerworks

For look-up, see: "leopard"

I don't know about that. I detect a "tone of contrition" to his posts of late. I say we treat him as the prodigal son and welcome him home with open arms. We might even slaughter a fatted calf....