McGREGOR BUILD BEGINS
The build is now a reality with a very comprehensive cost outline from Robert and Mark with flexibility to alter as the build progresses. I was more than happy and with a flick of the mouse funds were sent south that would begin the McGregor Kit Car Project.
The motor selection was still very much in our hands and the 1.6 MX5 that Grant had found was not looking to be that promising. So it was a call to Mark to begin a search for a 1.8 MX5 motor and box. This again saved money as if we found it in Auckland Mark still wanted it shipped to Christchurch to fit the motor to meet the design needs and McGregor’s high standard of manufacturing. I was now beginning to feel very excited at not just the car but the entire way the build was sequentially coming together.
My spare time was now being devoted to internet searches on Lotus 7 builds, wheel and tire options and carbon fiber after market products. This was incredible as the devoted Lotus 7 owners all have common thread of passion for this Colin Chapman little sports car rocket.
Month: March 2009
Tuesday 17 March 2009
RUAPUNA RACEWAY TEST DRIVE
Not being a travel agent or gaining monetary gain from saying that Hotel So and their bar What is truly a hidden gem in Christchurch and gains my absolute approval. To add a touch of decadence to this was having Mark parked outside in the McGregor M7 at 9:30am ready to head out to the local racetrack for a test drive.
Zipping effortlessly through the streets of Christchurch I quickly settled into the wind though the hair, well what is left; driving that is synonymous with sports cars. The torque of the MX5 unit proved well suited as you could keep the law enforcement happy trundling along in 5th gear or check the rear vision, the road ahead, grab another gear and the car snaps into life. Even with a sunny sky I was chilly but the smile on my face kept me warm…however, the side windows would have been nice!
The mandatory gasoline and tire pressure stop opened comments and stares from others at the gas stand….”nice car mate”….”have a nice drive” yes we were gaining attention. The Ruapuna Race Track is a significant part of New Zealand motor racing history, which is sadly at risk for noise violations. Years of watching Ruapuna on television and scouring through magazine articles, I felt very much at home gazing at the track and soaking up the live feeling.
The local race car coaching school was in process so I was lucky to see the track plan, the three cones for cornering and some sensible tips written largely on the white board. Mark proved to be an equally excellent instructor and with a pair of McGregor Overalls and a borrowed lid we strapped ourselves in for a few warm up laps. I was comforted by Marks last comment that was simply if things do go horribly wrong “fold you arms tightly in front of you”…um! The McGregor snaps into life then proceeds to devour corners with a cheekiness that is difficult to ignore so, so addictive. The first laps were a blur…so much for studying breaking points, turn in lines and locating the apex! Now Mark took the car into the pits with a procedure that ensured the brakes cooled to avoid a possible heat-to-heat attachment! This gave a few minutes to take in those first exhilarating laps while Mark re-set the suspension…another very clever McGregor innovative design component. Helmet back on, belts pulled tight we set off on a few more laps where the McGregor attacked corners with savage precision reveling in the minor arm wrestles thrown at the driver. Back to the pits, same slow down break routine and it was now to be my turn!
I did not want to be like Morgan Freeman in “driving aunt daisy” but equally I did not want to be known as the bloke from Japan that dented the McGregor test car…um! Approaching all brake points, I went in slow and attempted to exit fast while remaining smooth and in control. Honestly, it is such a forgiving design I felt things beginning to go all wrong in the hairpin so I simply eased into the throttle and trusted the car more than my ability. Mark commented later he was ready for the car to spin but was pleasantly surprised how it all smoothed out.
I have no allusions of setting lap records but even after a handful of laps the lines became easier and the car allowed me to really feel like I was racing…not fast but racing. I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying this and my hand was already reaching for my PC, login to my bank to send a deposit for the car…I was, am totally hooked!
The flight to Auckland was a time to shape the entire build project and upon being picked up by Brother Grant, we of course headed off to the coldest beer in the world for a Mach 7 meeting. Grant was quickly up to speed and we both agreed that some of the pre-assembly, while interesting, is really just time consuming. This was a quick decision to have a rolling chassis come out of the McGregor workshop. The reasons being are;
Why take the motor and transmission out for shipping?
Minimal involved in suspension/brakes/wheels installation
Cost effective for shipping
I have limited time due to living in Japan
This was a certainly a two beer worth while meeting in fact we were enjoying it so much we changed venues and had wine and pizza to seal this first step in our heads.
Monday 16 March 2009
McGREGOR MOTORSPORT VISIT
The first visit was excellent and for many reasons;
the car was not as elongated as I imagined
the body was far more elegant than I imagined
the finish/detail was consistently high
there was a real passion in the concept
the motor and transmission fit was perfect
the seating and visibility was superb
The first ride as a passenger it was a familiar open car feeling, the close proximity to the ground and ride took me back to Healy Sprite days. This test model did not have the side windshields, which caused a great deal of buffeting….something not that comfortable for a long journey. The sheer power to weight and outstanding balance was evident from the passengers ride as corners were hardly noticed. The power was adequate given that it was a standard 1800cc MX5 that was calmed down by a restrictive exhaust muffler configuration.
The engineering is a work in progress, beginning with an already well-established design modifications happen so each car off their drawing board exhibits change in the most positive manner. The Kit-Car concept has and always been a calling card and now with a bare bones kit to any stage of assembly is available, the call is even stronger. It is a matter of doing it right first time and taking sensible alternatives that meet your situation.
The re-furbished parts seem to be more than adequate and certainly it makes no sense to spend time and money doing too much of this other than perhaps the motor and transmission. The willingness to accept help, backed by experience and wisdom, has never been something that I would pass over. Right now, I am very much convinced that living in Japan having a partial build of the car is the best option….everything must be correct and this is the right path to take.
I am certainly considering;
Motor/Transmission/drive installed
Suspension and brakes installed
The under body pan to be attached
All body panels to be pre-drilled
Some design aesthetic choices will include:
Black powder coated chassis
Black powder coated suspension components
Black powder coated roll bar
Black powder coated headers/engine parts
Carbon fiber smaller headlights
Carbon fiber rear vision wing mirrors
Carbon fiber dash with simple white gauges
Monday 2 March 2009
WHY BUILD A LOTUS 7 REPLICA IN NEW ZEALAND WHILE LIVING IN JAPAN?
The answer is simple…because I want to! Actually, this is not as simple as it sounds. This project has been brewing for many years and really came to the surface during Christmas in New Zealand. Grant the younger brother must also take credit for his part in making this happen other than merely having a garage.
We both looked very carefully at the options available in New Zealand and emails for product and price information was the first step. From the three options, we came to a conclusive decision; let us really investigate the McGregor Mach 7 operation in Christchurch. From the first email, the McGregor team exhibited professionalism in product knowledge, technical expertise but the most important factor was their passion.
Japan suddenly seemed a long way from New Zealand but being completely bitten by the need to build a boyhood dream travel plans were drafted to visit the McGregor team. Three years ago stumbling upon rather scratched, tardy, and sad looking 1986 Ruff Porsche 911 was an entry into classic car restoration. This however this was in Japan, at a local garage only 10 minutes drive not 10 hours flying.
What would Christchurch hold in store? The offer of a test drive at the Ruapuna Speedway certainly raised possibility of this happening.