Hi everyone! After months of research, including lurking around here, reading the Illustrated Buyer's Guide cover-to-cover, and a couple of test drives, I've purchased VIN# 2328 from DMC-FL! Deal was struck on 8/27 and I took delivery today as all work has been completed. In addition to DMC-FL's regular resto, I chose to add a 140mph speedo, Eibach suspension, Stage I exhaust, and stainless steel bumper insert letters.
When I got to DMC-FL, Tony first brought me into his office as he said he had something for me. Turns out he had the original owner's manual from the vehicle, as well as complete original documented ownership and service history on my car! Everything from the original window sticker and title! Really cool to have the provenance on the vehicle.
We went back to the shop area so I could see the car and give it a once-over. Pretty much everything was fine, except the latch release for the motor cover decided not to cooperate and needed to be adjusted, which was quickly taken care of.
It was pouring so we waited about 15 minutes, then Tony and I got in to take it for a quick spin. I was REALLY nervous. I've paid for the car, and I'm about to take it out for my first drive, in the rain. Until my recent DMC test drives and a couple practice drives in friends' cars, I haven't driven manual transmission in over 10 years, so I had some jitters as I sat behind the wheel.
The first few minutes were tense, but once we got the car out onto the road, I was (relatively) comfortable driving it. I'd be lying if I said the car is a blast to drive... yet. It's nothing like any of the cars I've ever driven, and I'm still getting used to it. The exhaust sounds great, and is quite loud. The inside is a bit noisy on the highway, and the car feels like it's going a lot faster than it actually is (which isn't a bad thing). There are various rattles around the cabin, and certain switches and knobs kind of feel like they could break if you forced them too much, but you all know this already.
It's still sinking in that the car is actually mine, and it will take some time for me to learn to drive it well and to appreciate it for its merits as well as its imperfections. I'm looking forward to it!
Will take and post pics when the weather is better, and will stay in touch around here as things do, invariably, go wrong!
~
Doug
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Originally Posted by Dangermouse
