Mr. M
Tire Trailblazer
- Messages
- 6,803
Hey guys,
So after the NA MX-5, VW MkV GTI and VW Mk2 GTI, it's now time for me to go to something completely different... A mid-engined RWD: a MR2!
Must say I really love the looks of the SW20. Admittedly it was the looks which drew me towards the car, although I know the AW11 is a better drivers' car overall (something that I only realised after driving it for a while; see my rolling updates on the car here: Staff Cars | perfectsteer).
The car's been utterly reliable, 157k miles and it feels so willing to race to the limiter. It's not a very fast car, but the engine is characterful enough! That said the lack of LSD and a rather understeery chassis doesn't allow it to go sideways as easily as I would like (in fact, very very difficult indeed!). That's the biggest surprise coming from all of the warnings about how tail happy the car would be - probably the later versions like mine were fixed up to handle more neutrally.
Anyway, thought I'd share pictures of my trip to Wales in the UK. I've been to the Brecon Beacons and the Evo Triangle before last year, but I skipped Mid-Wales completely. When Evo ran an article about driving roads at Elan Valley, I seized the opportunity and planned the trip.
Together with the Evo guide I compiled a couple of roads off threads at Pistonheads and then, having drawn the plans on a map (a proper one
) I set off from London for a four day trip.
I thought it would be alright, you know a couple of dams, but wow I was complete awe-struck when I visited the area. It is simply amazing. Worth a visit for the scenery - but Elan Valley roads does seem a little too narrow for any hooning. However an unmarked road from Bala to Treganon and one from Llanidloes to Machynlleth (B4518) more than made up for it!
Anyway, here are some pics:
One word: rally!
Elan on a beautiful day.
Unmarked road from Bala.
B4518.
Another rally-stage picture.
Let's have a peek at where we're going shall we...
This, by the way, was a dirty car.
Elan towards Rhayader, the long way back.
Even cars need a rest sometimes... And maybe a pint
Roof is off for a sunny day at Abersytwyth!
Enjoy
So after the NA MX-5, VW MkV GTI and VW Mk2 GTI, it's now time for me to go to something completely different... A mid-engined RWD: a MR2!
Must say I really love the looks of the SW20. Admittedly it was the looks which drew me towards the car, although I know the AW11 is a better drivers' car overall (something that I only realised after driving it for a while; see my rolling updates on the car here: Staff Cars | perfectsteer).
The car's been utterly reliable, 157k miles and it feels so willing to race to the limiter. It's not a very fast car, but the engine is characterful enough! That said the lack of LSD and a rather understeery chassis doesn't allow it to go sideways as easily as I would like (in fact, very very difficult indeed!). That's the biggest surprise coming from all of the warnings about how tail happy the car would be - probably the later versions like mine were fixed up to handle more neutrally.
Anyway, thought I'd share pictures of my trip to Wales in the UK. I've been to the Brecon Beacons and the Evo Triangle before last year, but I skipped Mid-Wales completely. When Evo ran an article about driving roads at Elan Valley, I seized the opportunity and planned the trip.
Together with the Evo guide I compiled a couple of roads off threads at Pistonheads and then, having drawn the plans on a map (a proper one
) I set off from London for a four day trip. I thought it would be alright, you know a couple of dams, but wow I was complete awe-struck when I visited the area. It is simply amazing. Worth a visit for the scenery - but Elan Valley roads does seem a little too narrow for any hooning. However an unmarked road from Bala to Treganon and one from Llanidloes to Machynlleth (B4518) more than made up for it!
Anyway, here are some pics:
One word: rally!
Elan on a beautiful day.
Unmarked road from Bala.
B4518.
Another rally-stage picture.
Let's have a peek at where we're going shall we...
This, by the way, was a dirty car.
Elan towards Rhayader, the long way back.
Even cars need a rest sometimes... And maybe a pint
Roof is off for a sunny day at Abersytwyth!
Enjoy
Thanks.
