Long time lurker says hello

[blackdog]

I've been reading this forum for some time and thought I'd pull my finger out and say hi. I bought my '67 colorado red BJ8 back in 2004 on ebay from Classic British sportscars in Fredericksburg, VA, as I was specifically looking for a left hand drive car, and it seemed like a good one. It was registered as Nutmeg7 in VA and was owned by a man who was selling off this as well as an e type, merc pagoda MG and a few others. I've fitted 72 spoke painted wheels , a Dennis Welch air filter, spin on oil filter, home made side exit exhaust and period seat belts. The previous owner says it has a hotter cam than standard and when pushed it feels pretty quick.
As an aside I have an MGA 1600 roadster which was the first car I ever bought, to keep the healey company.

Last week I took her out for a Sunday drive round the bugatti circuit at Le Mans. Having been to the 24 h race almost every year since 1991, allways in the MGA or the Healey, it was a fun time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSGxY_wXlZ0
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XepifHg5vtw

Happy Healying , Mike

 

[Randy Forbes]

Welcome Mike, nice videos!

I'm pretty sure I'd prefer driving the circuit when it's dry, though racing in the wet will undoubtedly make you a better driver: smoothness is rewarded :wink:

 

[IanIrving]

Hi Mike
Who was the day organised by please? I'm also in France, also Pays de la Loire and with a BJ8 so not far from you near Alencon. I've done two rallies this year with the AH club de France one of which was based at Tours for a weekend, very enjoyable. I missed out on Classic Le Mans this year but maybe next time in 2012.
I saw a Jag C type in Le Mans recently, he's been on the track that day so it must be a regular thing. Any info would be appreciated.

Ian

 

[blackdog]

Randy, yes the wet is challenging and it does punish small mistakes, I was however pleasantly surprised how easy, and fun, the healey was.

Ian, it was organised by the ACO, who run the 24h etc. I joined up with this option,
https://www.passion-24.org/htm/passion_24_collection.asp
it allows cheap entry tickets to the races and in June and September they run a track day for classic and sportscars. This membership allows you to attend the trackdays for €75 per track day.

I'm also looking at going on this
https://www.manoir-automobile.fr/wrapper/...e2fb22e6bfc62ea

It's an amazing motor museum and I am looking at the track day in October.

Although the BJ8 is not intended as a track car, I enjoy hustling it around!
If you are interested in the Loheac track day let me know. I am near Angers.
Mike

 

[IanIrving]

Hi Mike
Thanks for the links, I had thought of joining the ACO but went with the Club Healey de France for the specific Healey expertise etc but I will join the ACO next year as well. What date in October is the track day please. My main home is in Vanuatu (near Fiji) and I'm leaving early November to return there, I'll be back next April or early May and would be interested to visit Loheac next year for sure if I can't make it this year. Let me have your email address and I'll contact you if I can make this year. Mine is oui3@orange.fr
Regards

Ian

 

[blackdog]

Ian, have sent you an email