9 November 2022

Been checking the weather over the last week as I was planning to go across to Krazy Horse in Bury St Edmunds to spend some time photographing a completed 170 and was offered the chance to go for a drive.  It’s been wonderfully (sorry, worryingly) warm this last few days, and with no rain forecast, today was the day.

I arranged to meet up with Ian Beddis, who was able to take me for a spin in the car.  Strange to think that I had already agreed to buy my 170 without actually driving one. But I knew that if I waited until I had got back from Aus, it would be another year before I could start work and I was reasonably confident – having read and watched various reviews – that I would like the car.

First impressions:  well it is actually very small.   I went along fairly wrapped up against the cold (unnecessarily so in fact) and although I am not very big, it was a bit of a squeeze to get in.  Not unlike travelling by Ryanair if you want a comparison – but with more knee room and without the overpriced instant noodles. And with a hell of a lot more fun. 

But after I few minutes, I decided that it was snug rather than cramped and enjoyed the feeling of being ‘held’ by the car. 

And it was great fun.  I was very well behaved and kept comfortably to the speed limits, but it still seemed fast.  And there is the lovely ‘wheee’ noise you get from the turbo every time you lift your right foot.

It was a great opportunity to meet with the guys at Krazy Horse who were kindly offering a great deal of end-of-the-phone help if I need it, and even loan of an engine crane which could be really handy.

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