A newbie saying hello...

[Dobie177]

Having joined the 289Register a couple of weeks ago, it was a treat to receive a welcome letter and a couple of back issues of the newsletter in the post this morning.

It was also suggested that I introduce myself...

I'm Surrey-based, a family man and very much a petrolhead - albeit with a rather uninspiring car history comprising some fun bangers in my youth (Mk11 Escort and Renault 5 being the pick of the bunch), a couple of sporty BMWs (it was a phase ), Land Rovers (still own a couple) and a couple of Astons (rather nice I admit). But I've always loved Cobras, and the 289 "street" car in particular... and I'm now at the point where I can start looking for one...

And so I find myself here - excited to partake in and contribute to this community - and very much looking forward to meeting many of you, seeing your cars and learning from you once the world reopens for business!

I am, however, sadly lacking in technical and mechanical know-how (don't judge me! - and the knowledge in these forums is quite incredible) so my quest for 289 ownership will be limited to buying someone else's hard build work!! (please do reach out if you know of anyone considering a change...). And, of course, I intend to visit Gerry in the weeks to come.

But, for now, I just wanted to say "hi"...

All the best
Howard.

[peterc]

Welcome to the 289 forum.
I think you will find we are a fairly amiable bunch and have a range of expertise - from nothing to real expert.
There’s never a silly question if you need to ask then ask away.
289’s do come up for sale occasionally but I suspect you will need to be patient.
Best of luck in looking.
Envious that you have had a couple of Aston’s. Which models?
Peter C

[StewbieC]

Hi Howard,
Welcome aboard! Glad your welcome pack arrived promptly.
Fire away with any questions as the only daft one is the one you don't ask that ends up costing you in some way. No-one here will judge you as we all started somewhere? It is a shame that Covid has put pay to the majority of events so far this year. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet up with fellow members. I'll forward your details to John Coward who is the area rep and he will put you in the circulation.
Do take the time to get down to Frant when restrictions lift and if you can't find a car that you like for sale (when they do come up) I'm sure we can get one built if need be.

[simonjrwinter]

Howard,

Welcome.

Simon

[Dobie177]

289’s do come up for sale occasionally but I suspect you will need to be patient.
Best of luck in looking.
Envious that you have had a couple of Aston’s. Which models?
Peter C

Thanks Peter - I’d reached the same conclusion re the need to be patient... and, whilst I’ve read loads, there is still so much to learn.

I do, though, have a period 289 C5 engine at my disposal which is a good start.

The Aston’s were fabulous. I had a very early DB9 (the 214th off the line) in Tungsten Silver (one of the best colours!) that I bought off a friend in 2011... and is now owned and cherished by a lovely Scottish chap. It was bullet proof mechanically, only let down by the tendency for the paint work to bubble (a common Aston issue due to the reaction of different metals). I also owned a 2012 DBS - my favourite by far.

With the ACs and Aston’s I’m trying to teach my 13 year old son to appreciate the beauty of British built motors

[Azzy83]

Hey Howard,
Welcome, wish you the best for your endeavours to find the right car.
And if anything pops up that you may be interested in am sure someone on here can help.
Aaron

[nikbj68]

Welcome to the Club, and Forum, Howard.
For one brief moment, seeing your forum name, I was getting proper excited to hear which Astons you’d had!

Mission accepted, we’ll try to get you into a 289, and if one isn’t ready, that engine is a very handy start to a bespoke build!

[peterc]

From an engineering point of view I enjoyed a trip round the Morgan factory. To see and appreciate the hand built nature of their product. I confess whilst I like both marques it would be the Aston that wins the debate on practicality.
DB9 very nice, just reading an article on the DBR9 the racing version based on the DB9. Having said that I prefer the sound of V8’s hence the Cobra.
Good luck.
Peter C

[Dave Woodward]

Welcome to the club Howard.

I would say not to be concerned about a lack of technical knowledge and don't let that put you off considering a build. Gerry's kits are fantastic and go together very well. When I built mine I had barely picked up a spanner before and it was one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had. I enjoyed the build as much as I now enjoy sharing those road trips with the rest of the club. Indeed, the very reason I built the car was to acquire skills other than those I was using every day in office

So welcome, ask all the questions you have, and do consider a build if you have space

Dave

[Dobie177]

Welcome to the club Howard.

I would say not to be concerned about a lack of technical knowledge and don't let that put you off considering a build. Gerry's kits are fantastic and go together very well. When I built mine I had barely picked up a spanner before and it was one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had. I enjoyed the build as much as I now enjoy sharing those road trips with the rest of the club. Indeed, the very reason I built the car was to acquire skills other than those I was using every day in office

So welcome, ask all the questions you have, and do consider a build if you have space

Dave

Thanks Dave - that's hugely encouraging and reassuring to know!!! I would love to hear more about your experience. There's so much to think about... and I'm enjoying having a bit of time to read the many build stories and threads on here...