[Trevor Legate]

Thank you Whatsa - precisely what I meant to say, if I had more time to gather my thoughts.

The earlier repleekas were basically a variation on a theme of c**p, but most have now settled down to build a pukka motor. However, even if one were to step from one directly into any of them and into, shall we say, a Kirkham (or MkIV Lightweight of course) its a diffence between night and day. Strange but true, I've done it. One of the first kit demonstraors I drove looked good, had a big noisy engine but decided to go sraight on at the first corner, while I was happily applying left lock. If I wanted a car that went in different directions to the steering, I'd drive a Lada.

As you point out, these creations kept the faith whilst others went off to do "other things" and were happy to turn their back on that "crappy little car with the ****** buggy springs". Just a shame that those certain people have decided to ignore that fact. At least Peter Brock can admit to it, thank goodness.

And speaking of the Brock coupe, I have just become the first person, other than the two dealers, to move one under its own power in the UK (one for my gravestone). Well, I say drove - I parked it and moved it around for photographic purposes!! Mind you, its enough to get my interest - what an engine. Looking through a camera, you realise just how good the profile and the shape of the roof/rear window is. Great seats, great driving position, great most things! Not convinced by the lack of external door handles - we locked the keys in immediately, so always carry a spare. Hmmmm. Such minor quibbles aside - some car!!!

I wonder if the Kirkhams ever realised that they would set Poland on the road to economic recovery? Wonder what they will do for an encore? Or do I exaggerate slightly?