[gumball_fan]

I have been a fan of Shelby's divine creation ever since I was a kid and saw the movie "The Gumball Rally". First shot of Michael Sarazzin and Nick Pryor blasting through the desert and I was hooked.

Even though I built models of both 289 and 427 S/C, for real driving, I had to sublimate my desire with a TR6, that I then had to sell when my son was born. Young, needed the money for more important things.

Great car - similar philosophy to the AC/Cobra. "Last of the hairy-chested man's cars". Clutch like a Nautilus workout machine. Enormous steering wheel in you chest. Trunk with enough room for a toothbrush and credit card. With SU carbs and tuned needles, it had 125hp and 140fp. Not bad for a 2.5l 6.

Now, my son is older, I have the money, and I still have the desire.

Sadly, I must wait. I am currently stationed in Cyprus, and so I cannot buy right now, I think. If I found a Euro LHD, I might think about it! (BTW - Cyprus is a RHD country, like the UK.)

I am still torn between the very traditional 289 slabside and the 427. I know that I want one that is a faithful repro - correct wb, correct track, correct curves and interior, manual, IRS. I think for engine I want either a 5.0 or a 4.6 DOHC. I want to drive the thing! Building is also an option, if the right ready to roll isn't on the market.

So, for the next 2 years, I will lurk, watch and wait, and occasionally watch The Gumball Rally on DVD for inspiration. Target buy date - Jul7 2009.