The POOL ROOM

[boxhead]

I didnt follow it that closley Cameron so I cant really give you a point of view from over here.
But in saying that I did obviously see some bits and pieces and was pleased with what I saw (did not have a preconcived vision in mind of what I expected)
Everything appeared well organised and well controlled.

[Aussie Mike]

There's not nearly enough engines and wheels in the olympics.

I've oten thought there needs to be a bit of an update of some of the events to go along with the sports that are currently popular. Along the lines of some of the X Games stuff. Sports like mountain bike downhill racing or rock climbing etc. I think a lot more people would be turning the telly on.

Cheers

[Rebel1]

Cameron, what was obvious to me was the apparent will of the Chinese to display to the world what they are really capable of in organizing and conducting a most challenging spectacle.

It was a super promotion conducted by a communist country in displaying that communism is quite different to some pre-conceived notions and that we should all visit the place.

I took particular notice during telecasts of the marathons and during the bike racing to view the surrounding countryside. I was quite taken by what I saw.

I was super impressed with the precision of opening and closing ceremonies. I enjoyed all of what I saw.

[Cameron Parsons]

Mike,

mountain biking is an Olympic sport, there was a large outdoor arena and indoor track. Unfortunately it's obviously not popular amongst the TV programmers who would prefer you watch rhythmic gymnastics and syncronised knitting.

Boxhead, controlled is a good word. Much of the local criticism was that the control took away the spontaneity and buzz during and after the events.

Rebel, sure there are no rickshaws anymore. It was nice to get some clear days during the games. Shutting all the industry around the city for a few months really helped.

Cameron

[Rebel1]

Cameron, are you saying they also closed down the red light districts?

[Tatsushige]

Well first trip to the Pool Room.


Introduction :

Perth born Aussie now living in Japan, been here 6 years and now looking at starting up a car manufacturing company at the moment trying to find the laws on it.

Problem :

Kit cars in Japan cannot be more then 125cc and cannot go faster than 60kph, so the only option here is to fully manufacture cars and have a manufacturing license.

Rebodied cars like the Mitsuoka’s are not classed as kit cars but as manufactured cars, they use Nissans, Mazdas as donors and just replace the body panels with their designed panels, they also have the DINGO UGLY custom made “OROCHI” which they class as a Supercar.

If you want to sell Cobras, Ferrari Replicas or Lamborghini Replicas then you need to have a Manufacturing License, you can NOT sell kits of the vehicles, either sell fully built or do not sell at all.


So the Plan :

Lamborghini 25th Anniversary Countach can be brought here for about $120K I am thinking of buying one stripping it and making a 100% accurate copy of it in Carbon Fiber. Using a custom made Aluminum Monocoque Chassis and custom suspension.

Going with a Toyota 5.0L V8 though a 62G transaxle 5-Speed H Pattern gearbox or maybe a 6-Speed Sequential Transaxle most likely from Quaife UK., all other parts will be sourced from Toyota. The cost of a completed car will be about $90,000 to $110,000 on the road and will be classed as a new vehicle.

BUT I am thinking if this idea falls on it arse because of the laws here, how hard would it be to set up back in OZ?

If in OZ I would be going the LS3 or LS7 and using Holden Parts but I can see the price of the cars will then be in the $150,000 mark after looking at the Holden Powered Elfin and the price of that little buzzbox.


What do you guys think? In OZ would it work or would it fall on its arse also?

[Aussie Mike]

With an operation of that scale you may run into some copyright issues. I don't reckon Lamborghini mind a few fiberglass bodied replicas with tube chassis but a 100% accurate replica may wake their lawyers up.

Also if you can buy an original Countach for $120K why would you buy a replica for $90K-$110K? People who are going to buy a replica will go for a car where the original is beyond easy reach. A cobra fits in there because an original 427 is $300K+ where a replica can be built for $50K.

You would be better of in my opinion coming up with your own design and selling it as a bespoke super car in your situation.

Yes the Mitsuoka Orochi is ugly but it'll still probably sell. One thing I think common to super car buyers is that they want to stand out from the crowd. A huge tubby dyke with tattoos and a nose ring will turn heads the same as a supermodel.

Cheers

[Tatsushige]

Extreme (http://extreme-sportscars.com/) in the UK just copied a Murcielago, the guy owns it ripped it apart and copied it. Audi has not gone after him.

About 15 years ago a company did the same to a Countach and then sold copies of the moulds to others, all the Replica Countachs in the UK are 100% copies of the 5000qv the main company making the Countch in the UK is DC Supercars (http://www.dcsupercars.com/) they also do the Diablo Roadster and the owner has a Diablo SV that he is now ripping apart to make moulds.

Another company with copies of the Countach moulds in Mirage (http://www.mirage-replicas.co.uk/)

Parallel Designs has done the same to the Diablo and they have Lamborghinis appoval (http://www.paralleldesigns.co.uk/index.html)



The above companies make kits but also build complete car and they cost well over $AU120K, a mate in the UK just had a Diablo SV build by PDs it took 2 years and cost him 70 British Pounds, he could have brought a Real Countach for the same price

Muscle Cars in the USA does the Diablo SV for $139,000 US using all second hand parts



Audi will not go after Countach or Diablo builders as long as they are NOT badged as Lamborghinis, as soon as you put the Lamborghini badge on them you are claiming they are Lambos and Audi goes like they did in the USA, as for the Murielago you can not copy it at the moment, but under UK laws you can copy anything you like it is when you SELL it that you are breaking the law, the way the guys in the UK are getting away with this is to have NO CONTRACTS of sale.




In regards to Japan and the lambos. The age of the Real Countach makes it an expensive vehicle, because you are paying about $5,000 to $8,000 in emission Tax every year, then you have insurance of about $15,000 a year, plus because of its age it needs to go over the pits every year for re-reg and that is not cheap either..

Most of the Countachs here are not licensed because they cost too much a year. People buy them and lock them away. At the moment there are over 37 for sale as people are dumping them because they cost to much to keep.

Second Hand RHD Countach are about 14,000,000 Yen to 18,000,000 Yen,
Second Hand LHD Countach are about 19,000,000 Yen to 22,000,000 Yen.
Second Hand LHD Diablo VT is 9,000,000 Yen to 12,000,000 Yen

New Lexus LS600h 9,000,000 Yen

Sorry in Aussie $ have no idea



With a NEW Toyota Part Countach they will not need to pay a emission tax, the insurance is not going to be high because it is only a 5000 cc unleaded vehicle and as it is new they do not need to go over the pit every year to have it re-reg

The car will NOT be badged as a Lamborghini or even a Countach so I will not have Lamborghini knocking on my door.

I am looking at building 2 to 5 a month and no more.

[boxhead]

Originally Posted by Aussie Mike

There's not nearly enough engines and wheels in the olympics.

I've oten thought there needs to be a bit of an update of some of the events to go along with the sports that are currently popular. Along the lines of some of the X Games stuff. Sports like mountain bike downhill racing or rock climbing etc. I think a lot more people would be turning the telly on.

Cheers

We had a debate about what should and shouldnt be Olympic sports at work, My own opinion is that we already have too many sports that I feel should not be included as the Olympics has a deeper meaning (in my opinion) than to just have the latest and greatest sport involved.

I think they should drop all the equastrian stuff, are we supposed to be watching athletes or well trained horses?

[Cameron Parsons]

Les, they just changed out the light bulbs to green...

[Rebel1]

Originally Posted by Cameron Parsons

Les, they just changed out the light bulbs to green...

Gawd thank heavens for that....I was thinking how boring it would have been for you during that time.

Those Chinese ladies do polish up quite well.

[Cameron Parsons]

Polish what Les? Tell me more

Stuart, where are you going? PM me and I'll give you the lo-down, and let you know what to avoid.

For reference, take the list of things to avoid, change the title to "Things to Do" and you would have Rebel's holiday itinerary

Cameron

[Rebel1]

Originally Posted by Cameron Parsons

Polish what Les? Tell me more

Stuart, where are you going? PM me and I'll give you the lo-down, and let you know what to avoid.

For reference, take the list of things to avoid, change the title to "Things to Do" and you would have Rebel's holiday itinerary

Cameron

Gawd, no wonder he got exported .
Nuh, I'm not gonna visit China .... I've heard the best for olé buggers like me is India.

I've heard they have perfected the art of snake charming . If they can get a cobra snake to rise up outta a cane basket then there's still hope for me.