First little road report.
Did sixty miles in her yesterday. Andrew from Omicron dropped her off at Ed Rudler's place, where I keep her, and I took her to see Mike and Cynthia Wheeler (they of the big red Lambda and the china blue supercharged March Augusta). And she's simply lovely. Fun, characterful, already had people taking photos and smiling and giving thumbs up. That's what it's about, other people enjoying it as well. The only annoying thing is the engine's vibration period is 50-52 in top. So it's either 48 or 54.
55 it is then.
Speaking of 55, there's a quite a steep long old hill near where I live and she pulled up there at 55 in top no bother. It is a bit strange though, having the vibration period there. Of course it means as a town and back road car it's perfect because it'll trundle around all day in top, and pulls from nigh on 20 in top no trouble. It just means you've got to drive it through that vibration on A and B roads.
And it handles, gosh, surprisingly well. But you all know that. Turns in beautifully and 'hangs on' very assuredly, even if the rear suspension is a bit agricultural and can get unsettled by big, short undulations. I can understand why they changed it to the 'trick' set up on the Aprilia. Gearbox is lovely and light, three fingers only needed. Not synchromesh of course, but easy to learn the amount of 'blip' to give it. And since we raised the height of the accelerator pedal, heel and toeing - well outstep and toeing actually - is now perfect. Such a joy. Don't need the freewheel. I can see why Vincenzo dropped it for the Aprilia. Besides, I doubt Tazio would ever have engaged it.
My first car was a Fiat Uno, a little a 45hp 3 door in Standard spec, a 45S. Always felt it needed rear doors and a rev counter. So this is Lancia's version as a 35hp 4 door in their Lusso spec with leather seats and - now - a rev counter. A 35SL, 35SX in Fiat language. X for 'extra'. Clearly the people at Fiat in the '80s couldn't spell. Ahem, I digress. Anyway, a 35 Lusso. Exactly what I wanted. And much prettier than the Uno of course, and better packaged too with those clamshell doors. Happily keeps up with the traffic, and importantly stops very well too. Needs a good solid push on the brake pedal, as you all know, but not a problem. Very like the '87 Bentley Eight I have; that isn't servo assisted either. No, I'm confident in the brakes (famous last words). Fuel range looks like it'll be about 240 miles with the smaller Belna tank. Fine.
Importantly, Mike was impressed and said "Well done, that's very good." Which is high praise coming from him. Just so long as it stays together now.... Fingers crossed.
