I signed up some time ago (weeks or months I do not remember) but my wife Charmian "Charlie" was the owner of our 126 (1984 version) from new. Sadly she died 5 weeks ago and I now find myself the new owner. The last few months are a blurr while she was ill which is why I cannot remember whether I have introduced myself here or not. Hi there anyway!
As well as Charlie's 126 ("Brown" model huh??) he is blue, I have bought off eBay the '73 white "fit for dismantling only" in mid January. Charlie would not allow me to enter her 126 into AutoSolo events with Farnborough Motor Club - and I understand why not! So I bought my own!
Mine is known as "Chalky", not just because he is white but because the paint finish is super-matt - a bit like chalk actually. But underneath he is amazing! Some rust on the cabin crossmember and a hole to the underside of the wing left hand corner. But very restorable! So much so he is entered in his first AutoSolo on Sunday March 20th. A tad ambitious as he hasn't moved under his own power in over a decade. But you've got to start somewhere.
Basic rules of AutoSolo are that the car must be: taxed and road legal and driven to the event. With full trim and seats etc. Standard road tyres (MSA List 1A). No special gear required (no roll cage, helmet rompers etc. Entry level stuff. Borden in Hampshire starting around 0900. If the car is over 30 years old you are in the "Historics" class where anything goes. My competitors include a very quick Frogeye Sprite, a Mini Cooper S and an MGB V8. All against a 594cc 126. Good fun and nothing to lose!
Be different I say and go for it.
Andyowl
