So after a wait, the Supra is home. Finally!!!
Saturday, 27th July 2024, what a long day, but totally worth it. I had to drop the R34 GTR at The Exhibition Centre in Liverpool for The Ultimate Show, then my mate Big Paul (ironic name) came to collect me and take me down to Nottingham to collect the Supra. We arranged a collection time of 4pm, and then I head south to Watford Gap to meet an old friend for a coffee and give the car a run before heading home for 10pm. 220 miles of blissful driving in my new toy. I forgot just how good they are, and how much stronger it pulls above 4000rpm. I can’t wait to start the modification route with SRD Tuning.
When I arrived at the previous owners house, I was immediately greeted with the extensive history, and the receipts for pretty much anything that has been done to the car in the UK ownership. We went through this when I went to view it anyway, but it’s reassuring to see. Although the sight of a certain “respected” tuners name in the file sent a shudder – although it was from the import and not for work. And it was a long time ago. Even though, their name is on the license plate. Suffice to say, a new plate was ordered immediately and is in the post as we speak. Wye aye, I’d not let that place tune my piano, pet. And I don’t have a piano.
Once we’d done the paperwork, and had a look around the old owners new car, it was time to leave. Or was it? No. Battery. He’d had it on trickle charge and forgot to turn the plug on! Mortified, but we got a laugh out of it. Jump leads to the rescue. 5 mins and it started first time. We left it running, shook hands and both agreed it was a pleasure to deal with each other – see, I can be nice!
I head off to Watford Gap to meet Peter, and found a Shell petrol station around 30 miles away. Plenty of distance to put a good charge in it. The fuel was low when I arrived at the Shell, and I totally forgot about the 70 litre tank. That was an expensive, but equally brilliant stop.
The 56000th mile clicked over on this journey and all was going well until the traffic built up just before the Watford Gap services turn off. That gave me 5 mins to play with the stereo. Yep. Definitely upgrading that.
After leaving Watford Gap, leaving the car there for just under 2 hours, chewing the fat, it was time to go home. Two words: very smooth. The car is only a 4 speed auto for now, with 390bhp. But it can delivery it nicely and it makes it a really nice motorway car, albeit quick and relatively thirsty. But it drives well, no noises, very few squeaks and rattles – nothing that some soundproofing won’t cure.
As night fell, the lights came on, I think. The stock bulbs in the Supra are ferociously crap. That’s already been remedied, with LED bulbs on order all around – thanks to Auto Bulbs Direct for relieving me of £295. But, I remember from my last car, just how much better night time driving became. And this will be the same – but it says a lot when I ordered the license plates first!
I got home and I was still giddy.
Isn’t she lovely. Side view, no license plate!
