Lancia Motor Club

I just wanted to let the Aprillia/Ardennes community know that OVS 901 (ne LXE 6) has a new home!

I collected her (no name yet) yesterday from Colin Joy with fresh MOT and drove like the wind throught torrential rain from South Cost to the east Coast without a problem (apart from a bit of a rain water leak and wipers that went on a go slow for a while). The (very optimistic) speedo registered 95 on occassions (but I am relaibly informed that my wing car only saw 70 (gps)!!

This is my 1st and probably only venture into Vincenzo territory and I would like if possible to be acquainted with other members that can share information etc. I intend to do all my own maintenance, so have an appetite for information and sources of spares etc.

I would be grateful for any history, earlier photos, etc either on forum or privately.

What an amazing car...

Tim

Super looking car, but why is the number plate positioned where it is? I hope to see it on the Sliding Pillar Rally in June.
 Regards, John 

Well done Tim on your acquisition. Over the last couple of years I've collect a bit of information on Aprilias and put it up on my little web site http://web.me.com/noelmacwhirter/home/Lancia_Aprilia.html There might be something there that could be helpful. Can't help with any of the history though.

Noel

Noel

Thanks for your post. I had picked up your site when thinking about an Aprilia. What a helpful site. And actually shows that it isnt that scarey to do real work on those cars.

Tim

Congratulations Tim,
 she looks lovely. ;D

Brian 8227 8)

Well done Tim, I have some articles on maintainence, but will have to email them as they are too big to post on here. I have had a look for old photos, but can't find any.  Ade.

Thanks Ade

Just taken out for a spin round the block to help dry out after yesterday, and found the choke needed a tweak, and mix control as well now like a jewel... and gearbox so sweet.

I have some maintenance stuff including english handbooks from my friend Lucas Geheniau (quite cheap set of 3 CDs) and original handbook Tav in Italian. Now I really need to take on that Italian course!!!

Tim

Tim,

Well done you! I am green with envy – both for the car, which looks good and for the motor house complete with corrugated iron and a roof light.

LXE 6 is in the 1985 LMC Register of Members as being owned by a Mr E J Minter from Croydon – he is also down as owning a B20 S6 (MKK 851 D) and a Stratos. E J Minter, known as Ted was the father of Ian Minter who I knew from a slightly earlier period. Ian had the Stratos, which I believe he sold when he emigrated to Australia in 1980. I didn’t buy the Stratos, but I did buy his very nice 10 Speed lightweight Peugeot bike, which I still own. The point of this digression is that the Minters, father and son were perfectionists and only had the best of things. I don’t remember the Aprilia, but I bet it was a good one then, as it clearly is now.

I can’t wait to see it. I’ll lend you my specially shortened 14mm spanner, unless you already have one – you are certain to need one!

More photos please.

Colin

Prior to Colin the car belonged to the late Frank James who was a great stalwart of the LMC. (I think he was the founder of the Great Northern Weekend) I remember following him travelling at a very modest pace during the Aprilia 60 rally based on Champagne in France. I am not sure if the pace was due to his failing health or the car. I believe Omicron have worked some magic on the engine since then.
I would be surprised if there were no pictures around from that event. There were lots taken of the line-up of about a dozen or more cars. Sadly mine was not one of them as she was resting up about 30 miles away with a displaced valve guide.

Here's a pic from Aprilia 60, I wasn't sure if Frank was there in OSV 901, but once I enlarged the picture I could see the car, front row second from left, it doesn't help that the rally plaque is covering most of the number plate!

Congratulations Tim.  Its a beautiful car and I am sure it will bring many years of motoring happiness.  When I saw it at Colin's place next to a rather more modern car in the same gunmetal grey I have to say I preferred the Aprilia even though the other car was rather special as well!

don't believe the guys with the gps , they're just envious, our car goes that fast too......

have fun and enjoy the mechanical voyage of discovery when you start noticing all the nice details of the car.There is a method in virtually every small feature and functional things that you don't even realise at first.

William

Best of luck with your new acquistion - she looks really well in your garage!
Prompts me to get to work on mine.....!!!
 
Regards,
Tim F

Thanks for all your kind replies. Anyone want a nice motor house????

Happy to donate to a careful dismantler that has theri own insurance and transport.

Tim

Epilogue

Old motor house replaced with new motor house.

OVS had the privilege of being first to leak oil in it. (being prepped for NEC).

Tim

What a lucky Lady!

Brian
8227 8)

Very smart Tim, and, yes OVS is very lucky and you are very fortunate.

Is there by any chance just a little corner at the back where I could hide my next acquisition whilst waiting for a suitable time to tell 'she who must be obeyed' about it ??  Just a thought !!!!!!!!

                           Andy

Andy(Cern)

Sorry all 4 spaces are taken!! And stupidly while I have a nice roof space to elevate another project there isnt space to fit the 4post lift. Didnt think of it at the specifying my requirements.... and dont want to use a 2 poster...

Tim

There is a fair amount of information on the Technical Matters Only thread as well.

It's not too late to install a pit.  http://mech-mate.co.uk/Motor-Pits.html

Congratulations, am sure the car will be as well looked after now as it has been in the past, enjoy!


P

The old garage (1910) had a pit which I retained albeit the builders took out two sides during groundworks (they rebuilt it). However a lift would mean getting a car out of the way whereas it would have to be a much larger pit to achieve same and how would I get the car out afterwards....

Tim