I think all options will have their fans.
Immaculate, original, converted?
I have had my S1 Exige for 11 years and in that time I have toyed with plans from a restoration to selling it. It’s 20 years old and still looks great but has some stone chips, a couple of star cracks and a graze here and there. My policy has been originality and letting it live with its patina. Where I have fixed or upgraded (Nitrons) I have kept the original parts. So how will others be keeping their Exiges, converting to Honda, immaculate restored, original and used or cotton wool in a garage?
I think all options will have their fans.
I think all options will have their fans.
As above, I think Honda conversions have got their place but a properly sorted VHPD S1 is a wonder to be around.
There are maybe subtle improvements that can be made that remaining "in keeping" with the car such as the Nitrons, but with a car like that I'd aim to keep it usable and not fall into the trap of minting it up to the point you're afraid to use it!
There are maybe subtle improvements that can be made that remaining "in keeping" with the car such as the Nitrons, but with a car like that I'd aim to keep it usable and not fall into the trap of minting it up to the point you're afraid to use it!
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gonein60seconds
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I’m in this camp too. I try to keep mine as lovely as it can be, which is very very nice indeed. And similar to yourself any part changed I have the original, including shocks, exhaust, cat etc. which I think is a nice for history of the car.Fonzey wrote: ↑Wed Feb 10, 2021 2:39 pm As above, I think Honda conversions have got their place but a properly sorted VHPD S1 is a wonder to be around.
There are maybe subtle improvements that can be made that remaining "in keeping" with the car such as the Nitrons, but with a car like that I'd aim to keep it usable and not fall into the trap of minting it up to the point you're afraid to use it!
I want to enjoy it and not be afraid to use it, as that’s would rather defeat the point for me. I’ve toyed with a colour change, at which point if that ever happened I’d also ceramic coat or full ppf it for protection and to keep it shiny (!) but other than taking care when I use it, I’m not motivated to turn it into a garage queen.
My outlook is it’s my car I use and enjoy it as it makes me happy. I’m not into people who seem to be preserving their cars for someone else by not driving them and hiding them away. I’d Rather have the memories in my lifetime
Best with whatever way you go
S1 #501
I would replace as fails, but I wouldnt ever try to make it mint. It just spoils the whole experience in my opinion. I had a car that was paintwork wise perfect. Everytime a stone flicked up I winced, parking was never fund and in the end I didnt enjoy driving it really.
Cars should be used , and enjoyed. Otherwise just buy a painting and put it on the wall.
I wouldnt swap out the K series, unless it failed ..
Cars should be used , and enjoyed. Otherwise just buy a painting and put it on the wall.
I wouldnt swap out the K series, unless it failed ..
Just to be clear, I have no plan to do anything other than use my car and keep it in good fettle. I have just rejected a very serious offer to buy it, the really nice guy who wanted it was very keen on its originality and patina. I also agree, there is no point saving them for someone else.
My total mod list is Nitrons, verniers, exhaust, prrt, brake pads!
My total mod list is Nitrons, verniers, exhaust, prrt, brake pads!
Great debate Keith, luckily myself and my dad are in both boats as we have his immaculate but driven original Ice blue S1 Exige and we also have our Chrome Orange (was originally silver) Honda supercharged S1 Exige which has had pretty much every upgrade possible (mechanically). All the work carried out by the brilliant Martin and Steve Edwards.
Both are still so rewarding and exciting to drive, the noise from the K series and janspeed exhaust still sounds fantastic to the brutal kick in the back from the savage Honda supercharger
So either original or converted, whichever works for you, these cars were made to be driven and enjoyed
Both are still so rewarding and exciting to drive, the noise from the K series and janspeed exhaust still sounds fantastic to the brutal kick in the back from the savage Honda supercharger
So either original or converted, whichever works for you, these cars were made to be driven and enjoyed
There is no 'correct' answer. I'm in the get it mint. keep it mint, that doesn't mean it doesn't get used. Making it mint IS part of the experience for me
I can take you through the lengths I go to that Im sure some people would say point to a mental illness, maybe it does
But the way I figure is I refuse to spend that much on something and only enjoy it when I drive it - mines a year round labour of love. Getting it in its best possible state is what drives me, but I am the same with all other bits - its just in your wiring
You should treat your car how it makes you happy - having the best example possible makes me happy, treating it like a washing machine and not loving it makes others happy. No one should claim their way is the best.
I'm preserving my car so its in the best possible state FOR ME. I couldn't give a crap about the next owner thinks
I can take you through the lengths I go to that Im sure some people would say point to a mental illness, maybe it does
But the way I figure is I refuse to spend that much on something and only enjoy it when I drive it - mines a year round labour of love. Getting it in its best possible state is what drives me, but I am the same with all other bits - its just in your wiring
You should treat your car how it makes you happy - having the best example possible makes me happy, treating it like a washing machine and not loving it makes others happy. No one should claim their way is the best.
I'm preserving my car so its in the best possible state FOR ME. I couldn't give a crap about the next owner thinks
Good post, Keith . . .
My policy has been originality and letting it live with its patina. Where I have fixed or upgraded (Nitrons) I have kept the original parts.
I'm in the above camp. Just maintained to a high standard, courtesy of Ollie at Phoenix Motorsport, No mods, except above mentioned Nitrons, carbon intake, alloy radiator, braided brakes.
On SORN at the moment, only second year I have done this. Sorely tempted by the spring-like sunshine today to get it back on the now dry and salt free roads.
My policy has been originality and letting it live with its patina. Where I have fixed or upgraded (Nitrons) I have kept the original parts.
I'm in the above camp. Just maintained to a high standard, courtesy of Ollie at Phoenix Motorsport, No mods, except above mentioned Nitrons, carbon intake, alloy radiator, braided brakes.
On SORN at the moment, only second year I have done this. Sorely tempted by the spring-like sunshine today to get it back on the now dry and salt free roads.
I saw JonnyFox’s better than new restoration, it was fantastic, I can see why people would want it. Ben’s Honda Exige (also by Edwards) must be epic and looks stunning in primer grey and must be better to drive than an original. I would still keep mine over either, ignoring that they would be worth more than mine. It is each to their own. What I am sure of is, I must try to use mine more this year, Covid permitting.