... there’s the oppomeet! Due to the race that had just ended (rubber braking trails) and the ongoing rain it was incredibly slippery. There was a lot of wheelspin, brakes locking up and even a 360. Tomorrow: Oktoberfest in Munich.

Yes, why not? As many must have noticed we’re organizing an Oppo meet at the Nürburgring the weekend of September 22-23. After that, many will continue to the Alps until Sept. 28. But given that Oktoberfest in Munich starts on September 22nd, we’ll go to the Alps via Munich. Everyone is still invited!

It’s an interesting take. Including a short review of the (and I quote Ash78) Mercury Markwiss Browham:

It left the factory without AC. OEM AC parts are made of unobtanium. As I see it I’ve got 3 options: 1. Pay someone too much money, 2. Cobble something together, 3. Cooled seats with thermoelectric peltier elements. What would you do? And why?

With our absolutely brilliant 5-day March Wales behind us it’s time to talk about future European meets. We’ve got another 3 planned for 2018: Le Mans Classic July 6-8, Schloss Dyck Classic Days 3-5 August and Nürburgring (including driving it ourselves) during a TBD weekend in September. Who wants to join us?

‘My’ BX has been fixed, but more importantly the Fiat X1/9 had a bit of a crash... Hedges were involved. Many miles of great roads weren’t driven by our subgroup

The Fiat X1/9 overheated and needed its coolant bled. Luckily there was this little stream up in the mountains/hills.

Besides driving for 5 days we will need a few little competitions. Like who burns most fuel, who burns the least, who has the first breakdown, and more. Prizes: local beers we bring from home. Who has an additional idea for a challenge?

Someone joked we could visit a Welsh junkyard during our 5-day meet later this month. But what would our group of 15+ people do there? I’m asking you, oh wise Oppo. What’s your suggestion?

“My RX8 is broken, so I bought this MG that doesn’t run. I’ll take it to the meet later this month.” Additionally: “My Frankentriumph won’t be done in time for the meet, so I bought this Fiat X1/9"

At least 6 different nationalities joining so far! We still have space left in our cottages! Join us! March 26-30. I’ll add some extra information below.

German organisation DEKRA (a car inspection company) released data about the Audi A6 being the most reliable car overall. In most other classes Audis took the lead as well.

This 205 GTi was ordered new by Bernard Arnault, supposed 4th richest person in the world. He had it armored so he could cruise along anonymously. Weight went up from 850 or so kg to 1400 kg... It’s immaculate and the asking price is €37,500.

I’ve seen nothing about here about the new Ford Focus, so here it is. As hatchback and wagon. Some markets require a sedan and I’m sure that will be released sometime as well, I just haven’t seen it yet. There is a version with cheap unpainted tough looking plastic cladding as well. edit: sedan added.

Pictures of the new Peugeot 508 have been leaked. Do you like how it looks?

With the 5-day Wales meet less than 6 weeks away it’s time for us to start booking some places to stay. Who want to join us?

While my mechanic friend is working on the engine, transmission and suspension swap on my 1987 Peugeot 205 CTI I’m working on some of the electrics. Auto dimming mirror (just needs power) with rain sensor for auto wipers (not as easy).

As stated last Summer, we’re planning on doing a big European meet in 2018. There has been some talk about a trip to the Nurburgring in Summer but the most concrete plan now is the Easter multi-day meet in Wales (UK). It’s time to talk about details and inventorise who considers joining. Registration form added!

Whoever said the French or the Italians (it was built by Pininfarina in Italy) can’t build reliable cars really has no idea. My Peugeot 406 coupe has surpassed the magical threshold of 200k miles. Serious issues during my ownership: none.