May 2019 (continued) - The Replacement
I'm sure I've said it a million times before... but it really is strange how things can work out sometimes.
I'll start by saying that Trophy #165 will be sorely missed. It will always have a little bit of my heart because, contrary to how the majority of this thread may have read, it really was a cherished and loved car. When it was in good health it was a sublime drive on the roads I enjoy. It was pretty damn good on track, too. I will miss the playfulness, the quirks and the 'character' of the car. But I won't miss the heartache and the wallet-emptying journey I've been treading for the last few years. Thankfully it is the good memories that live on stronger and those are the ones I will absolutely remember the most. Related to that are the friendships and expanded social circle I've enjoyed through owning this car - and will continue to enjoy for many more years to come. I've met some incredibly kind and generous folks during my time here and I very much plan on hanging around. Heck, I may even return to Clio ownership a little further down the line.
I will continue to post updates on this thread until Le Clio B**tard Rouge is back to standard and running again.
However - if you'll please allow me to be so forward - I would like to introduce you to the Trophy's replacement. Right now I'm still a little high on excitement and adrenaline as I never thought I'd get the opportunity to own one of my dream cars. I've not eaten or slept properly since I had the viewing and test drive last Saturday. All I will say is thank goodness I put the holding deposit down to secure first dibs on the car as it has had a LOT of interest, and for good reason. Here we go...
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It's a Porsche Cayman GT4. And - importantly for me - it was the absolutely right colour and spec I was looking for. It's a 2016 model, in MINT condition and only 1699 miles on the clock. I still can't find the words to describe it; it is epic. A whole different level.
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I took the near-on 300 mile journey to (as stated already) view and test drive it last Saturday. It was just sat there in the showroom waiting. Wow. Whist I was lost in the moment and taking it all in (especially the sound of that 3.8l engine) the missus was in the door and into the 918 bucket seats.
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The car has various options and upgrades in addition to the bucket seats. Upgraded audio / media system, satnav, carbon fibre pack and various others that I can't remember due to excitement.
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Obviously, on the test drive, I couldn't drive like a madman. It didn't help that the entire area around the Porsche Centre was awash with roadworks, contraflows and speed restrictions. Even so... within 200 yards, I knew it was special. I won't bore you with the details but, quite simply, it was stupendous. It was a little strange with folks moving out of the way to allow me by, something I've not experienced before.
![Stick out tongue :p :p](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
I don't know how I managed to keep it cool as I was giggling like a little girl inside. The responsiveness of that throttle, the sound, the sheer agility and balance of the chassis - and all at relatively low speeds. Epic.
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My missus absolutely loves it, too. Everything about it. Thank goodness I have a petrolhead for a better half, eh? The look on HER face when it fired up into life and when she was sat inside. Perfect.
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Right now I am still struggling to find the words. Porsche have been amazingly accommodating in both their services and arranging to get the car delivered direct to my doorstep for this Saturday. I can't wait; it really can't come soon enough.
I'm sure there will be many more photos and stories to tell with this superb machine. But that's for another thread
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This thread is about Trophy #165 after all...
@Sir_Dave - awesome buddy. Thank you. Your help was key and invaluable.
My very best wishes,
Andy