The life of... SharkyUK's Trophy

[josh11490]

I hope to see this flying across the brecon beacons around llangynidr when lockdown is over! Glad to see its almost there.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[NorthloopCup]

I hope to see this flying across the brecon beacons around llangynidr when lockdown is over! Glad to see its almost there.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Lol - I hope they’re enforcing it over in Wales better than they are here.

 

[Louis]

Is this now the most expensive trophy on the road?

 

[Krarl]

I'm sure it was probably the most expensive off the road😂

 

[Clio_fool]

@SharkyUK that's fantastic news you must be over the moon. When's Le b*****d Rouge going to finally be home?
Koudos to Mick for getting it done. No matter how long it's been with him he's done what all the others didn't and delivered a working car for you.

 

[Joah]

Reiterate the messages from others, really good to see the come back! Time to finally enjoy it.

 

[SharkyUK]

Great news mate!

I'm down in Newport in a couple of weeks so let me know if there's anything you need bringing down from Mick's

Thanks fella!

And thanks for the kind offer. How big is your wagon?!?!?! Seriously, there is a fair bit of stuff (excess baggage) that needs to be hauled back so I'd be grateful of any help. Lots of unused parts, exhaust systems, dampers, springs, engine components... and more. Anything that can be shifted would be appreciated. I know that @Daniel kindly offered but I can't guarantee an exact date for when it will be ready for collection. Nothing serious I will add, just a lot of loose ends to tie-up now she is through the MOT, road-legal and running! Let me know the date(s) when you are expecting to be down this way and I'll gladly throw you some beer tokens. Socially-distanced of course.

If this thread has done one thing it is teach us what a bunch of lying con men almost all the flavour of the month
( some a lot longer than that🤔 and were bummed to death by most people on here "cliosport tuning gods")
have been on this forum!🤣

Glad you got it sorted at last mate you deserve it 👍although my patience would or ran out YEARS ago!

^ Yeah - it has been a bit like that mate. Interesting that a certain 'specialist' (I use the term loosely) has a Trophy now, too - and probably reading this. Also very interesting how so many parts were missing from my own car. Still are in fact. Which is why it is taking so long to sort as many parts are simply no longer available.

Cheers fella - all the best!

Glad it is finally sorted Andy and hopefully you can enjoy some happy motoring in it.

Poor GT4 isn't going to get a look in now is it 😂

It's almost sorted Chris. Obviously it is good enough to get through the MOT and can be driven, which is the key thing. It's just silly things now, like repairing a bit of corrosion in the loom connector that means the reversing lights are playing up and sourcing a part for the aircon system that has been put back in.

GT4? What GT4...? (Yeah right!) 😂

Perseverance pays off. Really pleased it’s back on the road and will be with you again soon. Well done, the hope the reward of sticking with your little red car is worth it in spades.

Thank you mate - I never got what all the fuss was about... 😂🤣😂🤣

Mick has been using it a bit and can't believe how well it drives. Considering how long it has been stood he informs me it is in remarkable condition and I have a few people who are genuinely interested in buying it. Strange given its history! It's not for sale though - it owes me a good few years of miles and smiles! I'll write an update soon outlining what's left to do and, of course, when she arrives back home to me.

I hope to see this flying across the brecon beacons around llangynidr when lockdown is over! Glad to see its almost there.

You bet! Maybe catch you on your local roads, too....? Thanks mate - all the best!

Lol - I hope they’re enforcing it over in Wales better than they are here.

Sadly not, Mark. Still too many people taking too many liberties!

Is this now the most expensive trophy on the road?

I think there's a strong possibility that might be the case. And all I have is a pretty much standard Trophy to show for it... 🤔

I'm sure it was probably the most expensive off the road😂

F**k you! LOL! (The truth hurts). 😂

SharkyUK that's fantastic news you must be over the moon. When's Le b*****d Rouge going to finally be home?
Koudos to Mick for getting it done. No matter how long it's been with him he's done what all the others didn't and delivered a working car for you.

Cheers mate, he has certainly delivered. And that's why he has such a good reputation and one that has lasted over the years. I can't honestly thank him enough. It's not nice when a decent mechanic has to pick-up the ruinous s**t work of several others before him. I owe him. In fact, I do actually owe him! I haven't paid him yet and haven't seen the bill...

Reiterate the messages from others, really good to see the come back! Time to finally enjoy it.

Thanks Joah - it's mad how it feels like a weight has been lifted, even if there are just a few minor niggle jobs to finish off before she finally comes home. Thankfully nothing too serious so I'm hopeful I will be enjoying it sooner rather than later. And, of course, when restrictions allow it!

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

I'll drop you a PM tomorrow, Andy

 

[SharkyUK]

I'll drop you a PM tomorrow, Andy

Luff ya man x

 

[MatthewR]

I have three weeks as a 'bum' in-between tow jobs, happy to use my time to move things, it beats being told to decorate a spindle!

 

[Daz.]

Excellent news! Now put a standard bonnet back on it. 😘

 

[SharkyUK]

I have three weeks as a 'bum' in-between tow jobs, happy to use my time to move things, it beats being told to decorate a spindle!

Thanks mate, I appreciate the offer. At the moment I am not really sure on dates, etc. so will respectfully suggest you decorate your spindle until further notice... Joking aside, I will keep your offer in mind. Cheers!

Excellent news! Now put a standard bonnet back on it. 😘

Yeah, yeah - whatever...
(It's already on the to-do list mate).

 

[SharkyUK]

April 2021 - Update

I figured it was about time I provided a bit of an update about #165 as things have been a little quiet recently. Whilst I don't have lots of new stuff to share right now I will say that the curse of Le Clio B'stard Rouge continues to thwart.

As I already highlighted back in January, the Trophy passed its MOT with flying colours and only a few minor jobs remained. These have been addressed in the subsequent months, apart from a slight issue with one of the wires in the loom (a wire that will need replacing). That's always a risk with secondhand items but, thankfully, it's not a big problem and under control. Other bits included things like bearings, new brake kit, new tyres (to come), aircon re-install and re-gas, nothing too major.

The biggest delay really has been due to Covid and the fact that I was unable to venture into England (from Wales) until a week or two ago. Thankfully the easing of restrictions now allow me to do so but, sadly, another bit of unfortunate news has resulted in another delay.

In a nutshell... I had plans to call Mick at Diamond to arrange payment and collection of #165 (with a view to finally getting the bloody thing home after all these years!) It wasn't to be. I instead received a call from Mick explaining that a lorry driver had decided to play bumper cars whilst leaving the industrial units where he is based, my Trophy being one of those cars that he hit. Video footage caught the incident and the driver got out of the truck, inspected the damage to the front of my car, and then got back in his truck and left! Admittedly I was VERY lucky to get away with minimal damage in the end but it does mean that my front bumper now needs removing and sending to the bodyshop for work / respray. Another owner of another car he hit was not so lucky and I hear his damage bill is something like 5 grand! On the plus side, the offending company has admitted liability and agreed to cover the costs, etc. caused by their tw*t of a driver. It just means I have to wait a little longer (again!) before she will be ready and can come home.

At least she is now taxed, insured, MOT'd... so Mick can put a few miles on it and look for any gremlins or niggles. The signs however are good and, dare I say it, she appears to be a bit of a peach to drive.

 

[Clio_fool]

Jesus you couldn't make this s**t up! Have the car painted blue and end Le b*****d Rouge curse for good 🤣.

 

[jp_lcr]

I saw this famous/infamous Trophy a couple of weeks ago when my Cup was in, had a nosey round it and looked great (pre lorry) must be gutting! If only had another red car to drive to cheer you up?

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

What a monumental prick. It's pretty obvious that a business is going to have CCTV, so driving off really was a dick move.

 

[SharkyUK]

Jesus you couldn't make this s**t up! Have the car painted blue and end Le b*****d Rouge curse for good 🤣.

I'm very tempted mate... or 'paint' it in petrol and accidentally drop a lit match on it! 🤣

I saw this famous/infamous Trophy a couple of weeks ago when my Cup was in, had a nosey round it and looked great (pre lorry) must be gutting! If only had another red car to drive to cheer you up?

Yessir, it's a bit gutting to say the least!

🤔 Another red car you say? That would be nice... hahaha! I'm very fortunate in that respect although the only action it has seen in the last few weeks has been for commuting! This weekend though...this weekend could be the first 'proper' drive of the year. I'm genuinely excited!

 

[SharkyUK]

What a monumental prick. It's pretty obvious that a business is going to have CCTV, so driving off really was a dick move.

Yup - absolutely stupid. He obviously knew he had hit mine as he bent down to check the damage after getting out the truck. Apparently the impact with one of the other vehicles was significant enough that he would have easily felt / heard it in his cab. Hopefully he has had the book thrown at him.

 

[Clio_fool]

Book? Bloody brick more like it! At least you've got another year for the CSF unveiling. Could still be a tight deadline though 😂😂.

 

[SharkyUK]

June 2021 - Update

Another step closer. 👌

 

[Stefan.]

 

[RustyMojo]

I love the fact this has gone on so long the car still has a tax disc in the window 😂

 

[Krarl]

Rare to have a red trophy, theyre all usually pink

 

[SharkyUK]

I love the fact this has gone on so long the car still has a tax disc in the window 😂

I can't bring myself to remove it... battle scars.

Rare to have a red trophy, theyre all usually pink

Oh don't worry... the rear half (out of shot) still has plenty of pink to share with the world...

 

[gambit]

I'm so excited for you!

 

[SharkyUK]

I'm so excited for you!

Thank you mate. Assuming nothing else goes wrong I am hoping to finally collect it and bring her home the weekend after next. Good times!

 

[MatthewR]

Will you be having a welcome home party?

 

[gez 172]

You’ve jinxed it now. Body shop will ring tomorrow and say the unit imploded because of paint fumes and has blown the Trophy into the sea. They’ve fished it out of the sea and plan on rebuilding it for no cost to you, as long as your not in a rush for it back..

 

[Tim.]

If the route and timings are being published I’d half expect to see people of internet car forums and groups waving from motorway bridges with tears in their eyes, and it would be fitting if the Patrouille de France did a smoke-on fly-by to mark the occasion! A once in a lifetime opportunity!

Fantastic news, almost within touching distance.

I’ll be waving on the English/Welsh border ❤️

 

[davo172]

If the route and timings are being published I’d half expect to see people of internet car forums and groups waving from motorway bridges with tears in their eyes, and it would be fitting if the Patrouille de France did a smoke-on fly-by to mark the occasion! A once in a lifetime opportunity!

Fantastic news, almost within touching distance.

I’ll be waving on the English/Welsh border ❤️

How long has it been now since you last drove it on a std engine as it will be when you get it back?

 

[SharkyUK]

Will you be having a welcome home party?

Well, sir... that very much depends on lockdown restrictions and the reach of my 'bubble'. I'm sure there may be one or two who might like to help me celebrate its return.

You’ve jinxed it now. Body shop will ring tomorrow and say the unit imploded because of paint fumes and has blown the Trophy into the sea. They’ve fished it out of the sea and plan on rebuilding it for no cost to you, as long as your not in a rush for it back..

Honestly, I've not ruled it out mate...

If the route and timings are being published I’d half expect to see people of internet car forums and groups waving from motorway bridges with tears in their eyes, and it would be fitting if the Patrouille de France did a smoke-on fly-by to mark the occasion! A once in a lifetime opportunity!

Fantastic news, almost within touching distance.

I’ll be waving on the English/Welsh border ❤️

I'll keep an eye out for you my friend! Is a Trophy Guard of Honour type thing too much to ask?

How long has it been now since you last drove it on a std engine as it will be when you get it back?

On a STANDARD engine...? Hmm...

13 years give or take.

 

[Krarl]

So when is it for sale?🤣🤣

 

[Ocsltd]

So it’s not just football that’s, COMING HOME!!!! 👌

 

[SharkyUK]

So when is it for sale?🤣🤣

As soon as I've decided which turbo kit I'm going with next mate.

So it’s not just football that’s, COMING HOME!!!! 👌

Y'know... I see what you did there!

 

[SharkyUK]

June 2021 - Update # 2

Le Clio B*stard Rouge is just about complete now! Only a minor aircon gremlin to fix and a short wait for the spacers to arrive (so that the brakes can be fitted). Thanks to Mick at Diamond Motors for the photos, and for giving her a quick bath.

#itscominghome

 

[Clio_fool]

How long has it been since you've driven a clio? Are you a bit nervous that you'll get in it and think f**k me this is s**t?

 

[Louis]

How long has it been since you've driven a clio? Are you a bit nervous that you'll get in it and think f**k me this is s**t?

Scared itll be faster than his porsche

 

[RustyMojo]

How long has it been since you've driven a clio? Are you a bit nervous that you'll get in it and think f**k me this is s**t?

I mean he shouldn’t be nervous about that. It’s a forgone conclusion! They are old s**t. Good fun, but s**t none the less 🤣

 

[SharkyUK]

How long has it been since you've driven a clio? Are you a bit nervous that you'll get in it and think f**k me this is s**t?

I've driven my friend's Clio Trophy a couple of times, but it's well over 6 years since I last drove my own! Nervous? Nah. It's still a fantastic little car that offers loads of fun. The Porsche is obviously in a different league but the Trophy is as welcome as ever. A perfect stablemate and the ideal machine for some of the Welsh roads and B-roads I enjoy.

Scared itll be faster than his porsche

I have no doubt there are roads (and conditions) that will very much favour the Trophy!

I mean he shouldn’t be nervous about that. It’s a forgone conclusion! They are old s**t. Good fun, but s**t none the less 🤣

Sometimes you can't beat the old s**t. Fun is fun.

 

[SharkyUK]

June 2021 - Update #3

I'm genuinely excited at the thought of getting this home now. I was due to collect this in a couple of days but, unfortunately, a minor hiccup has delayed things by a week or so. It's nothing major and I'm told that it is driving beautifully (and looking pretty tidy, too). New spacers and stud/nut kit on the way... then collection time!

Massive thanks to Mick at Diamond Motors for the pic (and for putting it back together again).