New Car

GreenMachine · 21-07-2006, 09:40 AM

I can't wait any longer before I post, so there'll be no pics until I wash it on the weekend...

but...

I bought an FBT!!!

More specifically, I bought half a Fairlane By Tickford with my partner, in lieu of getting married (no, she doesn't have a sister).

It's navy blue, number 77 (just bought silver-on-blue FBT77 plates too!), factory sunroof and towbar, immaculate interior, some stonechips on the front but overall in great condition. Especially given that it only cost us $12k, including shipping from Sydney, new front pads and rotors and a new steering rack.

Had a couple of issues with the dealer selling it, but they're mostly resolved now.

Picked it up on Wednesday and immediately put 280k's on it driving out to the boonies for work. I expected ye olde FBT to be a bit of a slug, being a big luxury car with "only" 195kw.

Fortunately, it isn't - acceleration away from the line is VERY good, and it handles excellently on the tickford suspension. The steering is perfectly weighted, unlike other NL's I've driven, which tend to be way too light.

After a whole day's raping through twisty country roads, it was returning 14.1L/100, which makes me wonder why I bother with the 351 Marquis at all.

The idle is the meatiest I've heard on a stock Ford, apart from a T3. It has a really noticeable lope, and sounds amazing right through the rev range.

Wasn't convinced on the sunroof at the start, but it only too an hour before I was cruising along with it open, wishing I had a pair of raybans and the thelma and louise soundtrack...

The adaptive shift auto is pretty cool too - I always thought it was a wind-up when 347stroker told me he could get his to shift right on the rev limiter. Not so.

So that's my story. Big thanks to Alyson for supporting the purchase (she hasn't got out of it since wednesday afternoon) and Matt (347stroker) for all the advice and also for revving Ford when appropriate.

NH

Kenaz · 21-07-2006, 09:45 AM

Congrats! FBTs are one of my favourite Fords ever. And 12k is a bargain, well done.

Neeek · 21-07-2006, 09:46 AM

And ain't it a lovely thing... those front brakes are enormous. And it does sound pretty damn good for a factory Ford.

I like it. And I'm looking forward to sitting in the back and playing with all the electric toys.

Fordy · 21-07-2006, 11:43 AM

Sometimes i wish i had bought one of these instead of my Sprint...Good choice well done.

**Mechan1k** · 21-07-2006, 01:08 PM

I think i heard about this through another forum member.
Was it purchased from a certain car yard in Penrith NSW site unseen????

Ringo · 21-07-2006, 01:41 PM

.....in sickness and in health......till death do you part.

Hmm........Getting married or buying a car? Which one will cause you more grief?

Just jokes, Just jokes.....*Ringo feels the scowl of Mrs Ringo on the back of his head

XRated · 21-07-2006, 02:17 PM

... and he stays an E-Mutant!

GreenMachine · 21-07-2006, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

I think i heard about this through another forum member.
Was it purchased from a certain car yard in Penrith NSW site unseen????

Indeed it was mate... Are you about to confirm my suspicions that it was formerly a green 6cyl? :P

**Mechan1k** · 21-07-2006, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

Indeed it was mate... Are you about to confirm my suspicions that it was formerly a green 6cyl? :P

Hahahahahaha. Nice pickup there.
Would have loved to have seen it before it was put on a truck.
I was told it was test driven ... a phone call was made ... and it was literally straight on a truck ....

GreenMachine · 21-07-2006, 03:00 PM

Yeah, no point hanging around for the price they were asking. We just HAD to have one.

vino3o2 · 21-07-2006, 08:38 PM

Congrates on the new purchace Nick....get those pics up asap!!

charles_wif_xf · 22-07-2006, 02:22 PM

Yes, yes some piccies please!

Dezza · 22-07-2006, 02:39 PM

Awesome. Fairlane by Tickford has got to be my second favourite Fairlane ever (behind AU TL50). I can't wait for the pictures.

LUXO_8 · 22-07-2006, 02:42 PM

nice buy!! 12k is a bargain..
pics pics pics...:P

chief · 22-07-2006, 06:21 PM

I heard the rumour too. Wish I could of seen it. I hear Justin is enjoying his ute a little to much.

:

**TUF_302** · 22-07-2006, 08:29 PM

Pics mate must have pics, its hard waiting!!!

Lightning Strike GT · 22-07-2006, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

I can't wait any longer before I post, so there'll be no pics until I wash it on the weekend...

but...

I bought an FBT!!!

More specifically, I bought half a Fairlane By Tickford with my partner, in lieu of getting married (no, she doesn't have a sister).

It's navy blue, number 77 (just bought silver-on-blue FBT77 plates too!), factory sunroof and towbar, immaculate interior, some stonechips on the front but overall in great condition. Especially given that it only cost us $12k, including shipping from Sydney, new front pads and rotors and a new steering rack.

Had a couple of issues with the dealer selling it, but they're mostly resolved now.

Picked it up on Wednesday and immediately put 280k's on it driving out to the boonies for work. I expected ye olde FBT to be a bit of a slug, being a big luxury car with "only" 195kw.

Fortunately, it isn't - acceleration away from the line is VERY good, and it handles excellently on the tickford suspension. The steering is perfectly weighted, unlike other NL's I've driven, which tend to be way too light.

After a whole day's raping through twisty country roads, it was returning 14.1L/100, which makes me wonder why I bother with the 351 Marquis at all.

The idle is the meatiest I've heard on a stock Ford, apart from a T3. It has a really noticeable lope, and sounds amazing right through the rev range.

Wasn't convinced on the sunroof at the start, but it only too an hour before I was cruising along with it open, wishing I had a pair of raybans and the thelma and louise soundtrack...

The adaptive shift auto is pretty cool too - I always thought it was a wind-up when 347stroker told me he could get his to shift right on the rev limiter. Not so.

So that's my story. Big thanks to Alyson for supporting the purchase (she hasn't got out of it since wednesday afternoon) and Matt (347stroker) for all the advice and also for revving Ford when appropriate.

NH

Nick

Bout time you got a Tickford - Awsome mate

Congrtats

Alan

trikee · 23-07-2006, 03:09 PM

wheres my thanks for test driving it and sending the photos to matt?!?!?

geez.

its all good. glad your happy. and glad it made it there safe. even though it did take nearly a week. its all good

GreenMachine · 24-07-2006, 09:33 AM

I didn't know you were on these forums, mate! Big thanks for that one - drive Matt's ute back up (he wants some alone time with it again) and I'll buy you a beer or two!

Pics coming...