The tonneau has been made.

Tues.13.04.10. Tim has informed me that the work has been completed, but not everything. He has not been able to tidy the seats as the work would require removing the leather, the abysmally poor padding as well as the rotting webbing if the job is to be finished properly: another stark reminder regarding craftsmanship, Michael from Mars is not just a robotic alien but a crap trimmer as well. The dashboard trim is another larger scale project than first imagined. The removal of the entire dashboard followed by a ‘mould’ of the scuttle top which would then enable a ‘former’ to be fabricated so that a precise leather bound surround can be made: yet another small task leading to a mini venture in itself. Bollocks.

It was around midday when I was able to collect the car. Despite the unfinished work the tonneau has turned out to be superb. The colour is a genuine match to the paintwork but also compliments the leather upholstery. The treble zip linking the reinforced door sides has proved a very successful concept. The fit, at the moment, is extremely tight but it should relax creating a ‘memory’ after a natural sunlight has affected the material. The side screens will remain firmly closed until this climatic phenomenon has occurred. It is possible to climb into the cockpit but must not be relied upon for continuous operation.

The sun has been shining so it was quite a pleasure visiting Chris Catterall in Chorley to show off the vehicle. The narrow twisting lanes of Mawdesley, Heskin, Euxton and Astley Bridge proved an enjoyable challenge: no signs of overheating, tight comfortable gear changes along with measured handling were constant reminders of how suited to the French roads the Burlington will be. Along with ‘Rick’ a new employee, who coincidentally may possibly become a vital contact, were impressed with quality of craftsmanship evident within the build. Other casual visitors to the workshop also commented positively by asking all the right questions of provenance, hours spent, money spent, professional assistance? But when I attempted to leave I could not engage reverse gear: perhaps Tim was correct, ‘there is a problem with the box’, I fuckin’ hope not. I may wiz the vehicle to tried and trusted Derek tomorrow for a quick look? 

Down at the Oak having informed Chris that I had collected the car I suspected he was he was a tad miffed at not being included in the loop, but I must state that I really do not know how much inclusion he genuinely wants: is he ‘in or out’ or just content to observe from a distance? Presently the project is moving forward, miles must be endured to reveal faults, a generous clean and polish undertaken, a snag list of cosmetic blemishes assembled, a programme of notable dates calculated, formulated then targeted: the vehicle needs to be totally finished. 

Most interestingly, Philip Santus surprisingly cornered my attention by complimenting the wine he had sampled the previous week, the very same that he had openly and publicly condemned. Apparently Katie had forked out seven quid for a ‘Buxy’ Chardonnay for a Sunday lunch at Satly Towers, ‘it was thin and not very good, I much prefer yours, have you any left?’