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JDFinley
01-22-2022, 09:04 AM
Howdy all! I'm the new owner of a Mk3.1 Roadster. I purchased her from the original builder in NY state that did a really nice job. I've had her for a short time and am really thrilled by her looks and performance!! Having loads of fun! I posted a very short video of how she sounds at https://youtu.be/esRUlFq7Ng8 I'm located in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

The basics are Ford 5.0l (302) with EFI and the typical engine enhancements (heads, cam, injectors, etc.), 3-link 8.8 rear end, power steering, power brakes, and Tremec T5. The only thing that is atypical is the rollbar. So far, this seems to be a very nice balance that is very enjoyable to drive.

My story is similar to everyone else's. I've always loved muscle cars and fell in love with the AC Shelby Cobra the first time I saw a photo of one. In high-school (back in the 80's), I had a '67 Firebird with a 428 (from a Catalina) and, looking back, I'm lucky to have survived my own stupidity. Oh wait - I was an invincible teenager and knew everything!! I sure do miss knowing everything… I've had a few fun but tame cars in the years since then but mostly focused on raising a family and growing a business. Aviation and building airplanes was my outlet and passion (if interested, there are a bunch of flying videos in my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/jdfinley). I recently woke up old and it seemed like an ideal time to get back into cars - being more refined and less dumb (hopefully). I was keen to order a new Roadster kit mid-2021 but was turned off by the delivery time. I eventually gave in and placed my order a few months ago (August '23 delivery). But then I had a thought… wouldn't it be neat to buy a completed car and learn from it while I wait for kit delivery. So, I started looking and found this one.

I have a few minor upgrades planned but I'm very happy with the car and really enjoying her!!

http://jdfinley.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DSC05935-600x338.jpg

http://jdfinley.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220115_102852-600x450.jpg

http://jdfinley.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/20220115_102743_2-600x450.jpg

http://jdfinley.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DSC05946-600x338.jpg

Thanks for a great site with so much fantastic information!
GoDadGo
01-22-2022, 09:25 AM
JD,

It is great to see you and others joining the forum.
You, like the rest of us, are keeping our hobby alive.
Welcome Aboard!

Steve
KDubU
01-22-2022, 09:41 AM
Congrats Jon! She’s a beauty and NM is a great place to drive with an open top, the scenery is stunning!
JDFinley
01-23-2022, 07:33 AM
Thank you both!
I am impressed with this forum. The contribution quality is high and there is a lot of respect shown by all. Those seem to be rare things these days - well done!!
NAZ
01-23-2022, 09:43 AM
Jon, welcome from Northern Arizona. Nice looking car and I like that roll bar over the single hoop style. I enjoyed watching one of your flying videos -- that little tail dragger looks like a lot of fun. If you can build airplanes building a roadster should be easy.

Have fun.
Bob Cowan
01-23-2022, 11:33 AM
Very nice! Haven't seen a full width roll bar in a while. Used to be a factory option.
JDFinley
01-23-2022, 05:34 PM
Jon, welcome from Northern Arizona. Nice looking car and I like that roll bar over the single hoop style. I enjoyed watching one of your flying videos -- that little tail dragger looks like a lot of fun. If you can build airplanes building a roadster should be easy.

Thanks!! It's called an RV-4 and it's a lot of fun! Good speed, aerobatic, and I do a fair amount of backcountry camping with it too. I was out a couple days ago working on photos like this one. Lots of fun!
http://jdfinley.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GS010190-11-600x338.jpg
JDFinley
01-23-2022, 05:38 PM
Very nice! Haven't seen a full width roll bar in a while. Used to be a factory option.

Very interesting Bob - I was not aware of that. I don't recall having seen another like it. When deciding on the purchase, I had to take some long hard looks at it but I've ended up really liking it.
Jrmotorsports55
01-24-2022, 05:34 AM
Welcome!
Fman
01-24-2022, 09:02 AM
Welcome and congrats on the new ride! Many smiles per gallon to you! Looks like a great time to be driving out there right now and beautiful scenery.
Bob Cowan
01-24-2022, 09:41 AM
Very interesting Bob - I was not aware of that. I don't recall having seen another like it. When deciding on the purchase, I had to take some long hard looks at it but I've ended up really liking it.

I have not seen too many of them. Even at the London Cobra Show in 2008, mine was the only one I saw.

https://i.imgur.com/KAsu8ox.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ARIx1iI.jpg
JDFinley
01-25-2022, 07:12 AM
Love that color and those subtle flames Bob!! Interestingly, my roll bar has a second horizontal bar. It has a foam/rubber pad mounted to the front of it and an LED backup light strip on the back.

Looks like you are at Colo Springs. I get up there fairly regularly to visit two of my adult boys - I'll look you up the next time I'm there (when it's warm and there is no white stuff on the ground!!).