Less than 40mph.
We're used to them, thousands of them here. Although despite reduced shooting, they're less numerous on the roads now, presumably not driven from covy.
On the outward they were all over the road, so I was acutely aware, cautious, alert, more so than the norm to be expected.
On the return..........
This was a section where there aren't usually any. But I was still acutely alert, driving moderately. Corner of the eye, dart from the covered verge. Not a chance for the poor s0d.
Despite the low speed this was a big fat heavy bird..... I only later learned.
Matt very kindly rapidly obtained a complete replacement grille surround etc. They range from about £350 to over £1000 depending on the colour. Apparently original was some special bronze ~£1000 , but as Matt said they all look black. Silly isn't it?
Ironically, on return delivery the aircon compressor clutch failed, and subsequently the filler developed a leak. Completely unrelated, but Ashley and Matt insisted that they have her transported back at their cost.
At the same time, and having become quite fed up with the USB connection to the NIT saga (recall blood on the seat), and knowing how Matt is meticulous, I asked Matt to sort out the wiring. I must praise his temperament, tenacity, and good grace.
It proved quite a nightmare; broken connectors, flaky looms................. This has had several NITs in it, the one replaced was much younger than the car, and this was the last attempt with a 2015 latest variant which needed proxi align. So you can imagine the state of the looms and surround. I'd completely forgotten that the first owner had had an Apple thingy converter box and additional wiring. As soon as that was recalled then job was done.
However, as is his temperament, Mat didn't like the tell tail signs of past removals on the surround, so some judicious steaming and leatherette renovation, good as new.
I'm as always delighted with what Ashley and Matt have done.
I'm pretty confident that now, after last year's very major works performed by SportItalia, (happy to share what) The gal is sorted to a condition that I'm proud and confident.
So thank you SportsItalia, thank goodness that you're around. Not just the cost effectiveness , but the attention to detail, fairness and someone who I can trust to identify and do what is needed.
Oh, if anyone wants a NIT, I've a spare one, and loads of internal disks too.
Robin