Laguna Blue was (Off topic) Merry Christmas

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2004
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Ian Chapman

Laguna Blue was (Off topic) Merry Christmas

Post by Ian Chapman » Fri Dec 24, 2004 8:28 am

Jeff

I've been in a rally car with Tony - not sure if I would want to own a
car he has raced!

Does anyone know if it was finished and raced in Targa Bambina?

He has done very well in Formula Pacific, off road, rally, circuits etc
in the past. He gets good times out of lower spec cars (did very well
overall in a few local rallies in an old Starlet) generally by pushing
(thrashing) them. He is a good driver to observe at the wheel.

Ian

PeterD

Laguna Blue was (Off topic) Merry Christmas

Post by PeterD » Fri Dec 24, 2004 9:58 am

Hi guys, I thought I would update you on the Laguna Blue S-Special.
Always best to get the information from source.

The car is in immaculate condition and due to the engine rebuild, better
than when Nigel owned it. On the road to the Targa I only got as far as
engine rebuild, low ratio diff, lightened flywheel and exhaust. The
original diff has since been refitted and the low ratio Torsen sold to
Jeff, of the list.

Spent just on $5,000 on engine and has run sweet for last 18 months or
so. Has been driven by my wife to and from work each day, and has never
been off public roads since I purchased it. All genuine Mazda parts and
built strictly to Targa requirements. Dyno sheets available to prove
considerable HP and Torque increase. Heaps of fun to drive now...how
they should have been built.

Just lost interest in the Targa project.

Nigel you are correct, it does not have ABS, my mistake. As for
uniqueness, I am aware of only two other S-Special cars in NZ, both are
1600's. If this is not correct, please let me know if you have factual
information. I understand that only 1500 were produced by Mazda for that
model year, once again if this is not correct, please let me know.

Ian, I find your comments regarding Tony very interesting. I was not
aware of your expertise on this subject. You are fortunate to have had a
run with Tony, he is both a talented driver and engineer. How this
relates to the MX5 I'm not sure Ian?

Any buyer can consider this vehicle with confidence and any inspection
is welcome. I was very particular that all modifications were internal.
In fact the most obvious departure from original is the aftermarket air
filter fitted by the previous owner. I did try and replace it with the
original but it doesn't quite clear the new headers. It actually reduced
performance on the dyno anyway. Original headers come with the car.

There is nothing to hide here and you are welcome to ask any questions
you like. This is a fine example of what I believe to be the best MX5
model produced.

Rgds

PeterD

Ian Chapman

Laguna Blue was (Off topic) Merry Christmas

Post by Ian Chapman » Fri Dec 24, 2004 10:44 am

Peter

Sorry, my mistake. I jumped to conclusions (an example of how
dangerous this can be) when I saw the link for Tony Dixon Rally Car on
your site - I read the whole thing as Tony.

I'm far from an expert on Tony - I met him through a good friend of his
about 12 years ago. I was fortunate to ride with him in a rally sprint
many years ago and crewed for him in a rally. I enjoyed reading about
his good results in a Starlet in recent years.

Peter, I apologise if my mistake caused any problems. I will be more
careful and get my facts straight before leaping off on a tangent in the
future.

Ian

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