Hello everyone from sunny Scotland!
I've had a keen eye on the VX220 for some time now. First saw one way back around 20 years ago when I was driving a 1995 Mini Cooper SPi, British Racing Green with Union Jack roof. I had this amazingly quick VX220 in my rear view mirror, so floored it around a small roundabout and I had gained some distance. I then saw this VX oversteer on the roundabout behind me in attempts to catch up, and as I was gaining speed on the straight this silver bullet was an absolute blur and completely annihilated me.
Ever since that day I've been an admirer of these. I've never seen one up close, and never had the privilege of even sitting in one, let alone driving one. But I would love to experience it and hopefully soon be the owner of one as it has some really interesting history and it's quite the car to look at.
I write for Car Mechanics, a British magazine that has been around since the 50's, and think I'd have a fair bit to write about one of these vehicles.
I am hoping to part ways with my BMW 130i next year at some point and start seriously looking at a VX220. I have heard that the 2.2 N/A is quick, but the 2.0T is the one to have for the exhilaration factor. Either way, I think I would choose a 2.2 S/C or 2.0T as my base. I'm not sure how bad the lag is on the turbos and how that affects performance on the twisties. I assume when you're in a good power band you keep it there and it's fine though.
I wonder if anyone in Scotland (near Falkirk) would be able to give me a passenger ride at some point? When the weather improves, obviously. I would be happy to provide beer tokens of course.
I have read that Facebook is the place to be now for the VX220 owner's club, but I can only see some Yorkshire / Midlands private clubs with parts / cars for sale public groups. Am I missing something? I prefer the layout of a good old fashioned forum, if you ask me.
Anyway, enough of my ramblings. I will save that for the magazine.
Peter
