I'm next door to Goodwood at the moment - heard some interesting racing noises today! Don't know what was on, but spotted two new GT40s, a '63 Galaxy (in full race trim) and a beautiful XJ13 replica out on the local roads!
Weather's been beautiful here today and got myself a tan already, but it can be bitter in the Winter. I'm guessing your pal may be in Portsmouth as Penzance is a long old drive from here! Nice place though, spent many years at college down there (well surfing, actually!)
I'm sure I've seen a 1/18th diec*st of the Xydias car somewhere? There was a guy in America doing 1/8th fibreglass belly tanks at one point. I thought it would be an easy route to use the Revell 1/8th deuce flattie parts, at least for scaling everything to size.
I'm a real sucker for the old red scallop scheme, would make a nice pair with the Doolittle Gee Bee pylon racer!