Now this should be exciting - McLaren versus Enzo on 5th Gear...

Mr. Bridger, I must just say thank you for giving us a moment of your time to share your awesome cars. You must be one happy guy when you enter your garage in the morning? How's the next car project going?...slowly :banghead: ...april 07 me thinks if all goes to plan

I know it's your choice to have it in Papaya Orange due to you having the money to buy it

but did you ever think about converting it back to it's original livery?

or do McLaren not offer that service

Murray - The same was true this past year as well:

http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,568728,00.jpg

One could argue though that test cars are not race cars. There's always a technicality... :)

>8^)
ER

they did it every year in between AFAIK, usually before they figure out the final livery

Mr Bridger: will you attend a race (any class like DTM, FIA GT, LMES, etc.) this year?

If yes which ones?
I'd love to come over from The Netherlands to view your stunning orange GTR!;)

Regards,
Patrick

I know it's your choice to have it in Papaya Orange due to you having the money to buy it

but did you ever think about converting it back to it's original livery?

or do McLaren not offer that service....no, i like it in papaya, but thats not to say when it becomes eligible to race again it may find itself back in team bmw fina bigazzi colours!

Mr Bridger: will you attend a race (any class like DTM, FIA GT, LMES, etc.) this year?

If yes which ones?
I'd love to come over from The Netherlands to view your stunning orange GTR!;)

Regards,
Patrick very likely i will get to some meetings work permitting, but its a little too early to say which at present

....no, i like it in papaya, but thats not to say when it becomes eligible to race again it may find itself back in team bmw fina bigazzi colours!

Hello mister Bridger :)
It sounds very good ! You speak about GT90 Revival or another event far in the future ?

very likely i will get to some meetings work permitting, but its a little too early to say which at present

Good news too, We would be very happy to know where you go ;)

Phil

....no, i like it in papaya, but thats not to say when it becomes eligible to race again it may find itself back in team bmw fina bigazzi colours!

that sounds great

admittedly it does look good in Papaya, but what you say about the Fina colours sounds interesting

how much would it cost to re-do it back to its old livery?

...slowly :banghead: ...april 07 me thinks if all goes to plan


Mr Bridger, what color sheme do you go for? Two toned or custom plain colored?
How about two tone black? That would be amazing. Like satin black base and cobalt black front.

And how do you feel about the FXX and CCX? I've been lucky enough to been a passenger in both those cars (actually it was a CCR, but it's basically the same car) and the experience was mind blowing to say for sure! I have never been in a moving McLaren unfourtanely. I have felt how it's to be seated in one at least.

that sounds great

admittedly it does look good in Papaya, but what you say about the Fina colours sounds interesting

how much would it cost to re-do it back to its old livery?...as the saying goes "if you have to ask, you cannot afford it"...i will cross that bridge if & when i get to it...:lol:

Mr Bridger, what color sheme do you go for? Two toned or custom plain colored?
How about two tone black? That would be amazing. Like satin black base and cobalt black front.

And how do you feel about the FXX and CCX? I've been lucky enough to been a passenger in both those cars (actually it was a CCR, but it's basically the same car) and the experience was mind blowing to say for sure! I have never been in a moving McLaren unfourtanely. I have felt how it's to be seated in one at least. metallic blue black & silver, the FXX is only a track car so its use is very limited, the chuckyegg i have bad memories of as when i was due to test one against my zonda (for 5th gear) it broke down on 3 seperate occassions...causing a lot of frustration..:banghead: !!

...as the saying goes "if you have to ask, you cannot afford it"...i will cross that bridge if & when i get to it...:lol:

You could do the job for a fair price using vinyl. It's fairly typical in the racing world and is often done for vehicle advertising (known as auto wrapping here). Then a week later, you could have it peeled away and be orange all over again. :cool:

>8^)
ER

I'd leave it orange (imo thats the best color for an F1 GTR!)

You should go to the FIA GT round 5/6 may 2007! (incl. the 90's revival!)

Take your Mac out for both days!;-)

You could do the job for a fair price using vinyl. It's fairly typical in the racing world and is often done for vehicle advertising (known as auto wrapping here). Then a week later, you could have it peeled away and be orange all over again. :cool:

>8^)
ER peleton, the last time autocar mag used that stuff on the 220S when they peeled it off it was very yellow underneath :banghead: resulting in a very expensive day for them...OUCH !!!!

...as the saying goes "if you have to ask, you cannot afford it"...i will cross that bridge if & when i get to it...:lol:

:lol: I was expecting that, so true as well, I probably couldn't afford a single part on the car

Our Dutch friend could view a similar Papaya Orange 1996 GTR at Autohandel in Germany. Just as close and no sea voyage.

Hi Mr Bridger

Just wanted to say hi from here in SA. I have yet to see an F1 in the flesh (apart from a brief glimse of one for about 3 seconds when i waas in london in '96)
I enjoy reading threads in which you post cause it gives some idea of how F1 owners think and react with the F1 fans.

Thanks man for some good reads.

I was expecting that, so true as well, I probably couldn't afford a single part on the car

Heck, i can't ebven afford one of the 1/12th models thorst13 is usaually chatting about. (I have a Ninco and a cheapie larger scale version in orange and black)

[quote=Mcl@ren]Hi Mr Bridger

Just wanted to say hi from here in SA. I have yet to see an F1 in the flesh (apart from a brief glimse of one for about 3 seconds when i waas in london in '96)
I enjoy reading threads in which you post cause it gives some idea of how F1 owners think and react with the F1 fans.

Thanks man for some good reads.



many thanks, your welcome....

I guess this is the new "Q&A with Mr. Bridger" thread, so here is one or two or three hundred of mine. :iceslolan

Looking through photos of GTR #11R the other day I suddenly realized that car no longer has its built in roll cage fitted any longer. <gasp>

I don't know why I hadn't noticed this previously, but I was sort of shocked to see it missing as in the back of my mind I was convinced that all the GTRs still had them. This caused me to look at the other GTRs which have seen major refits or were converted for road use in one form or another, and I discovered #06R, #07R, #08R, #10R, #13R and the car assumed to be #14R/#15R all still have their's fitted based on the most recent photo evidence.

Yours however, is missing it too. <another gasp> :lol:

I now know it was removed long before you got your hands on the car, but were you informed if there was there a specific reason for this, or was it just owner preference? I assume not having it is a good thing from the standpoint of creating more space inside the car. Also, not having to concern yourself about wearing a helmet for a trip down to the local pub is a benefit. However, I am wondering if this is something that could easily be refitted to the car, or would it take an enormous amount of effort to do so? Do you even have the pieces? I know that some GTRs are sold with entire sets of various spares and pieces of bodywork left over from the days of racing. Do you have a package like this somewhere and if so, what might it consist of?

Actually, maybe you shouldn't tell us or those individuals here who are attempting to build their F1s from randomly sourced parts will start hounding you to sell them something. :lol2:

I assume that depending on someone's intentions with the car it might be worth more to them to have the cage if they planned to go racing. Not that the car really requires it to be safe, but it seems most sanctioning bodies would require it. I'm guessing here, but I suspect if you were inclined to risk your baby participating in one of Stephan Ratel's new race exhibitions that it would need to be in place. Any thoughts on that?

Last point on the cage - the '96 LeMans scrutineering decal was affixed to the cage upright and I was thinking it would be a shame if that were lost. Obviously there's little doubt where this car has been given the excellent documentation that exists, but I'd consider that an important piece of the car's history. Is it preserved somewhere still? For those who aren't familiar, you can see it on the bar through the side window in this shot:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Peloton25/McLaren%20F1%20C/th_FINA_1600.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Peloton25/McLaren%20F1%20C/FINA_1600.jpg)

Finally, speaking of spare parts, are you in posession of the set of bubble headlights that were fitted to the car at Le Mans? I realize it is function over form, but I may be one of the few who likes the look of them and am curious what you think? Would you consider putting them on your car if you had access to them?

Cheers for the time and trouble as always! :sunglasse

>8^)
ER

Carbuilder: I have seen the orange GTR 11R two times. One time I took pics of it. Peloton can repost them I think?

it were analog pics so I dont have them on my pc anymore.


I have the ambition of viewing and photographing ALL chassisnumbers ever made! So far I come to 12 or 13 F1's :)
Sadly I missed some opportunities to see a new one on my list like 01R at Autosport International Birmingham some weeks ago:(

I guess this is the new "Q&A with Mr. Bridger" thread, so here is one or two or three hundred of mine. :iceslolan

Looking through photos of GTR #11R the other day I suddenly realized that car no longer has its built in roll cage fitted any longer. <gasp>

I don't know why I hadn't noticed this previously, but I was sort of shocked to see it missing as in the back of my mind I was convinced that all the GTRs still had them. This caused me to look at the other GTRs which have seen major refits or were converted for road use in one form or another, and I discovered #06R, #07R, #08R, #10R, #13R and the car assumed to be #14R/#15R all still have their's fitted based on the most recent photo evidence.

Yours however, is missing it too. <another gasp> :lol:

I now know it was removed long before you got your hands on the car, but were you informed if there was there a specific reason for this, or was it just owner preference? I assume not having it is a good thing from the standpoint of creating more space inside the car. Also, not having to concern yourself about wearing a helmet for a trip down to the local pub is a benefit. However, I am wondering if this is something that could easily be refitted to the car, or would it take an enormous amount of effort to do so? Do you even have the pieces? I know that some GTRs are sold with entire sets of various spares and pieces of bodywork left over from the days of racing. Do you have a package like this somewhere and if so, what might it consist of?

Actually, maybe you shouldn't tell us or those individuals here who are attempting to build their F1s from randomly sourced parts will start hounding you to sell them something. :lol2:

I assume that depending on someone's intentions with the car it might be worth more to them to have the cage if they planned to go racing. Not that the car really requires it to be safe, but it seems most sanctioning bodies would require it. I'm guessing here, but I suspect if you were inclined to risk your baby participating in one of Stephan Ratel's new race exhibitions that it would need to be in place. Any thoughts on that?

Last point on the cage - the '96 LeMans scrutineering decal was affixed to the cage upright and I was thinking it would be a shame if that were lost. Obviously there's little doubt where this car has been given the excellent documentation that exists, but I'd consider that an important piece of the car's history. Is it preserved somewhere still? For those who aren't familiar, you can see it on the bar through the side window in this shot:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Peloton25/McLaren%20F1%20C/th_FINA_1600.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v482/Peloton25/McLaren%20F1%20C/FINA_1600.jpg)

Finally, speaking of spare parts, are you in posession of the set of bubble headlights that were fitted to the car at Le Mans? I realize it is function over form, but I may be one of the few who likes the look of them and am curious what you think? Would you consider putting them on your car if you had access to them?

Cheers for the time and trouble as always! :sunglasse

>8^)
ER hello peleton, apologies for the delay but my father recently passed away & i have had many things to deal with, however life must go on & this helps take my mind of things, so....the rollcage, it just gives more room in the car & easier passage in & out, i still have it in case the car ventures back out onto the circuit in the future....the spares i received with the car include carbon discs / pads, rollcage, carbon brake ducts, throttle cables, lights etc etc...the le mans scrutineering sticker!, i will have a look for that as i carnt say i ever even thought about it truth be told!, thanks, Mr B. ps/ any chance you could add this thread to the original F1 / Enzo thread, its hard enough for old guys like me checking 1 site let alone 2 !!!..:lol:

Very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. :(

Obviously no apology is ever necessary for your absence, especially in a situation like that.

Thanks for answering my questions. I do hope you find that the LeMans sticker has not be misplaced. I also merged the threads at your request. :cool:

>8^)
ER

BTW Mr B - not sure if you were home watching TopGear last night, but if not I have found a way for you to make a quick 30 Pounds once you take delivery of that Veyron. :grinyes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGww3qGC5CU

>8^)
ER

I offer you, my most sincere condolence "Mr Bridger" on the passing of your father.

Condoleances from me too Mr Bridger

I wish you all the best!

Deepest sympathy Mr Bridger.

I have contacted Safety Devices Ltd. who originally supplied the GTR rollcages and have been quoted £1,000 for a kit of parts which would then need fitting to the car. I am not clear if they would do this or if you would have to find your own installer. I'm sure Paul Lanzante could reinstate one without much trouble, though it may take about a month at a guess.
Being quite short space inside the car would not be so much a problem. As for wearing a helmet, you need the ear defenders anyway so why not be a real poser and have the intercom built into a matching helmet lol.

Mr. B, I am sorry to hear of your loss.

The rollcage, when fitted, is not an issue for entry/egress. Nor is it a problem for the driver. But, for the passenger, it's the difference between relative comfort and absolute, utter misery. You have to almost sit sideways around the rollcage, and it is a very hard, unforgiving surface that pushes against you the whole time. I can't imagine being a passenger in a car with a rollcage.

Install one only if you intend to go racing...alone.

I am so sorry for you mister Bridger,

unhappily, 2006 ended bad and 2007 began bad around me :(
I know what it represent to loose a parent. I wish you a best end of year.

Phil

many thanks to all, your kind words are much appreciated, Mr B.

many thanks to all, your kind words are much appreciated, Mr B.
Sorry to hear about the sad loss, Mr B. I wish you all the strength you need to cope with the loss. Lost a very close friend myself a few months ago.

Please allow me to proffer my heartfelt condolences upon hearing of the unfortunate loss of your father.

"I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself."

David Herbert (DH) Lawrence.

Life proceeds onwards, as you WILL I am certain. :)

MdS.

Haven't posted for ages, firstly must say very sorry to hear about your loss, Mr Bridger.

Also, to back up what Peleton mentioned on the last page, would you be interested in lending Top Gear your Veyron to give to The Stig for a lap of the track? I'm sure most of the motoring community would love to see it happen.

Alistair.

Haven't posted for ages, firstly must say very sorry to hear about your loss, Mr Bridger.

Also, to back up what Peleton mentioned on the last page, would you be interested in lending Top Gear your Veyron to give to The Stig for a lap of the track? I'm sure most of the motoring community would love to see it happen.

Alistair.I'd rather see an F1. It's been a long time coming considering it's been on top gear at least twice.

Very true, an F1 on the Top Gear track would be interesting. However the leaderboard is only for modern cars on sale at the time of filming (with the exception of the e type and DB5). Quite sure Rowan Atkinson wouldn't mind lending them his F1 again.

Roadgoing GTR would be even quicker?
Say the Lark car, 10R or 16R.

My thoughts are with you Mr Bridger.

once again many thanks to you all for your kind words, & i"m sure "normal service" will be resumed shortly...now then,when are we due some good weather so we can go for a "blast", thanks, Mr B.

once again many thanks to you all for your kind words, & i"m sure "normal service" will be resumed shortly...now then,when are we due some good weather so we can go for a "blast", thanks, Mr B.

Hi "Mr Bridger",

Talking of going for a blast, out of all the exotics you have owned. Which car and what stretch of road, has given you the most pleasurable driving experience or road trip and why.

Regards, Le Man.

Hi "Mr Bridger",

Talking of going for a blast, out of all the exotics you have owned. Which car and what stretch of road, has given you the most pleasurable driving experience or road trip and why.

Regards, Le Man. hi le man, there have been so many but a few that spring to mind are, obviously (!!) the first trip in the black F1 (007) driving it back home from the factory, not a particularly good road (the M1) just more the sense of occasion, being in it on my own, very touchy feely...007 to dryburgh castle in scotland from yorkshire, great camera free roads just over the border & no traffic!...the zonda with my father to le mans on the french A roads,..collecting the zonda from the factory en route to monaco then up into france along the swiss border, alps & all (sure i saw julie andrews singing in a field :lol: !)..the enzo to last years classic le mans where my current girlfriend got to see 216mph firsthand...& not forgetting of course sitting where 1 of my fav drivers (& charachters) of all time sat, nelson piquet, the middle seat of 016R & firing it up to go anywhere! :grinyes: Mr B.

Ah good man! not only do you know your cars but your a Piquet fan.............quality.You have impeccable taste:grinyes:

maybe a very dumb question mr Bridger: but do you still have 007?

Which cars do you still own. Just curious (and a bit jealous:P)

I'm a Jackie Stewart and Nicki Lauder fan myself. of the recent racers I have a great respect for Jan Lammers, not sure the spelling are right though, for that I do apologise.

not forgetting of course sitting where 1 of my fav drivers (& charachters) of all time sat, nelson piquet, the middle seat of 016R & firing it up to go anywhere! :grinyes: Mr B.
:evillol: Not to rain on anyone's parade or anything but you do know that Piquet was known for wetting himself while behind the wheel of his Formula One cars don't you? Not that he's the only one of course...
Seriously those drives sound like some wonderful memories and you are one lucky (and no doubt hard-slogging) bloke to have had those opportunities.
I'd sit in the middle seat of 016R anytime - stinky or not. :evillol:

hi le man, there have been so many but a few that spring to mind are, obviously (!!) the first trip in the black F1 (007) driving it back home from the factory, not a particularly good road (the M1) just more the sense of occasion, being in it on my own, very touchy feely...007 to dryburgh castle in scotland from yorkshire, great camera free roads just over the border & no traffic!...the zonda with my father to le mans on the french A roads,..collecting the zonda from the factory en route to monaco then up into france along the swiss border, alps & all (sure i saw julie andrews singing in a field :lol: !)..the enzo to last years classic le mans where my current girlfriend got to see 216mph firsthand...& not forgetting of course sitting where 1 of my fav drivers (& charachters) of all time sat, nelson piquet, the middle seat of 016R & firing it up to go anywhere! :grinyes: Mr B.

Many thanks for the reply "Mr Bridger", This list is like motoring nirvana, it is good to read about your favourite drives and I am sure this will be added to when you collect your Veyron.
Not sure if Julie would have approved of you driving by in your Zonda, although she would have to change the title of her song to "The roads are alive with the sound of music" :)

Next question if I may ask, What has been your most embarrasing motoring moment? and in which car.

Regards Le Man.

PS hows the Rocket coming along?

maybe a very dumb question mr Bridger: but do you still have 007?

Which cars do you still own. Just curious (and a bit jealous:P) no, 007 lives with Mr F.S. who i see does occasionally post on here....F1 GTR 16, Enzo, GT2, M3, Mini cooper, & shortly a 64 Elan, & possibly another caterham R500 EVO to replace the one i previously sold, & the veyron as & when it comes!, thanks, Mr B.

I'm a Jackie Stewart and Nicki Lauder fan myself. of the recent racers I have a great respect for Jan Lammers, not sure the spelling are right though, for that I do apologise. personally i would take clark over stewart, the "rat" (lauda) was probably the forerunner of schumacher in terms of applied proffesionalism, jan lammers i have met on several occasions at goodwood, a lovely fella!

:evillol: Not to rain on anyone's parade or anything but you do know that Piquet was known for wetting himself while behind the wheel of his Formula One cars don't you? Not that he's the only one of course...
Seriously those drives sound like some wonderful memories and you are one lucky (and no doubt hard-slogging) bloke to have had those opportunities.
I'd sit in the middle seat of 016R anytime - stinky or not. :evillol: i remember hearing on several occasions how the mechanics didnt realise what the "damp patches" were, & were subsequently not amused when they did know, AFTER mopping it up!...now then, wheres the air freshener?? :grinyes:

I'd love to come over someday to the UK Mr Bridger and do a nice photoshoot.

I invested 1500 euros in my camera shortly for good lenses.
Your cars would be very nice subjects for some great photoshoots:);)

Many thanks for the reply "Mr Bridger", This list is like motoring nirvana, it is good to read about your favourite drives and I am sure this will be added to when you collect your Veyron.
Not sure if Julie would have approved of you driving by in your Zonda, although she would have to change the title of her song to "The roads are alive with the sound of music" :)

Next question if I may ask, What has been your most embarrasing motoring moment? and in which car.

Regards Le Man.

PS hows the Rocket coming along?many thanks, embarrasing moments now is it, AND at my expense??..once again, quite a few but here goes, most recently running 16R dry of fuel on the busiest road in the UK (M1),.. pushing through a crowd of people at the british gp to get into the Enzo trying to look very cool (as you do) getting all buckled up, expectant crowd waiting patiently, turning the key...& remembering the isolator was off in the front boot..priceless !!..coming back from le mans in the zonda, arriving at the channel tunnel & running the car out of fuel as i waited to board the train, much to the delight of the TVR crowd who i had just terrorised on the roads leading to calais (can you see theres a theme here between me & petrol, or lack of it?)...thats enough for now, I"LL GET MI COAT !!

many thanks, embarrasing moments now is it, AND at my expense??..once again, quite a few but here goes, most recently running 16R dry of fuel on the busiest road in the UK (M1),.. pushing through a crowd of people at the british gp to get into the Enzo trying to look very cool (as you do) getting all buckled up, expectant crowd waiting patiently, turning the key...& remembering the isolator was off in the front boot..priceless !!..coming back from le mans in the zonda, arriving at the channel tunnel & running the car out of fuel as i waited to board the train, much to the delight of the TVR crowd who i had just terrorised on the roads leading to calais (can you see theres a theme here between me & petrol, or lack of it?)...thats enough for now, I"LL GET MI COAT !!

Many thanks for the reply "Mr Bridger" You are a true gentleman and petrolhead to own up to your most embarrasing motoring moments. I myself, shall now own up to one of my own embarrasing moments. That of crashing a Reliant three wheel van (as in Del boy Trotter.) UP A TREE:screwy: Bloody dangerous at the time, but something people close to me, keep on reminding me off.:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

It can't be that difficult to run out of fuel in the GTR seen as it easily manages 6mpg but struggles to grasp at 10mpg. In addition to that nowhere to carry a reserve fuel can, not that 6 miles would be of much help anyway. Must be very difficult hearing what is going on outside the car (sirens, car horns etc.) what with the stright cut gearbox growling away.

hi, i think it was peleton who asked earlier if 16R still has its scrutineering sticker from the 96 le mans, i looked at the weekend (before i went for 30mins of tonic) & it does, fixed to the roll cage upright, car no 38, passed & signed by scrutineers...nice touch eh!, Mr B.

It can't be that difficult to run out of fuel in the GTR seen as it easily manages 6mpg but struggles to grasp at 10mpg. In addition to that nowhere to carry a reserve fuel can, not that 6 miles would be of much help anyway. Must be very difficult hearing what is going on outside the car (sirens, car horns etc.) what with the stright cut gearbox growling away. SORRY, I CARNT HEAR YOU, CAN YOU SHOUT THAT AGAIN PLEASE!!!!!!!

LOL nice one.

What is the longest trip you have done in the GTR and how long in one stint before needing to get out lol?

hi mr bridger - enjoyed the tv programme featuring you - a quick question on the handling of your road car when you have time to answer - when you have both passenger seats occupied by adults that must add at least 15% to the overall weight of the car and i was wondering how that affected the handling of the car - does it increase your brake distances for example?

no, 007 lives with Mr F.S. who i see does occasionally post on here....F1 GTR 16, Enzo, GT2, M3, Mini cooper, & shortly a 64 Elan, & possibly another caterham R500 EVO to replace the one i previously sold, & the veyron as & when it comes!, thanks, Mr B.Any interest in a gorgeous people carrier like the Aston Martin Rapide, if and when that comes about?

ps2006
The GTR only has 1 passenger seat.

ok yes sorry the gtr has only 1 seat - maybe he can answer the question from memory when he had chassis 007