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Gtm Libra/spyder


Guest Gargoil

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Guest Gargoil

Any gents around that own or have previous with these cars? Looking for hints and tips, should one of these come my way.

Thanks.

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Guest Jameslark

Yes I bought one two years ago when I replaced my RH. Great car but much more like a daily driver than a kit which as we are getting more ancient we wanted as we need warm feet. Mine is the Spyder which is much rarer than the Libra but a true rag top. Mine has the Rover vvc which pushes out around 160bhp as a standard unit. I have done a lot of work on the engine including a full top end re-build which is not uncommon with the Rover lump. Also full upgrade on cooling system as the metro rad it as originally fitted with was too small since we have breathed on the power plant. Saying that a great light weight high revving engine when going well. As to the car great handling and no slouch either. Handles like it is on rails as should any mid engined car. As all grp, the dreaded rust monster won't loom its ugly head. Westfield still own the rights and moulds so spares should be able to be sourced in the event of an incident. There are only 39 Spyders on the register so rarely come up for sale mine is no 32. One thing guaranteed is that a GTM causes interest wherever you go as rare.

 

Any more inf you require don't hesitate to ask.

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Had a couple of GTMs myself, but not a Libra, although I do remember driving GTM's prototype around Stoneleigh many years ago to put it under people's noses :)

 

As above, check the cooling system, it's not insurmountable but there are some tricks to making a rear-engined K cool properly, and don't assume Rover/MG knew how to do it properly either (ie. MGF).

 

I would be very cautious about assuming Potenza (Westfield's owners) will help with any parts though. Potenza made their intentions quite clear and don't see the GTM brand as fitting with their forward development and, to my knowledge, have no intention of really supporting it in terms of spares in the future. They bought the design off RDM in Coventry and did sweet FA with it. If you needed a major body panel, the impression I got when last discussing it with members was that you might be waiting quite some time... :)

 

Suspension arms are all proprietary, although the hubs/brakes are standard Metro/MGF. The rear setup is quite trick actually!

 

Great little cars, and semi-practical too. Check the GRP for fade, particularly the red which always suffers.

While the bodywork won't suffer any rot, some of the bracketry for the front and rear clams will most likely be suffering so check these.

Nothing overly complicated or awkward about them, other than the afore-mentioned spares - if there's any proprietary bits you need I would check with Potenza/Westfield before you make any commitment!

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Hi

 

I sold my Robin Hood 3 years ago and bought my sons Spyder.

 

1.8 vvc engine which with the low weight of the car means it is nimble

 

and really enjoyable to drive.

 

So the best of both worlds with the soft top down when warm and up

 

when cold which means it can be used all year round.

 

They are roomy inside and can take a driver 6ft. and over with ease.

 

Think someone mentioned at Stoneleigh that they made about 60 Spyder's.

 

Regards

Pete

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Guest Gargoil

I have seen that one, Mark.

It's a little on the expensive side for me though.

I should have around 6 - 6.5 Big English pounds to spend on the next car, and have always like the Libra.

But as I gather, (which is something I suspected) parts could be a problem.

Thanks for the info guys.

Edited by Gargoil
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