[DeTomaso] Didn't Mike Drew drive this car?

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/9/11 18 58 25, julian_kift at hotmail.com writes:


> 
> Wow, with something like only 38 built and 2 in the US I was aware of that 
> is a huge loss to De Tomaso history.
> 
>>>And, sadly, not an uncommon one.   Due to some sort of design flaw, 
apparently they have an unfortunate habit of self-immolation.   I know of at 
least two others that caught fire in the engine bay and burned like this one 
did.   Apparently De Tomaso used some sort of substandard fuel lines or 
connections, and at some point they let go, spray fuel all over the exhaust, and 
FOOM!
> 
> >I actually like the Guara, but confess don't know taht much about them. 
> Are they all fiberglass? 
> 
>>>The body is formed from a sophisticated composite--not pure carbon 
fiber, but rather a blend of some sort.   It's not straight fiberglass.   As for 
the chassis, when I test-drove them at the factory, I wrote:

The heart of the Guara is its unique
central spine, a sophisticated trapezoidal-
shaped extrusion of aluminum and
composite honeycomb, whose hollow
center doubles as the car’s 21-gallon
fuel tank. A lightweight alloy subframe
bolts to the front to support the front
suspension and cooling system, while
an elaborate forged aluminum casting
bolts to the rear and supports the engine
and gearbox. Another large ribbed
casting between the engine and
transaxle forms the bellhousing and also
provides the anchor points for the rear
suspension.


> >The damage looks mostly cosmetic, wonder if any molds or parts exist? 
> It's somewhat tempting at the right price.
> 
>>>Run away.   Screaming!

FWIW the one in England which was burned just like this, and sold in very 
similar condition, was purchased from a junkyard for 2000 GP pounds, I 
believe.   It has since traded hands at least a couple of times because it's not 
cost-effective to repair, as the needed parts, while available, are 
prohibitively expensive. :<(

Mike