Toyota Echo ... next LM !

Isnt it funny how things just happen ?. Not the ones you plan around and 'click' it all falls into place, but the ones you dont see coming.

 

Rewind, back to aprox April 2012, sitting in the terrace garden at Cafe Amaretto in Osborne Park with my friend Andrew, the conversation came up to build a small race car, but one thats motorcycle engine powered, turbocharged, and gutted, stripped and every part made with the intent "Is this as light as it could be ?", on a already light car.

Sequential 6sp gearbox, mid mounted, RWD on full aftermarket electronics, traction control, launch control.

The Toyota Echo has a NZ series motor, what in itself isnt heavy, but in relative terms comparing a motor, clutch and gearbox, to say a motorcycle motor, clutch and gearbox, the difference on its own will be significant. Then the mounting pattern, and drive line we intend to use, ive got it all laid out in my head.

To my surprise, Andrew smiled, nodded and said "That would be a great project, lets do it". And so the direction was set. We sat at the cafe, for a good hour and half later watching the intersection behind us (Main and Royal st) to see if we could spot a 2dr Echo, and a 4dr to settle the argument of what one to use. I like the look of the 4dr, plus you can open a door to work on the engine!. Andrew likes the 2dr, and in all honesty, thats the lighter one with less door, handles, etc etc, so it is better.

Since then, ive been involved in my Skyline LM project, and Andrew in his NCR / Ducati's, and not much consideration was given to the Echo project. Couple the fact that Andrew has moved to Melb for 2-3 years, it just seemed to be shelved a little, but when you least expect it, it will surface, and it has.

Sunday afternoon coming back from a stuning session i noticed a crashed Echo in someones factory unit driveway, i pulled in to get a closer look, as did Wayne. We had a grin, and a chuckle, and made a point to inquire about it mid week. Its crashed, but nothing that cant be fixed when its being built and setup, so i asked Wayne to see if he can sort it out.

They wanted $500, Wayne offered $350, some common ground was found and $400 later we now own a Toyota Echo.  

 

He also with some of his contacts, found a place to store it, so its made it a very simple acquisition for now, as i need to focus on the Skyline LM project for now.

And since he is involved with my Skyline, i get a feeling he will love to be a part of this one too as its going to be VERY far out of the norm, something he likes no doubt. Plus its Toyota .. well, part there of.

But clearly the funniest part in all this is the above picture with the keys. I get a MMS message from Wayne with that picture, and one word ... "Tada". I burst out laughing, i like your humor mate.