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Not much logic - the entry is hand written and I took a 'best guess' based on the way the '0' and 'O' were written. I happily stand corrected and send apologies for any confusion
   
   (Plus the first letter 'S' looks very like a '5')

Typical!! All previous 7 cars on that page of the chassis register have their vin number - but not 1159. (But four of the following five cars on the next page do not have their vin either...)
   
   I have the name and address of the original owner (Berlin) and I know it was black/blue interior with a map pocket added along with windwings, s/s side vents and spare wheel cover. I have the key numbers for the ignition, glovebox, boot, bonnet and fuel cap and I know it had a 302 carb engine. But no vin. :(
   
   If the sequence of vin numbers were continued, 1159 should be: SA9AK3020GAO17159. But it's not shown, so cannot be proved.
   
   Either way, I'm on my way to southy France!!

I am able to provide the VIN for all MkIVs, based on the AK number - if it is included in the AC/Autokraft chassis register. You can reach me on tlegate@btinternet.com if you prefer
   
   All I require is a case or three of Chateau Lafitte-Rothschild 2009.... :)

As I was riding shotgun in said vehicle on the journey to & from the circuit, I can testify that the 427 side-oiler is LOUD. (I look forward to my hearing returning to normal...) I hope your neighbours have finally forgiven you re the car alarms :)
   
   I think nothing short of a mattress up each pipe will solve the problem. Otherwise, buy up all the houses that back onto the circuit.

They must be getting confused with that 'replica factory'. :)
   
   I always thought the tale of the Hurlocks knocking out MkIV's would remain a secret forever, a bit like the Daytonas that went to Australia...

The car on the Thames Ditton village green is COB6106 and no doubt is the same car on the show stand. More info on this 289 can be found in the 'Motor' magazine road test, week ending October 14 1967.
   
   Sadly, it was bastardised to 427 spec by uncaring owner (c/o Brian Angliss) back in the mid-70s. RIP.
   
   (No information on the Abarth though....)

I know that feeling....

The classic car world now operates on the 'One Born Every Minute' principle. That and the 50%++ mark-up....

No doubt they will be beautifully made. Do they come with Type Approval or are these track cars - or for static display? For half a mill, I would need to know.
   
   Trouble is, I don't care for either colour and can I have mine with a 289 please? (Heathen)

He's too dosed on Valium to formulate a sane reply. I think it was the half-million English pounds price tag plus taxes, fees, extra beer funds etc etc that have to be added. (Secretly - tell no one - he wishes he could find a business where he could be the scammer and not the scamee)
   
   Plus his lawyer keeps slapping his typing wrist :)

I have to agree that the obituaries are sadly lacking any sense of the person Jack was, although, as usual, Doug had a handle on it. However, to summarise his remarkable life in just a few paragraphs is impossible. For me, knowing I'll never again bump into him in the paddock at the Revival is just plain depressing.
   
   My association with the Cobra really got under way properly when I met 39PH and, although the books I fired out concerning the Cobra could be a trial sometimes, they allowed me to meet memorable people; in my former life as a photographer I came into close contact with royalty, captains of industry and sports stars of many kinds but you can count he ones that impressed me on the fingers of one hand. Top of my list is Jack. (Followed very closely by Mike Costin as they are gentlemen cast from the same mold that no longer exists, I believe). Jack was incredibly generous with his time and patience, even with muppets such as me - modern sports 'stars' could learn so much from his legacy - and he always made me welcome at the Grange. Our last meeting there was scheduled to last for one hour but went on..and on....and I loved the books on his coffee table! Then there was the meeting at Brands with Jackie Stewart, Jack and 39PH....so many jokes and memories and mutual respect. Then Jack jumped into the Cobra and got told off for driving too fast and making too much noise!!! And a Cobra meeting in Germany where I spent two days in Jack's company...sitting in the hotel with Jack, Diana and Jochen Mass as they traded stories. Jack could also put away the vino although he regretted it in the morning. Luckily his day behind the wheel of a Cobra didn't include being breathalyzed! I did tell him :)
   
   During our conversations, I was genuinely amazed at how competitive he remained despite not having raced in anger for decades. The conviction that he was as good, if not better, than any other driver out there was as strong as it must have been back in the day. Apart from Jim Clark of course - even Mike Costin confirms that the great Scot was something different (and Mike could match Graham Hill in Lotus 49). Doug Nye's comment about Jack spotting a gap in the traffic ring true - he was a race driver to the very end.

Lord Ned's automobile received 6D13W

There's an empty plinth in Trafalgar Square, Londinium as well. (Google it if you live on the windy side of the Atlantic)
   
   We done got plinths aplenty over here, yessirree. I do love a damn good plinth.
   
   As it happens, today's word is 'rondeau'. Do keep up Mr.Snake :)

I thought about buying it and placing it on a plinth in Thames Ditton High Street. Time it came home :)
   
   Just sayin', is all......

It's been a funny old year. What next I wonder?
   
   I hope Shelby's family enjoying spending his inheritance