My 'fauxrrari' has now had the V5c changed by my friends at the DVLA. It is correctly registered as it should be in the correct colour.
I have spent the last few weeks 'fettling' (I hate that word) it to get it just right. I fitted a new thermostat last week, along with a new viscous fan clutch. The thermostat was 'letting by' due to lack of use over the last few years. The cooling system now performs exactly as it should. I flushed and replaced the coolant while doing the thermostat (horrible messy job).
The old fuel has been burned off by filling and driving the car with V-power. It's the only time I have ever bought this expensive fuel.
The adjustable suspension has been 'tweaked' many times to get it sitting right and to get the ride quality as good as it can be.
I have re-designed the window winder handles, which operate the electric window switches, as they had a habit of falling off when going over any bumps!! I drilled and tapped the handles and used 4mm grub screws to secure them (all hidden by the sprung escutcheon covers).
I have cleaned, re-dyed and sealed the electric mohair roof and greased all the hinges.
The centre gauge pod wasn't stuck properly, as every time I pulled the ignition key out it would move. So I drilled through the aluminium, painted four tiny self tappers in matt black to match the surround and fixed it. Proper now!
I have fitted new overmats to the floor, to protect the carpets.
I bought new BMW pedal rubbers, as the old ones were not good.
The car now runs and goes as good as it looks.
I have done a lot of research on these 'fakes'. It seems there are no more than 120 on the road in the UK. All are 'hand built', so every one is different. They are all based on various models of Z3 (most are 2.8 M52) with various mileages and quality of car.
I am now confident mine is one of the very best cars out there.
Anyone want to buy it?? £70k it's yours!