Archev's adventures in the Berlingo

[MG Clive]

Is that red thing with pop out wotsits a Mk II Escort Van conversion?

Escort MK1 Nimbus campervan conversion, @Alb, Gareth350 will love this.

 

[Archev]

Escort MK1 Nimbus campervan conversion, @Alb, Gareth350 will love this.

The phone number is there on the screen. I’m sure the owner is poised, phone in hand

 

[securespark]

The Mk I launched in 67 and was superseded in 1974.

That car was registered on 24 November 1970 in NW London.

 

[Archev]

The Mk I launched in 67 and was superseded in 1974.

That car was registered on 24 November 1970 in NW London.

Brilliant Holmes, is your deer stalker and spy glass available for hire ?
My Dad had early escort works vans and I’m sure the front end was quite different between me 1 and 2 but I can’t remember the details.

 

[securespark]

I think the regular Mk I van had a silver chrome grille all over, whereas that camper has the middle bit blacked out, like the Mexico or RS 2000 grille.

The early Mk II had FORD in chrome letters in the middle of a black grille. Later ones had the blue oval. Headlights, AFAIR, were round for the lesser or sportier models, or square for the posher models.

 

[Archev]

I think the regular Mk I van had a silver chrome grille all over, whereas that camper has the middle bit blacked out, like the Mexico or RS 2000 grille.

The early Mk II had FORD in chrome letters in the middle of a black grille. Later ones had the blue oval. Headlights, AFAIR, were round for the lesser or sportier models, or square for the posher models.

I never had an affair in a ford van.

 

[securespark]

I've never had an affair full stop!

 

[Archev]

I've never had an affair full stop!

Fairy nuff

 

[Archev]

Any EVs ? Noticed an MG4 on the entrance banner.

In fact the program lists 6 EVs. An MG 4 SE, two MG ZSs, a Volkswagen ID3, a Porsche Cayenne and a Porsche Macan E.
Since the program actually boasts 2025 vehicles on display I might have missed an odd one or two (mind you I may be cynical but strange how the year and attendance numbers match )

 

[Gomev]

Brilliant Holmes, is your deer stalker and spy glass available for hire ?
My Dad had early escort works vans and I’m sure the front end was quite different between me 1 and 2 but I can’t remember the details.

Very different looking cars, I remember the Mk1 was known as the coke bottle design.

 

[securespark]

I thought the Coke bottle was the Mk III Cortina?

 

[Archev]

I thought the Coke bottle was the Mk III Cortina?

View attachment 38134

Aye it was but we’re talking Diet Coke here

 

[MG Clive]

Or the Granada coupé

 

[salty]

Or the Granada coupé
View attachment 38135

Nice but, needs lowering.

 

[Archev]

Nice but, needs lowering.

How about a thoughtfully lightened model T ?

 

[salty]

How about a thoughtfully lightened model T ?View attachment 38137

That's what you call Wind in ya Hair,
(If you've got any) motoring.

 

[securespark]

Bit uncomfortable to sit on....

 

[Archev]

Bit uncomfortable to sit on....

But you can leave your 10mm spanner at home so stop being negative

 

[Archev]

The Berlingo is roosting on the driveway. The Ohme charger is being primed to juice up the battery. Tomorrow will be a day of preparation for another epic voyage. The Vtoman power bank will be topped up with the same seven penny Octopus overnight ether so that cooking can commence on arrival at the destination. I have a wee air fryer on order but I’m not sure if it’ll arrive in time to allow the scone making. I have some contingency pancake mix just in case and a pack of Aberdeenshire butteries if it all goes pear shaped. The induction hob works very well now that I have a silicone pad in between to stop the pan / kettle sliding off the hob.
I shall travel that well worn path past Stirling stopping only briefly at Tyndrum Green Wellie for comfort and coffee though not necessarily in that order. Then onward winding up through the glens and past beautiful lochs until I reach Fort William. I’ll try to be there around two pm such that I can load up on the cheaper (39p) stuff from Tesla whilst I head over for comfort and coffee at the railway station where the Hogwart Express really begins.
Once both car and driver have had their fill we’ll head out along the Geat Glen on the A82 to Invergarry. I’ll try to quietly tiptoe past the Well o’ the Heads so as not to join my Clansmen dangling there forever. I’ll turn on to the A87 over Glen Garry.
Once past the dam the road twists and turns beautifully alongside Loch Cluanie to the wee Bakehouse cafe where, no doubt, the c and c ritual will be reenacted.
Next stop will be either Kyle of Lochalsh or over the bridge to Kyleakin on Skye where there’s some chargers in both locations for a final splash and dash before back tracking to Auchtertyre and pick up the A890 past Stromeferry to Strathcarron. Rounding Loch Kishorn to Tornapress gives access to the Applecross pass, the Bealach na Ba, the Pass of the Cattle, a beautiful road to treat with respect. The scenery is breathtaking enough but then suddenly you’re over the top and, if lucky, the views of the mountains over on Skye are simply astounding.
There are no chargers there. Granny will be riding shotgun just in case. I’ll be forty miles into whatever charge I left Kyle with and need the same to get back there in order to charge again or forever sit in some godforsaken lay-by with all the other EVs whose range fell short of requirements. Contrary to popular belief I can’t say I’ve ever noticed that scenario, nor suffered it myself ( could those tales be nonsense? ).
On a brighter note I’ll meet two beautiful girls, two gorgeous canines and their two diesel burners in the camp site that sits overlooking Applecross Bay. I’ve got the dog treats and the apple pies, hopefully Daughter and her pal have the kettle on.

 

[Archev]

Well I’m more or much less packed and ready for tomorrow’s run to Applecross. Berlingo is plugged in as I write and Ohme is working on a plan to fill the battery in readiness.
On checking the forecast I see a possible wet camp looming most of the weekend. I’ve packed the hiking boots, sneakers and soft cuddly slippers ready for roughly toughty walking but the grass will be wet so I checked the wellingtons, oh dear, cracked and expired I’m afraid. So I looked around and had a swift buzz up to Screwfix. I bought a pair of standard length Dunlop badged black boots for £15.99. I’m hoping that’s a waste of money and it all drys up - fat chance there’s thundery forks showing for much of Sunday️ ️ - delightful.
Daughter, pal and two K9s are going in convoy via the M9 / A9 to Kingussie and over to Applecross that way. Daughter has a Hyundai and her pal has a Citroen Berlingo camper (kindred spirits but both are diesels - try as I might I cannot make them see the light - and daughter’s work involves a wind farm !!)