Not that I've been particularly missed, but my appolgies for my recent absence. Nice to see this place active as ever!

Part of that absence due to a week-long vacation in England that was an absolute blast. Gosh, for the driving conditions alone, I could easily live there! The only time you see speed limit signs is when passing into a city or small country village. Even then, the limits of 40 or 50 mph were generally treated as suggestions by the locals (I of course, not being used to right-drive vehicles and roads, observed all limits carefully). On sevaral occasions, just when I though we were cruising along at a decent clip through winding, two lane, country roads (50-60+mph), I'd see cars start to stack up behind me, urging me to speed up. On one occasion, I glanced into my rearview mirror to see the snarling fascia of a black Aston-Martin DB7 staring me down (talk about intimidating!), and on a corner I wouldn't have dreamed of passing on, he whipped by in the blink of an eye, and with a roar that that would make a Boeing 747 take notice heheh.....not bad for your first in-person experience with an Aston

What I like best however was the discipline the Brits use on the 'Motorways' (freeways to us yanks). Strictly adhereing to the 'stay left, except to pass' mantra, made it easy and predictable to adjust to the right-drive cars, while also allowing high speed cruising with little worry of being cut-off by an inattentive, impatient driver. We were able to cruise for extened periods at 80-90mph, and that was in the 'slow' lane!

Rental car was a '02 Volvo S60 - quite a fine little car, I was quite impressed with it's performance (though I was drooling at the thought having the E420 on those roads!). It's euro niceties (headlights, suspension) were absolutely required with the given driving conditions. It's interesting how the roads and driving habits so influence the performance of a car. Now I really want some Euro-sports springs for the W124.

Anyway, a salute to our British Mercedesshop memebers - you all sure know how to drive! (Although London rush hour is little different from any rush-hour here )

Regards,
- Ryan

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'95 E420 - 'Shadowfax' 138kmi.
'92 Volvo 740Turbo Bard 193kmi
'74 240D - 'Ol' Green' 4spd Manual 104kmi. (sold )
'77 300D - 'Red' 223kmi (sold)
'75 240D - 'Bianca the Blue Bomber' (sold)