So there I was driving to work, sun shining, roof down, not a care in the world (by coincidence 24hrs after my last post extolling those very virtues). I took a pleasant 'long-cut' that involves a few tastier roads than the usual dual carriage way, but was frustrated to find myself following a van up a long slow hill. As a result, going slower than normal, I popped it down to third instead of fourth going round a fairly open bend, and accelerated out as normal. Except I was in third, not fourth, and evidently applied the throttle rather more enthusiastically than was appropriate for the road. You can guess where this is going....

A gentleman coming the opposite way (fortunately not approx 5 seconds further down the road) told me I looked pretty cool as I opposite locked my way out of the corner and indeed for a moment I thought "way hey". Then I thought "Oooops", followed by "oh sh*t" as I drove into a 300 year old wall on the other side of the road.

The end result is a wiped-out front end, a nasty knock to the front wheels, airbag activation and a daft feeling as I recall posting stuff to the effect of "you'd have to be a nutter to lose control of your car on a public road". In my defence, the road surface was a bit damp and apparently is notoriously slippery (wish someone had told me that before I found out...); but really there are no excuses, my mistake, talent deficit, etc.

So, unfortunately, my beautiful New Imola Orange S2000 'The Flying Tangerine' has been written off. In a twist to the tale, and in my experience completely unheard of, my insurers gave me approx £1500 more than I paid for the car, so I guess that's a degree of comfort. I've done a lot of umming and ahing about whether to get another S2000, but I've decided not to. I loved the car, and enjoyed every minute of driving it (apart from maybe the last 2 or 3 seconds...) but some of the compromises inherent to running it as a daily driver were getting a bit too... compromising. And the opportunity of some liquidity has come at a good time, so I've invested most of the cash and found a cheap Celica TSport - not in the same league at all, but enough to keep me interested, a bit more practical / comfortable over a distance - and a car I have an emotional connection with, a Celica 190 having been my first car.

So there we go - that's it for me and for S2000s for the time being. Although it ended up being over much sooner than I anticipated, it's been a pleasure owning and driving a car I always dreamed of. It's been a pleasure also being a member of this group - you must be the best owner's forum on the internet, whatever the manufacturer and model. Thank you all for your advice over the past 12 months of my time as a S2000 buyer, owner and enthusiast. Happy S2000-ing, one and all

 

 

Post a pic. Be a man and share the pain

 

This is the exact reason in 5 months of ownership I still feel like I don't drive anywhere near the limit of the car on the road. I've spent too much getting the car right to throw it away for more spirited moments than I currently enjoy.

I feel bad for anyone this has happened to.

 

This does make me think about my planned blast tomorrow and to take extra care if its still a bit damp...

Glad to hear your unhurt though.

 

I have to confess, I spent almost every second of driving the car wondering what all the fuss about "widow maker" was. OK, it slid a little at the back now and then, but always predictably and easily catchable. A dab of oppo and we're away sort of thing. But one moment of inattention, a silly little mistake that would have been innocuous in any other car, a slippy road and there we go! I certainly am not Fernando Alonso (although at least I don't call in sick after a bump...) so I make no claims for my driving skill here but like us all I've done my fair share of enthusiastic motoring in the S2000 and various other car on and off public roads and never come close to an accident or losing control of the car. If that made me a bit complacent I guess this is my reward. That plus I was not at all deliberately 'pressing on' so not concentrating on driving as much as I should have. Lesson learned for next time I guess.

I did feel pretty gutted but on the other hand glad to be completely uninjured. My insurers have been very good, I have to say - as a collective they get a lot of bad press but my experience has been of a professional organisation that does what they are supposed to with no messing about. I dare say the bum-rape will come at renewal time...

 

oh bugger
One less orange one
At least you are OK

 

I used to drive my last one quite quickly but not like a nutter. Since having one with VSA it cuts in alot in my 'normal' road use, it has made me realise I may have been pushing my luck before or I still drive within my own safety limit but just quicker than others would in normal cars.

Its sad about what happened to yours but at least your ok and the insurance paid out a decent figure

 

They are a bitch on the limit, anyone who tells you otherwise is talking bollocks imo. Sorry, experience

Even had Don Palmer drive mine and say the same. He was 'busy' in the wet to say the least.

Anyways, onwards and all that, at least you walk away unbroken fella

 

Good to walk away mate. Shame another one bites the dust. Out of interest, I assume the insurer had to pick up the rebuilding of the 300 year old wall too? £££