In defense of the Butcherer
James Downing (downing(at)mlml.calstate.edu)
Wed, 01 Jul 1998 10:23:12 -0700
The thought of repowering an Alpine held all the appeal of fingernails on a
chalkboard for me before I saw Lance's. Having seen and ridden in the
incredibly well-done SII V6 that he has produced from a large, disorganized
box of disassembled parts, I am forced to defend him. This car is
immaculate (except for the paint I chipped trying to help him stow the top).
Aside from repowering, Lance has been very true to originality on the car. I
am confident that had he not undertaken this monumental project, what was
left of it would have eventually gone to the crusher.
Having said all that, I hope anyone who considers repowering an Alpine
thinks long and hard about it. Cars were made to be driven, but it seems to
me that we also have a responsibility to the Marque as trustees of its history.
James Downing
B9119860
James Downing
Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory
Moss Landing Marine Labs
(408)633-6036