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1985 1.6 Laser

This car is the first car I ever owned. I bought it when I was seventeen having just passed my driving test three weeks earlier. The car was absolutely standard and was in excellent condition inside and out.

The first things that I changed were the wheels. These are from an early 2.8 injection and give better road holding being an inch wider than the standard wheels. They also fill the arches and give the car a more meaningful look. These have since been replaced with Compomotive alloys (7 x 13 front and 8 x 13 rear, with 205 / 60 R13 tyres).

The laser interior was next on the list for replacement. The obvious choice for the replacements was the much sought after half leather Recaro seats from the 2.8 injection special. Other interior modifications include a pull out stereo, digital clock, white dials and alloy pedals.

Mechanically the car is just about as I bought it. In a desperate attempt to gain a little more power from the weedy 1600 engine I fitted a Capri Club performance system with four-branch manifold. In order to maximise on the efficiency of the exhaust I fitted a twin choke Weber carburettor and a K&N air filter. This should allow about ten b.h.p over the original set up. The body kit is a copy of the Richard Grant kit with a Capri Club front spoiler. This enhances the looks and improves the aerodynamics at higher speeds making the car more stable on the motorway. Also, to add downforce at the back is fitted a replica turbotail.

The radio is the only other item that has been replaced. This is now situated above the digital clock (courtesy of an XR2) instead of in the upper dash. Also fitted is a Sony 10 CD multichanger. The rear speakers are Panasonic 200-watt items and are driven by a Boss 240-watt amplifier whilst the front speakers are Kenwood 4x6” 90 watt items. There is also a 100 watt bass tube to enhance the sound.

The car has now been completely resprayed and is now exactly as I want it.