RCR visit from UK

[Craig7L]

cross post from ph)

Report from Detroit after visiting RCRs workshop.

After a 24hour door to door mission I must admit I had major chunks of time on the plane when I was thinking what the fook was I doing.

A couple of days ago I had visited the Ultima factory got prices but owed it to myself to see what the competition was up to.

From the moment I met Fran it was clear what a committed, knowledgably and highly hospitable chap he is and for that I thank you.
From the moment I saw the SL-C I was hit with goosebumps and my heart raced which hasn’t happed for quite a long while.

The car is not only in a different league looks wise to the ultima it is maybe the best looking car I have ever seen on the road. Forget the pictures scattered around the internet, this thing in the flesh is a stealth monster and will get the looks over nearly every high end supercar that I know.

I must admit I was sceptical about the looks of the rear but wouldn’t change a thing. You really need to see it to appreciate it.
With the added wing plates that fran knocked out on the CNC cutter it just suits its look.
Forget Kitcar that the Ultima image may still be associated with the SL-C is simply a supercar and a stunning one at that.
As for the engineering and build quality well that just speaks for itself and wont go into detail here as that could take a book to compliment.
RCRs facility is highly advanced with CNC machines and would think nearly self sufficient. It was a shock on the scale of the company and the skilled lads that clearly love what they do.

From the moment this thing fires into life it’s a race car on the road. Fookin awesome. People pop out from everywhere like a wake up call to come and investigate.

Inside it has great visibility all around, production feel cockpit with minimalist characteristics. 6point harness, push button start.

Fran took me up the road and this thing flies, and again comparable to the thrill of the ultima (minus the corners around the Detroit grid system). Cant tell what is quicker but maybe that will be settled one day around a race track? Pro ALMS driver is due to test and set this car around a circuit shortly

The coupe could be responsible for the odd road mishap as everyone bar none gawps at this car on a 3 lane Detroit highway. Don’t buy this if you wanna blend in. Did I mention the sound.?

On the plane a mate who came with me spent 6 hours telling me that I should play it cool and from the second he saw it, crumbled himself and blurted out fooking ell “av it mate….fooking buy it”
So much for a negotiating stance eh? hehehehe

Frans in the final trimming stage on the car and if the few items remaining are the same quality as the rest of his massive investment it will be a clear winner in my opinion.


Thanks again Fran for your hospitality over the last 2 days, for putting up with my silly questions and hopefully we weren’t in your way too much during what is obviously a busy time for you

Well did I order the first car for UK and Europe? …..well what do you think?



Craig Gillingham SL-C023

[Craig White]

Congrats Craig.

You are not helping me, I simply can't wait for the shipment containing our 1st SL-C to arrive here in Australia.

[Vega]

It is pretty impressive that you like the SL-C that much over the Ultima GTR, especially being a Brit . I know the GTR is a superb car but the looks have never done it for me. That just shows how truely great the SL-C is shaping up to be.

[Mesa]

Craig! I'm totally jealous, you are one of the very few that have actually got a ride in the thing <green with envy over here>. You are right about the crew there being gearheads .... I think you couldnt do that kind of demanding work <like being on a racing team> without loving it.

Does he have a new set of endplates on the wing? Got pics?
I picked up a Sparco articulating seat friday to test fit in my car ... I post up in the build section later.

Conrats #023
....ohhhh for a ride in an SLC......

[Dutton]

Originally Posted by Craig7L

...Forget the pictures scattered around the internet... You really need to see it to appreciate it...

So very, very true. It's hard to explain but when seeing the car in person, it's very clear that photos convey only a fraction of the visual impact of this car.

When I was there for a visit in May, there were a few moments when I honestly wondered if the 40 I'd already purchased was the wrong car.

Well done on ordering one for yourself, Craig.

T.

[Donnie Barnes]

I have to echo the sentiments here. If I didn't already have a drivetrain for my 917 I have ordered from Fran, I'd be bugging him to switch my order to an SL-C. Heck, I've come close several times already anyway! The thing is just amazing in person.

Is it too late, Fran?


--Donnie

[Jon]

The car looks great and I have looked at ordering the GT40 from RCR. The thing that stops me is how much support you would get to pass the UK SVA or the new test, what ever thats called. Compared to the UK manufacturer's.

[Dom]

Craig - I have been waiting for my PM over onb SELOC LOL

Glad to hear it all went well - Sounds awesome!

I would love to come and have a look when it gets delivered!

PS where is the post on PH?

[J. Salmon]

Glad to know I was not the only one who took a look at the SLC in person and needed a medic. The only downside to my visit was the same wondering if the 40 was the car I should have bought. The SLC MUST be seen in person to appreciate.

But with an LS7 and Ricardo, my RCR40 should be a worthy substitute. I'll try to get on with life, tough though it is

[GARY_S]

excuse the camera shake on my mobile phone - wish I had taken my camcorder

could be mistaken for a stealth bomber - cheers Fran

YouTube - superlite coupe RC-R race car replicas detroit

[Craig7L]

Originally Posted by Vega

It is pretty impressive that you like the SL-C that much over the Ultima GTR, especially being a Brit . I know the GTR is a superb car but the looks have never done it for me. That just shows how truely great the SL-C is shaping up to be.

The SL-C is in a different league looks wise....a supercar vs a kitcar on looks.

[Craig7L]

Originally Posted by jonnyb

The car looks great and I have looked at ordering the GT40 from RCR. The thing that stops me is how much support you would get to pass the UK SVA or the new test, what ever thats called. Compared to the UK manufacturer's.

very good support as part of the deal. cant say fairer than that.

[Craig7L]

Originally Posted by Dom9

Craig - I have been waiting for my PM over onb SELOC LOL

Glad to hear it all went well - Sounds awesome!

I would love to come and have a look when it gets delivered!

PS where is the post on PH?

hi mate... didnt get yours but got about 10 others hehehehehe

[Craig7L]

Originally Posted by Mesa

Craig! I'm totally jealous, you are one of the very few that have actually got a ride in the thing <green with envy over here>. You are right about the crew there being gearheads .... I think you couldnt do that kind of demanding work <like being on a racing team> without loving it.

Does he have a new set of endplates on the wing? Got pics?
I picked up a Sparco articulating seat friday to test fit in my car ... I post up in the build section later.

Conrats #023
....ohhhh for a ride in an SLC......

tonight in bed think boeing 747 jet engine strapped to a match box, you on top legs a kindle either side
hehehehehehe

[josvdp]

Originally Posted by Craig7L

very good support as part of the deal. cant say fairer than that.

I think this comes as a roling chassis so does that mean the car will, for example, be coming with E marked lights & windscreen already installed ?

[Craig7L]

all will be revealed on the first car on the road in the UK. I may have to start a petition to stop the questions to Fran so he can carry on producing asap of what he excels at. hehehehe

Excuse the funny face but i did have a hard on and i was thinking how the fook do i tell anne that we aint having a holiday for a couple of years hehehehe

[Vega]

Excellent, we need more photos and videos .

[Craig7L]

more to follow

[GARY_S]

shame Fran refused to paint a car to match my favourite shirt - could have sold 2 to the UK :-)