Dans 240Z

[Rob Gaskin]

Dan, my neighbour (Pete Brown) used to race a Mk1 Saloon Jag in Special Saloons (and it was special too!). He was very quick however the car was highly modified and one race meeting saw the end of it at Mallory Park.

So much work had gone into it that the decision was to race something more standard. He bought an ex British Touring Car Dolomite Sprint built originally by Gerry Marshall which he reckoned he could re-shell. Needless to say he never had to.

You get a fantastic sense of achievement from building something exceptional and bespoke of course and at least you got to Donington in it.

One of our members (from Newcastle) spent many hours on his 280ZX (including a fancy paint job) and it went up in flames in his garage!

 

[morbias]

I've been away from the forums for a bit, been busy with other stuff. So this was the first thread I clicked on... I'm gutted for you mate after all the hard work. I can only echo what everyone else has said already, main thing is you're ok and you seem to be in a positive state of mind, way more positive than I would be in the same situation (though I'm sure the 400mg Tramadol or whatever they have you on helps!).

I wish you a speedy recovery, it sucks being laid up. I'm sure when you do get another Z there will be stuff you want to do differently, so I guess the best way to think of it is it's a new opportunity to make things better than before.

 

[davezx]

Just read all way through this thread and what a epic build you made.
A real shame to hear of your bad luck but and glad to hear your gonna be ok.
Car may be a gonna but at least you can always have the good memories of having such a great one.
Hope to see you do another build like it.
Best of look pal.

 

[Russell]

Get well soon!

Everyone here certainly agrees you have proven what you can achieve with what you built there and look forward to seeing version 2 when you are back on your feet.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Well that should keep you and the car in the correct shape!

I didn't realise in 2012 how relevant that comment would become.

I've been to see Dan today and was very surprised at how well he looked and how he's coping with the whole incident. My local 'copper' has said that his colleagues attended the accident and they stressed to him that Dan's roll-cage almost certainly saved his life. If you look at Dan's roll-cage it really is strong and that cross-brace running from side to side under the dash must have helped a lot.

I've also seen the lamp-post that Dan demolished - it's quite sobering.

Anyway Dan is doing well, hobbling around on crutches and with a neck-brace. I was amazed that he wasn't in a plaster cast - his leg has been 'pinned' in two places (thigh and shin area) and you wouldn't know it was so badly damaged.

Would you believe he's talking about his next Z but his Dad is not so keen.

By the way just to put people straight Dan is 27 not 19 as it stated of the link he gave us re the accident. Also the guy in the pictures at the start of this Thread (with Tattoos) is not Dan, that's his mate. Dan is the guy below in the black jacket:

 

[IbanezDan51]

Thanks Rob,
Actually only pinned in the one place on my thigh, just bad bruising everywhere else.
Very fortunate I had such a well made cage. I saw a picture of the car today and I'm actually amazed I still have my life.
Old pic of me about a year ago:

RIP ARD
Thanks,
Dan

 

[Mrs HollowPoint]

'Ones kind words.

Gutted I won't be attending any shows this year at least in my own Z.

Dan

If you can make it to any of the shows, with or without a z, that would be great. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to seeing you.

 

[STEVE BURNS]

following was posted on the clubs facebook page by a non zedite

Saw a smashed up s30 on the back of a tow truck near tamworth today. Looked nice apart from being twisted up. Was white with riveted arches on it.... anyone know the story behind it?

when I replied with a photo of ARD the guy replied
that it looked like same car
wondered if Dan had got it back or it was purchased by someone else

 

[camerashy]

Dan,

Without wanting to sound morbid, is there a chance of seeing the crashed shell? I'd be interested to know where the weak points are that the cage left exposed?

James

 

[IbanezDan51]

The cage certainly didn't leave any part of where the lamppost hit exposed. It was that, that saved my life..

I'll post some pictures soon.

A quote from a friend "it's better to have owned , driven, and wrecked a badass Z .... than to never have owned and driven a badass Z !!!"

 

[SKiddell]

"it's better to have owned , driven, and wrecked a badass Z .... than to never have owned and driven a badass Z !!!"

I really want a tee shirt with that on

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Dan came round this evening and says it's ok to post the pics he sent me a few weeks back.

Imagine the car without that cage!

He's back at work and getting back to normal - a miracle!

 

[Rob Gaskin]

I really want a tee shirt with that on

Dan has one now thanks to a kind and generous Z Club member (not me !).

 

[datsfun]

He's back at work and getting back to normal - a miracle!

Indeed. Wish you a full and speedy recovery

 

[Wyn]

He done well to get out of that

Lucky man

 

[mattbibbey]

I missed this story somehow earlier in the year. Glad to read that you escaped without permanent harm. Too bad about the Z but given the choice of one surviving.......

Plus side, a ride in a Helicopter.

How are you getting on now mate?

 

[Ian]

Wow, that some serious damage, would not like to have seen this without the cage.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

The damage is exactly the same as this - but this one is LHD thank god:

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

So its fair to say its safer with a LHD car based on the lampost shape left in most cars that have gone sideways

 

[AliK]

Wow!! He still has legs!?

He's very lucky!!!!! Someone in the heavens was on his side!!



Ali K