How fast? Really? Well, sorry Officer....

[Paul In Ireland]

A story of a little ole FE in Ireland minding its own business.... :


Him: Sir, I measured your speed at 127 kmh 

Me: 127? Really? I can't believe I was going that fast, but if you say so, it must be.

Him: Is there any particular reason you were travelling at such a speed?

Me: No, I was driving according to my speedo at about 67mph, which in my Ute equates to about 95kmh according to the GPS check that I did. Maybe this cars speedo is reading differently?

Him: Well sir, I can confirm at what speed you were travelling at it was 127 kmh.


We got talking as I was really surprised I was driving this fast. We also talked about the GPS and how they are pretty good - not perfect, but good all the same. Probably within 2-3kmh or better in most cases according to him. Anyway, one thing led to another and somehow he was letting me off with a warning - rules are a little more relaxed here sometimes - whilst at the same time I was wanting the ticket fully filled in with all the details so I could frame it!  He loved the old car and was surprised at what it was when he pulled me over.

So, I took the GPS out this evening to see what was what. Turns out 54mph is 100kmh in the FE whilst it is nearly 70mph for the FC Ute. The roads are flat around here so I cranked it up a bit and she touched off 130kmh before I slowed back down. According to the GPS I was doing about exactly what he said I was - way too fast! 

I am sure some stockies go faster than this and probably the 3.55 diff in this one helps out the highway travel - wonder what it'd do with a twin carb set-up? 


 

[NosFEratu]

Paul

You should know better than to underestimate the power of the big block FE series 132.5! 

Kathi

[Paul In Ireland]

One of the lads at work said I should rename the FE to Elle - I said as in Elle MacPherson the model - No, he said, Elle as in F*cking 'Ell, how fast were you going!?

And so should the Ute should now also be renamed Evan? 


 

[HAD 708]

Great post and a little to add to it. I have been a member of the FE FC Car Club of Vic  for many years and have been great friends with 2 previous owners of your car Paul. Your car about 10 years ago was owned by a Rob Withers and i can confirm that your car is a very fast grey motor with or without the speedo oddities. i have been to both Bendigo and Ballarat and a number of times on runs in your vehicle and can say that it was driven regulary and FAST. I once remember a trip to bendigo 85-90 mph all the way the car did not use a drop of oil and only a little water which was great for a everyday driver! Rob used to do the city to stud road trip in a little over 10 mins at times which was amazing. I remember also trying to catch him in mid peak traffic in my celica and he left me for dead. A great motor in your sedan and long may it  enjoy the land of Eire.
Brett

[Paul In Ireland]

Thanks for that Brett - it really does motor along surprisingly well.

If you run into Rob again, tell him I'm keeping up the tradition!!