We built this car in 2007 back on the east coast (kredden, another BBer, Andy Kress, myself, and a few others). This was race #10 for the car. Except for one major problem (for which a 19 cent fuse was the root cause), the car has been pretty much bullet proof. This car has been a great example of what I think sums up all of the Italian cars I've ever owned - they might miss things in the details, like windows going up and down, door handles falling off, etc, but in terms of what really matters, the engine, drive train, suspension, etc, the cars are extremely rugged and can take a real beating.
In fact, the engine thats in there now came out of one of Kevins cars. It burned oil and blew a lot of smoke, which made it perfect for LeMons. Since installation, oil consumption has dropped significantly, and it only smokes a little bit when started cold. It seems to get better and better the more we abuse it.
If we can keep the car from getting hit too much on the track, there's no reason it won't last another 10 races, or more. In the mean time, a Berlina is in the works..
bs