Making a automotive ‘present prepared’ is hardly ever a enjoyable factor to do, even for probably the most die-hard and skilled builder.

Regardless of the tip consequence, there’ll virtually definitely be issues, setbacks and sudden little surprises which can have you questioning your very existence. Or a minimum of questioning why you selected automobiles as your interest. I imply, what’s fallacious with stamp accumulating?

I’m no exception to this. My good friend Josh Spratt messaged me on Monday, asking if I had any free time throughout the week to assist get his Audi TT RS prepared for the 2023 Gamers Traditional present this weekend. The catch? Josh’s Audi was fully commonplace on the time of his cellphone name.

Not one to shrink back from a problem, I used to be glad to simply accept and see what we may do to remodel the automotive into an actual head-turner.

On the similar time, my very own preparations had been in full swing on my BMW 740i. The rear parcel shelf, blind, and A, B and C-pillars had been eliminated for trimming with a purpose to match the brand new headliner I’d simply had reupholstered in charcoal Alcantara.

The deadline was set, so we started working.

On Tuesday, Josh fitted an Air Carry Efficiency 3P equipment within the automotive on his personal driveway with a good friend, so it was as much as us to iron out any kinks. We additionally wanted to construct up a set of BBS LM wheels Josh had for the automotive, after which have them fitted with good tyres for the 400hp+ Audi.

On Wednesday night we chipped away on the Audi, whereas Luke Millington, the lad who did a incredible job on my retrim, started piecing the E38’s inside again collectively. Josh’s wheels had been completed up and sealed on Wednesday night time, curing in time for the tyre becoming on Thursday.

There aren’t many tyre outlets I belief with a set of delicate split-rims, however Sambo’s Tyres is considered one of them. Cautious, respectable, skilled and all the time accommodating my last-minute, split-rim purchases.

Not solely did Sambo’s match the tyres nicely, however the guys had been more than pleased to fit the TT in for a four-wheel alignment after Josh’s driveway air suspension set up.

Wrapped in a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Uneven 6s and loaded into the again of my new venture – a 2003 Audi S3 in Nogaro Blue – the LMs had been able to go on the TT for his or her first correct ‘check match’.

Fortunately, they match like a glove.

In the meantime, my BMW was trying altogether much less full.

After an Autobahn-blasting, V-Maxed drive to Berlin final 12 months with my good friend Charlie and his incredible Audi RS 4, the entrance finish of my BMW was trying somewhat drained. You might name them stone chips, however what Charlie really threw at my automotive on our continental drive may very well be likened to a mid-sized meteor bathe.

Being an infinite AC Schnitzer fanatic and self-confessed uncommon elements purchaser/hoarder, I’ve had an immaculate spare E38 AC Schnitzer entrance bumper/lip in my storage for a few years, and I made a decision that Gamers Traditional this 12 months can be the right motive to lastly get it painted and fitted. The automotive would wish to look tip-top for my private favorite UK present, in any case.

Keep in mind what I stated about assured mishaps? Effectively, earlier than I had the prospect to suit the brand new bumper I acquired a cellphone name from my mate Levi. He’d damaged down not 10 minutes away from my home. Fortunately, Levi was in a position to limp his poorly E36 to my driveway while Josh, myself and the remainder of us did our greatest to diagnose the problem, whereas additionally persevering with to get our automobiles completed for the present.

Midnight got here round, and the basis of Levi’s E36 drawback had nonetheless not been discovered. It was determined we’d finalise our present prep on Friday morning, earlier than setting off for Goodwood Circuit.

We’d labored up fairly an urge for food after spannering away all night time and day. Typically low cost pizza is the very best pizza.

With daylight and (barely) more energizing eyes, Levi’s automotive was again on the street, although it will fall sufferer to a seized brake calliper later within the day.

I gave my 740i a superb wash and our good friend Jayme joined us in his Work VS-KF and Air Carry Efficiency-equipped F11 BMW 520d for our drive right down to Chichester.

Working late (largely my fault to be sincere), we stopped for gas and loaded up on chilly drinks for our drive in 30ºC climate.

However regardless of how not on time we had been, I don’t assume it was attainable to fill a petroleum station with our modified automobiles and never pause to understand the work we’d put in to get so far.

Josh’s Audi had undergone an entire transformation, and my BMW was trying its finest since Gamers Traditional 2022.

Jayme had dialled his F11 in correctly for the primary time since shopping for the 20-inch Work Wheels, and general the temper was somewhat excessive.

With one final cease for some caffeinated drinks and to be a part of up with our good friend and Speedhunters photograph contributor Saj Selva, it was plain crusing all the best way to Goodwood.

So was it value all of the stress, sleepless nights, journeys to and from the machinist, tyre store and auto provide retailer?

Objectively, no in no way. It was a waste of time, cash and vitality. Subjectively nonetheless, you may’t put a worth on the sensation of seeing your pleasure and pleasure parked up amongst your pals’ automobiles on a sunny day.

We’re arrange within the Gamers paddock this weekend; come and take a look and a chat should you’re heading alongside. Let’s take pleasure in some automotive tradition.

Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn