A knock out. Absolutely beautiful. The striking shape was well complimented by the Indigo Blue / Wimbledon White paint scheme. Peter walked around the Coupe, then opened the driver’s door and climbed in. Usually rather reserved, he broke out into a wide grin. Clearly he was pleased.
After the initial excitement, it was back to work. This was Peter’s baby and he wanted it to be perfect. He went through the Coupe from one end to another and developed a list of items needing refinement.
After review, discussion, and resolution, the list went to the prototype shop for incorporation first into Prototype Three and into the production cars. The balance of the week was spent in manufacturing review, hands on with Prototype Three, a number of photo sessions, and testing.
On the weekend, the team headed to the Shamwari game reserve. We had obtained permission from Shamwari to photograph and test the Coupe on the labyrinth of rugged dirt roads on the preserve. The roads, normally only traversed by Land Rovers, would provide an excellent test of suspension compliance and handling under duress. The wild countryside would provide excellent photo opportunities.
Jim Price drove the Coupe for the tests. I rode with him as observer. Peter, Gayle, Doug, and Charlie positioned themselves along the road as photographers. A game ranger stood at the ready with his high-powered rifle in case one of the big furry kitties thought the photographers looked like lunch.
Big tires and a competent suspension can get the power to the ground even on the dirt roads of Shamwari. The Coupe came quickly to speed even on the short straights connecting the flat tight curves. It arced cleanly through the curves at high speeds, its inherent balanced handling keeping the tail nicely in line. Broad sliding in fact proved difficult to invoke, a testimony to good suspension design. The supple suspension soaked up the rough surface and kept the tires firmly planted. With each curve, Jim’s adrenaline level increased – followed by an increase in cornering speed. I started to understand why I had been so “lucky” to be “volunteered” to be co-pilot. On the balance I was glad that Jim was driving. I didn’t want to be the one to plant this invaluable prototype in those lethal South African thorn bushes. And it was beginning to look like Jim might. But he had a bunch more in build back at the plant and I didn’t.
I had to remember that testing means driving at the limit. That is where the learning takes place. At several spots we crept up on 100 mph. It was as comfortable and composed as a cruise down the interstate. Blasting through a wash, the Coupe easily absorbed a “road obstacle” that I am sure would have capsized my Jeep. It was an impressive test.
And so it was. Thundering through the African countryside on a warm and sunny fall afternoon in certainly one of the most beautiful and competent machines ever. On one of the short straights, I turned to Jim, relaxed my grip a bit, and said, “You know, working on the weekends is a bitch, isn’t it?” “Yep”, he said. “Its tough work, but somebody has to do it.” How true.
Some personal observations...
Jim Price is a true larger-than-life character, a large, amiable, energetic, outspoken bear of a man. His vision, his passion, and his drive for perfection are at the fore of who he is every minute of every day. It doesn’t take hanging around him for long to see this. He knows what he wants and he goes for it. Unlike many executives, he is also warm and personable. He loves to spin a yarn and he loves to hear a good one. To him, it is every bit as much about the people as it is about the business. And one thing that was really clear when we were tearing through the bush – he loves what he does and he loves what he makes.
Peter Brock is a legendary figure - an artist, a designer, a writer, and a photographer. He combines keen intellect with the sensitivity of an artist.
He is a perfectionist. He knows what he wants and doesn’t settle for less. He has a great eye for shape and form and light. He takes his craft seriously and he works hard at it. He is a great conversationalist as well, one of the easiest people to talk with that I have ever met. We have sat and talked the afternoon away without knowing or caring where the time went. I look forward to doing it again.
It was interesting to watch these two very different people with a great deal of mutual respect work together on a common goal – Peter as the designer and Jim as the engineer, manufacturer, and cost accountant. Every time Peter made a recommendation, you could hear the gears turning in Jim’s head. In the end the answer always went back to their original agreement seven years ago. “It’s your project Peter. We’ll figure out how to do it.”
Brock slips behind the wheel of Prototype Three for the first time, obviously pleased with what he sees. That’s design engineer Anton Richardson in the passenger’s seat.
Prototype Three at speed. Justin Price at the wheel with Geoff Blandford along for the ride.
One of many design meetings between Jim Price and Peter Brock
Road testing in Shamwari
A spot of tea after a long day in Shamwari. Jim and Denise Price, Ron Kruger, Charlie Ponstein, Peter and Gayle Brock, Mike Stenhouse and our intrepid guide. Doug Reed took the photo.
At the end of the week Ron Kruger, Jim Price, and Peter Brock were obviously pleased and excited about what had been accomplished.
The result of years of hard work by many people. Approval.