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Chris Rea

Started by Giraffe , May 05 2009 08:10

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33 replies to this topic

#1 Giraffe

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Posted 05 May 2009 - 08:10

By giraffe138, shot with EX-M2 at 2009-04-05

Posted Image

By giraffe138, shot with EX-M2 at 2009-04-05

I met and chatted for some while at the recent HSCC meeting at Donington with well known
rock star and petrolhead, Chris Rea. He was racing his Lotus 26R in the Guards Trophy event,
and intimated to me that he was set to do the full season as he enjoyed the low key nature of
the HSCC's meetings as opposed to the events where he has competed in Ferraris.
Now, I see a full page ad in the latest edition of Motorsport with his 26R for sale, citing
a "change of direction". Does anyone more closely connected know what that change
of direction is? (It's a beautifully prepared car, but £150k seems like alot of money
for an Elan, albeit a rather special one?).
Posted Image

By giraffe138 at 2009-04-17

Edited by Giraffe, 05 May 2009 - 08:15.

#2 David Beard

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Posted 05 May 2009 - 19:25

His new love seems to be his Lotus 6. I wonder why he took to something so much slower than the Elan?

Posted Image

#3 Flat Black 84

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Posted 05 May 2009 - 19:33

It may be slower, but "he's workin' on it."

#4 Giraffe

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Posted 05 May 2009 - 19:34

He did mention the six in chatting to me; I think he loves the history and ironically, the nostalgia. He was originally inspired by watching the sharknose Ferraris on b&w TV with his father. After what he has been through with his health in the last few years, he just likes to take it easy. Can't get him on TNF though; he doesn't even do e-mail........... :well:

#5 David Beard

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Posted 05 May 2009 - 19:58

He did mention the six in chatting to me; I think he loves the history and ironically, the nostalgia. He was originally inspired by watching the sharknose Ferraris on b&w TV with his father. After what he has been through with his health in the last few years, he just likes to take it easy. Can't get him on TNF though; he doesn't even do e-mail...........

No matter...he is still a top bloke in this household. That 11 CD set is amazing.

And of course, Auberge had a 7 on the cover...

#6 kayemod

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Posted 05 May 2009 - 20:01

And of course, Auberge had a 7 on the cover...

And it also had the correct Lotus sound on the 'Auberge' track on the CD. Like someone said, top bloke, a real enthusiast.

#7 Giraffe

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Posted 05 May 2009 - 20:26

Chris is a big pal of David Piper, and drives his cars such as his 330P at Spa........ "He's not cheap though" as Chris said; I can only imagine! However, Chris says that Pipes is a really top bloke, but that came as no surprise.
It was interesting in that Chris said that if he is going to buy a car, or even has work done on one, he has to do it incognito, otherwise the price doubles............... :smoking:

Edited by Giraffe, 05 May 2009 - 20:27.

#8 Macca

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 08:32

I wonder how much this cost him..............Piper's 250LM (c/n 8165) in 1995 after Rea had shunted it at Monza, stripped for repair.

Posted Image

Paul M

#9 kayemod

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 09:29

I wonder how much this cost him...

Paul M

Cue, a hastily assembled 'Greatest Hits' collection.

#10 David Birchall

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 15:57

"His new love seems to be his Lotus 6. I wonder why he took to something so much slower than the Elan? "
Having raced a 26R for a while I would say he frightened the life out of himself!

Despite being a wannabe blues guitar player I had no knowledge of Chris Rea until looking him up as a result of this thread. He is virtually unknown in n.america! And, he is not much younger than me which makes him a good bloke...good musician too.
I did see an article in Octane on a Maserati Zagato coupe that he owns (drool) so he does have good taste.

Edit: I just checked the Octane article and it wasn't Chris Rea it was Jay Kay and I never heard of him either!! (It was also a Frua bodied Maser....)

I hear the Beatles are an up and coming band....

Edited by David Birchall, 06 May 2009 - 17:42.

#11 Phil Rainford

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 16:58

Some old motor racing footage on this Chris Rea video as well as a shot of the Shark Nose replica that was made for his film.....

PAR

Edited by Phil Rainford, 06 May 2009 - 16:59.

#12 sterling49

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 17:00

"His new love seems to be his Lotus 6. I wonder why he took to something so much slower than the Elan? "
Having raced a 26R for a while I would say he frightened the life out of himself!

Despite being a wannabe blues guitar player I had no knowledge of Chris Rea until looking him up as a result of this thread. He is virtually unknown in n.america! And, he is not much younger than me which makes him a good bloke...good musician too.
I did see an article in Octane on a Maserati Zagato coupe that he owns (drool) so he does have good taste.

Chris makes some seriously good music and, plays a variety of guitars, very well David. I would recommend "Auberge" and "The Road To Hell" as good company on a road trip, I have used both (and others) on some great treks :up:

I understand that he is very popular in Germany, as, like the Beatles, he did a lot of gigs there in his early days.

Edited by sterling49, 06 May 2009 - 17:01.

#13 fines

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 17:03

He is very popular in Germany, as, like the Beatles, he did a lot of gigs there in his early days.

Yes, I believe it's 25 years since I first heard of him, and promptly bought an album - 'though I must say, I'm glad I only ever bought the one, because frankly, I think they all sound the same... :rolleyes:

#14 sterling49

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 17:06

It would not do Michael, if we were all the same

My wife is not a fan, but then if I listen on a headset, it is not a problem!

#15 ensign14

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 17:19

Yes, I believe it's 25 years since I first heard of him, and promptly bought an album - 'though I must say, I'm glad I only ever bought the one, because frankly, I think they all sound the same...

Spot the difference:

Auberge

Let's Dance

;)

I remember him giving away a racing suit on a kids' tv programme once, he said "Ari Vatanen gave it to me, but I couldn't fit in it..."

#16 Andrew Kitson

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 17:25

I spent an enjoyable hour or so with Chris a couple of years ago. It was at a deserted Snett clubbie one Saturday afternoon which had the Ferrari OC championship race there. He told me he goes to all of the FOC races. We just got chatting standing by the fence at Russell watching the races, about 20 other people on the bank.

As others have said a fine chap, down to earth and just as happy to chat about his car collection (he was particularly enthused about his ex-Jimmy Lotus Cortina he had bought) as he was about his career in music. He did seem a bit edgy when someone else realised it was him and came down for an autograph.

#17 alansart

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 17:27

I remember him giving away a racing suit on a kids' tv programme once, he said "Ari Vatanen gave it to me, but I couldn't fit in it..."

He was a bit on the large size at one time - I seem to remember an interview where he said he walked past a mirror in a Hotel bedroom and couldn't believe the fat bloke that was his reflection!

It seems that since his illness he's doing whatever he wants - good for him :up:

#18 sterling49

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 17:28

As others have said a fine chap, down to earth and just as happy to chat about his car collection (he was particularly enthused about his ex-Jimmy Lotus Cortina he had bought) as he was about his career in music. He did seem a bit edgy when someone else realised it was him and came down for an autograph.

I think about twenty years ago, he was racing in one of the classes for Caterhams and was a Brands regular, it's great that he could just blend in and enjoy his passion :up:

#19 picblanc

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Posted 06 May 2009 - 17:37

Chris makes some seriously good music and, plays a variety of guitars, very well David. I would recommend "Auberge" and "The Road To Hell" as good company on a road trip, I have used both (and others) on some great treks

I understand that he is very popular in Germany, as, like the Beatles, he did a lot of gigs there in his early days.

Love Chris Rea, happy memories of a great cycling trip to the French Alps, (Alpe D'Huez, Galibier, Croix De Fer,Lauteret, Glandon etc) in 1993 with three mates, Chris and the Beatles greatest hits accompanied us on the 700 mile drive there and the same home again, happy days!!

Sorry if slightly of topic, but love the guys music. :up:

#20 Terry Walker

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 06:25

And he was responsible for the recreation of the rear-engine sharknose F1 Ferrari which moved the late Phil Hill near to tears. Or am I wrong?

#21 Giraffe

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 06:44

And he was responsible for the recreation of the rear-engine sharknose F1 Ferrari which moved the late Phil Hill near to tears. Or am I wrong?

Yep, see post #11 for a quick snatch of it at the end of the video. Chris told me he sold it to a guy in Holland who had another replica made too, but I've heard that it may either be for sale, or has been sold again. Chris told me it felt much like a monoposto or Formula Junior to drive; looked great tho'! :up:

#22 hipperson

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 08:59

When I approached him at FOS a few years ago to sign something ..he told me to eff off.
He did relent though and we went behind a hoarding and he signed.
I did read he had half his guts removed just before so I forgave him.

#23 Giraffe

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 16:13

When I approached him at FOS a few years ago to sign something ..he told me to eff off.
He did relent though and we went behind a hoarding and he signed.
I did read he had half his guts removed just before so I forgave him.

Half his memory too it seems; he told me a couple of weeks back that he had never been to the FOS! :confused:

#24 Paul Taylor

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 16:25

Some old motor racing footage on this Chris Rea video as well as a shot of the Shark Nose replica that was made for his film.....

PAR

That film was dire...I don't think I've seen a worse car-related movie.

#25 Giraffe

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 19:14

That film was dire...I don't think I've seen a worse car-related movie.

Quote, unquote, "DireRea"................ :rotfl:

#26 David Beard

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 19:35

Quote, unquote, "DireRea"................

I thought that was the name of the band Chris was rumoured to be setting up with Mark Knopfler?

#27 Flat Black 84

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 19:51

I thought that was the name of the band Chris was rumoured to be setting up with Mark Knopfler?

The wags are out tonight!

:rotfl:

#28 Kingsleyrob

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 20:06

Giraffe, how come you have grown about eight inches between photo one and photo two? :confused:

Rob

#29 Giraffe

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 20:31

Giraffe, how come you have grown about eight inches between photo one and photo two?

Rob

That's Giraffery Rob; it's all in the neck. :wave:

#30 Pedro 917

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 21:03

Chris was at the Festival Of Speed 2007, being interviewed by Doug :

Edited by Pedro 917, 07 May 2009 - 21:04.

#31 Giraffe

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Posted 07 May 2009 - 21:23

I think he may have thought I was referring to 2008. I don't know who looks more like the ageing rock star.......... :cool:

I'll tell you what, I bet Doug is the more famous.......... :up:

#32 dunsley

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Posted 30 May 2009 - 23:00

"His new love seems to be his Lotus 6. I wonder why he took to something so much slower than the Elan? "
Having raced a 26R for a while I would say he frightened the life out of himself!

Despite being a wannabe blues guitar player I had no knowledge of Chris Rea until looking him up as a result of this thread. He is virtually unknown in n.america! And, he is not much younger than me which makes him a good bloke...good musician too.
I did see an article in Octane on a Maserati Zagato coupe that he owns (drool) so he does have good taste.

Edit: I just checked the Octane article and it wasn't Chris Rea it was Jay Kay and I never heard of him either!! (It was also a Frua bodied Maser....)

I hear the Beatles are an up and coming band....

The Octane article that you refer to here, was that an article about Chris Rea, his cars and motor racing? If so that would be great because I have been trying to find a copy of this article. Could you please tell me the year ,month and issue number. thanks

#33 David Birchall

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Posted 31 May 2009 - 00:16

No, it was about this Jay Kay Bloke, who doesn't look like a very nice person in the Octane article and Youtube seems to prove.
Chris Rea looks like he could be a decent bloke....

#34 Gregor Marshall

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Posted 31 May 2009 - 01:02

I've had then had the "mis-fortune" to meet Jay Kay and I can honestly say he was a lovely bloke and I'd have no issue with him owning historic cars - it's all about image in the press and I'm sure we could start a new thread about "famous" people and their cars.