kazer92 is Paddy still going? [emoji846]
Hi puntofan and all, hope you’re all well in these turbulent times.
I’d been meaning to post an update during Covid19 etc with a few bits of work (nothing major) over the months but never got round to it.
Unfortunately one Sunday afternoon in July I was involved in a road traffic collision whilst driving Paddy (hit from behind on a dual carriageway by a speeding biker), my girlfriend and our dog were also in the car and luckily none of us were injured, but unfortunately the biker passed away later that evening.
Long story short Paddy was written off as uneconomical repair due to its low valuation (£600 which I was fine with), rear left quarter crumpled, rear window smashed, rear left tyre burst. From my description eSure put it down as preliminary Cat B, from what I could see at the time I’d say it could be repaired and drive-able again, but i think it was time to say farewell in any case.
Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to take a photo of the car before I handed over my phone to police (ironically quite a few bikers did as they were part of a big group ride), and when I went to the police pound to collect our belongings from the car (before the insurance company took ownership of it) I also wasn’t allowed to see the car myself (they bag up your stuff and bring it to you at the gate). Managed to get most things included subwoofer and amp, but no chance of removing any parts myself. I had contemplated buying it back if possible to break, but honestly didn’t have the heart at that point.
We got a replacement daily not long after (2015 Mini Countryman Cooper D) which was long overdue from a safety and comfort point of view, but I do sorely miss the Punto when thinking back or seeing Facebook memories etc.
Luckily I’ve got the VR6 Corrado in the garage to scratch my car maintenance itch, but the Punto chapter of my life has closed I think. Had the car since I was about 18 for a great 10 years, and learnt all I know making mistakes working on it. Great little car and great community forum kept me going.
I’ll eventually go back and gather the last few photos to upload here in case it provide useful to anyone in the future, still a member of the UK Mk1 Punto group on Facebook so will offer any help there if I can.
Thanks for all your support and interest over the years, stay safe out there x