Long live the Corsa!

We've found a mechanic who's agreed to do the really tricky bits for a knock-down price, so it looks like the Monkey Corsa will be going to Africa, after all. Well, better the monkey you know!

But thanks for all the advice and offers of help...it means a lot, and now we know exactly where to find a motor for the next time we do something this foolish

The Corsa is dead, long live the...?

Sadly, Monkey Corsa died today on the operating table at Evolution Engineering.

Well, it did when we found out how much it's going to cost to get it in a state to survive this trip. New water pump, shocks, wheel bearings, steering, the list goes on. We could do some of it ourselves, if we had the facilities and the time.

So we need a new motor. Matt at Evo's trying to find one, but can you help? The budget is tiny, and time is short. Email us on the address above, or call me on 07725 313409.

And if you'd like the Corsa for spares or a fixer-upper, the proceeds will go towards our fund-raising total.

Aaarrgh! But somehow we will be on the road on January 11, even if it's on mopeds

Meet the Monkey Runners logo

Wonderful art editor Carl Fleischer has created a logo for the Monkey Runners. Isn't it great?

Monkey Corsa is being tended by Evolution Engineering. A new water pump should fix the engine problem and we'll chuck some new shocks on the back as well. Anything built for London's ridiculous speed bump epidemic should cope with Africa's roads, if our trip to Kenya in May was any guide to what we can expect.

Christmas mechanics

A first proper drive for the Corsa has revealed that not only is something wrong at the back - probably shocks from the way it goes over speed bumps - but there's a massive coolant leak somewhere. Stuck in London traffic we nearly overheated for lack of water!

An emergency trip to our friendly local garage will be first on the agenda Monday morning.