Interesting. Registration is French, so I have no idea how the tint on the front windscreen got through the CT (MOT). I presume there’s some special registration for vehicles still under development.

And clearly Sir Jim has a fair amount of clout being able to convince Sir Dave to allow the entire Ineos Grenadier squad, (just a few million quid’s worth of pro cyclist), to sit on top of a 2m high car just before the start of a stage.  Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey

Last edited by Grenadier on 11th Sep 2020 7:33am. Edited 1 time in total

And the front side windows.

I thought maybe it wasn't being driven on open roads, but some of the shots look like they are.

Maybe it's just part of the TdF caravan that seems to travel in a bubble all of it's own.

You could be right. Having watched numerous stages live, it is true that the TdF bubble is very bubbly. They hoon around like nutters, clearly in front of the Gendarmes - if not actually being led by the Gendarmes, as if it’s Silverstone. They can, and do, get away with anything. But that’s only during the race as they still have to drive between finish towns and start towns most days. For example, the distance between last night’s finish and today’s start is 130km, which they’d have to have done on open roads last night or this morning.  Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey

I'm just imagining the Gendarme pulling over the Grenadier, the bus and rest of entourage stop as one, and whilst he discusses the legality of the tint, there's a phone call made to Christian Prudhomme, then one to Macron, and before you know it, the Gendarme is on school crossing duty for the next 6 months...or at least that's probably the thinking of every Gendarme who looks at the tint and works out the best course of action for themselves...

Is it not a “developement” vehicle so can get away with loads of things that us ordinary mortals would be made to remove from our cars, I’m sure that the windscreen wiper arrangement wouldn’t pass construction rules too as it appears to wipe less than half of the glass in front of the driver Epsom Green Tdi300 County HT is now an SW
Defender D240 1st Edition in Pangea Green with Acorn interior. Now with a host of accessories

of course it's in France not the UK, but the UK seems to have a clear path for what and what isn't acceptable for a prototype:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications...quirements

And it includes this:

"The C&U regulations that need to be met by prototypes, are:

30 View to the front
34 Windscreen wipers and washers"

And makes particular reference to, in light of the discussion previous discussion on the topic, 19 (no obscuration of key lamps when stationary, with movable parts open, e.g. doors).

But then there is the caveat that "Exceptions in special cases" can also apply.

Grenadier wrote:

Interesting. Registration is French, so I have no idea how the tint on the front windscreen got through the CT (MOT). I presume there’s some special registration for vehicles still under development.

That windscreen wiper again...


Click image to enlarge
INEOS Grenadier (@INEOSGrenadier) Tweeted:
On our way to Stage 13! #TDF2020 @INEOSGrenadiers https://t.co/I5g5L0LyZP https://twitter.com/INEOSGrenadier/status/...93953?s=20

At least they are prepared to show the development vehicle as a work in progress, unlike JLR with all their camouflaged panels and taped on body additions.
Surely the wipers will be fully integrated by the time the production models are ready.

Is it not just a dark panel they fit when parked, to conceal the interior from prying eyes?
Maybe that wiper is helping to hold it in place?

The Tour just went past my house. There was one Grenadier that went through early on and I did not have enough time to get my phone and take a picture
As it was on its own, I could hear it very well, and it did seem to be quiet (and was going uphill). I had my phone ready after that, but all Ineos had was one Mercedes van and an estate car with bikes on the roof.
I received a couple of messages from friends saying they saw my Defender on TV though!

So you're not far from Lyons then? What's going on with the Mayor there, apparently very anti TdF?

Excellent finish today, some great tactics from Sunweb.

I hope you are Defender spotting like me Supercat.....

Yes, he has been vocal about the environmental credentials of the event (and it is true there is an amazing number of cars + lorries + buses + motorcycles per bicycle!) and this is already influencing next years route. There are some other things as well, but I think this forum is best for Defender spotting (like Markb110 says) rather than politics

Some of you following the Tour may have already seen this

If not , enjoy