Chrysler Crossfire

Given that one of the main selling points for the Chrysler Crossfire is its retro hot-rod styling, our recent Greatest Drives shoot (issue 812) probably wasn't the most flattering place to photograph it. While it remains a fine-looking beast, virtually all eyes were diverted to other more exotic machinery, such as the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale.
In our previous report, we said exclusivity is everything with this car. And although you won't see the Ferrari as often as the Chrysler, the American machine remains a pretty rare specimen on our roads. Which can only be good news, because that means it's still a head-turner.
However, more recently I'd been turning heads for the wrong reasons - an odd graunching noise had been emanating from the engine. This didn't happen when cold, but once up to temperature the Crossfire sounded awful. I contacted my local main dealer, Marlborough (Isleworth) Ltd in Middlesex, and because I am covered by Chrysler's Privilege Service, it dispatched two mechanics in a van to come and provide a diagnosis.
It's not unfair to say that this was the worst part of my treatment by the garage, because the 'mechanics' didn't have a clue. They claimed the noise was due to a failed cambelt tensioner, and took the coup