I didn't have the set, but my neighbour friend did. I had set 856, so we traded just for building. That was nice, we had a chance to build another set but we didn't have to buy it.

This was my very first Technic set. It was given to me for Christmas the year it was released and I was 10 or 11. My mum still has photos of me sitting in my PJ's ignoring my other pressies until I finished this. I think I ignored the food as well. :)
I only rebuilt it about two months ago and it is in pride of place in my Study.
Still my favourite Technic, if not LEGO set of all time.

I own this. I didn't own any Technic sets back then, but I bought this (for a good price) at Catawiki a few months ago. It arrived more or less built and looked very nice. I then took it apart, but didn't find the time yet to reassemble it again.
I'm not usually interested in Technic, but I really like these old sets, seeing what they achieved with fairly little means is just fascinating.

Wow, look at the brick-built curvature on the rear fairing and gas tank! And the engine made largely from 4x1 plates. I like seeing what can be done without specialized pieces. I'm sentimental, but I love seeing complexity made from nothing more fancy than straight slopes and basic shapes.

Recently came across this for a cheap price including box and instructions. Was a fun session building this and see the "simple" techniques used throughout!

yay, i have this one! (well the US version, anyway) would love to rebuild it someday, but right now lots of its elements are in use elsewhere . . . .