|
CLUB
HAPPENINGS
by Allen Williams
I recently read an article in
Hot Rod Magazine about "Car Guys and Gals". Basically, the author
talked about how people in that life style love the experience their
cars bring to them and their willingness to tolerate the slings and
arrows of ownership (or as some may say, "care-taker-ship"- since we
may be only one of many who possess the car for a period of time). It
brought to mind British car owners- like all of us. In order to enjoy
the sound and fury, driving pleasure and sheer excitement of our cars,
British Car Guys and Gals:
·
Think nothing of driving
150 miles through the desert all the while rapping the rear
bulk head with alternating fists, and later, a hammer to keep the
fuel pump pumping.
·
Aren't bothered by the
ominous cloud in the horizon, as they motor merrily with the bonnet down
toward their destination.
·
Don't care about the
increasing number oil spots on their driveway.
·
Think the UPS person is
Santa Claus in disguise.
·
Think a great weekend is
spent by a day wrenching in the garage followed by a long drive down a
twisty country road the next day that ends at an "out of the way"
restaurant for lunch or dinner.
·
Consider a water spray
bottle a great way to cool off while stranded in traffic on the way to a
car show, picnic, or other club activity.
·
Don't mind that the
heater and defroster in any British car are just there for looks.
·
Are not bothered by having
to carry a boot full of spare parts and tools for any trip more than a
mile out of town.
·
Ignore
the smell of oil, gas and hot wires and hoses. Whatever it is can
probably be fixed on the side of the road, when or if it breaks.
·
Think nothing of parts
falling off the car as they pull up to their destination. If you can
find them, throw them into the boot for later. If not, Oh! Well!
·
Can endlessly bore non- car
people with a lifetime of stories about where they've been and
adventures they've had in their cars, and never realize it.
·
May feel like a car is part
of the family, at least equivalent to the dog, or even a spouse or
child.
·
Have been known to shed a
tear(s) while waxing nostalgic about past adventures; and definitely,
when seeing it leaving their driveway for the last time with the new
owner.
I'll bet all of us can add many more observations!
|
