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CHoward@dmpc.bellhowell.com writes:
What a great web site! As a former owner of a 1959 MGA, 1960 TR3A and a 1968
MGC-GT I really get a thrill listening to the adventures (and misadventures)
of fellow enthusiasts. British sports cars have always provided a level of
fun far above their mundane origins.
When I was five years old, an uncle gave me a ride in his brand new 1960
TR3A. It was a cherished memory that was turned into a reality when he sold
me the same car 26 years later. Being a perfectionist, my uncle had kept the
car in wonderful condition and all I had to do was basic maintenance
throughout the years that I owned it. Financial considerations forced me to
part with the car a few years ago and its loss is something that I have yet
to get over.
As an antidote to my grief, I found and purchased an MGC-GT. I had always
been interested in the "Healey" MG so when the opportunity presented itself,
I bought a fixer upper. Several months and many dollars later, I had an
interesting and rare automobile that was fun to drive in an entirely
different way than the Triumph. Tight weather sealing and a radio provided a
much more civilized form of transport, but the fun factor was glaringly
absent. There simply is no substitute for a convertible top. The incredibly
heavy engine might have contributed to the problem because the car handled
rather poorly with a strong dose of understeer which could not be countered
by the throttle due to the rather strange lack of torque. How they managed
to produce such a promising engine without much power amazes me.
It was sold within a fairly short time and I have now been without a proper
sports car for too long. My best friend has TR3 that has been sitting in his
garage since 1970. No longer driveable, it provides a wonderful bit of
garage-art that I would love to return to the road. I'm biding my time and
hoping to set her free some day.
Well, I should go back to work, but perhaps I will write back and tell you
about the MGA sometime.
Safety Fast!
Creighton Howard
Jim Sudduth jims@autodesk.com writes:
Was just reading the stories on the website and thought I'd pass this on.
It's a while until BCW but heck, why not? We need **something** to keep us going in the
dead of winter. . .
I have a '74 TR6. It's completely stock except for a rear anti-sway bar and Goodyear
tires in place of the original, squealey Michelin redlines. I like to take weekend cruises in my '6 in Marin County north of San Francisco, out towards Point Reyes, Mt.
Tamalpais and the Pacific Ocean. The roads are great, the views are fantastic and there are plenty of fine places to stop and eat, or hike, or enjoy the ocean and mountains.
One day I'm out driving on a wonderful stretch of narrow, twisty road that winds up from
a valley (with a real British pub in it) to the top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean then along the cliff edge and north to Stinson Beach. Just as I turn on to the twistiest part of this road a black Lincoln sedan comes up behind me and he's kind of close and seems to be pushing to go faster so I think "OK, wiseguy, see ya'!" and I'm gone. I'm
whipping along at a pretty good rate and after about a half mile I check my mirror
again and there he is, right behind me! I step up the pace another notch, we're well into illegal speeds but he's still on my tail. Hmmm. . . Alright, this is serious, who does this guy think he's messing with? So I put the pedal to the metal, the trees and shrubbery are just a blur now, the tires are howlin', the adrenalin's pumpin', we're goin' for it. Check the mirror and he's still pretty close! A full-size Lincoln sedan on this road? How can this be?? For the next four or five miles I watch him closely and notice that although I gain on him in the corners it's not by much and he catches up on the short straights.
We have a VERY exciting drive into Stinson Beach, particularly the moment I'm heading
for a 90 degree unbanked right hander with a 500 foot sheer drop-off to the ocean and
I'm watching the mirror so much I brake waaaayyy late. When we get in town I park and
the Lincoln goes on up the road and parks so I think "Well, that was fun, I almost died, but something's wrong here". As I'm walking down the road towards the town center a
guy comes up the road from the other direction and as we pass he asks me "Are you the
guy in the TR6?" I say yes and he says that was a pretty good run and I say yeah and he
says he used to have a TR6, had a lot of fun in it. Then he says come have a look at the
Lincoln. When I get up to where it's parked there are three or four other guys there and
another Lincoln. They say take a look closer look and hello, what's this? There are all
sorts of suspension mods, small quasimilitary-looking computers, a full-race roll cage,
special steering, heavy duty brakes, special rubber, racing seats - this car is seriously tricked out with the best big money can buy and looks completely stock from the outside. It turns out they're engineers from Lincoln who are testing a new computerized yaw
control system and they've been having fun on the back roads pouncing on BMW drivers. Well, then I didn't feel so bad! The old TR held up the honor of the mark very well and I
think demonstrated just how much potential the old British cars had.
Wouldn't it be terrible to have to take an experimental car out to the California coast,
drive the bejeeziz out of it while putting the fear of God into BMW drivers, then stop for lunch in places like Stinson Beach? What a tough job! Life's a beach!
Jim Sudduth
CHoward@dmpc.bellhowell.com Another great story by Creighton:
Having recently acquired that great rite of all young males, a drivers
license, I quickly set about on the quest for suitable wheels. A certain
lack of available funds dictated that I purchase something old, probably
borrowed and definitely blue. In my case this turned out to be a light blue
1959 MGA. My father, a certified non-enthusiast, actually located the car
through an associate of his that had owned the car since it was new.
When I first set eyes upon it, I fell in love. The car was in virtually
perfect condition sitting in the sellers garage. New Michelin radials,
flawless paint and interior with the original spare tire and wheel in the
boot! I almost dropped to one knee to thank God that this car might become
mine before the night was over. After some very polite negotiations we
settled upon a price ($1,600.00!) and I carefully reached inside the door,
pulled on the cable and sat down and nearly began to cry. It was absolutely
fantastic!
The drive home that night was nothing short of amazing. After riding around
in sedans and station wagons all of my life, this was truly a revelation.
Though not very fast, it was certainly quick enough to make it enjoyable and
the cornering was terrific. An exhaust note that caused constant smiles
merely added to what was certainly the most fun that I had had in my young
life.
During the time that I owned the car, I endured quite a bit of good natured
ribbing from my friends because, during this time, American muscle cars were
very popular and just as affordable as my little MGA. I did not care a whit!
The MGA provided many fun afternoons and it certainly was attractive to the
opposite sex. Oh the stories I could tell! But I digress.
Much as I would like to relate that I possessed sufficient intelligence to
have kept the car, a small problem crept up that I could not afford to
remedy while attending school and throwing newspapers for a living. The bane
of many an MG, a slipping clutch, raised its ugly, and expensive head. We
stayed together for several more months and I pampered the clutch as if the
linings were cast from gold, but eventually I had to face reality. The
clutch required surgery and I simply did not have the funds or mechanical
skills necessary.
A good friend, who fully understood my plight, offered to buy the MG for
$1,700.00. As this was a substantial profit ($100.00!) I decided that this
had to be a good omen. He promptly replaced the worn out clutch bits and
began a rather ill-fated ownership experience. The car suffered the ignominy
of no less than five traffic accidents, at his less than skillful hands, in
a matter of just a few months. Though nothing serious occurred, the poor
little MG became a bondo queen and eventually disappeared altogether.
Some day soon, perhaps, I will locate another MGA or TR3 and relive the
glories of my youth. There really is nothing like an English sports car.
They are not fast, reliable, or oil-tight, but they provide a rich driving
experience like nothing else! God save the Queen!
Sincerely,
Creighton Howard
Hi,
I am the program chairman for a British Motoring Society in the United States, which has members scattered over three or four counties in my part of the Country. Our members LBCs include just about everything you can imagine, even a Singer! I came across your web site recently and immediately became enthusiastic about using Drive Your British Car Week to promote our club in this area. So, I talked to our President, and he said - OK, you thought of it, go ahead and do it...what else would you expect.
I thought one really neat way to kick this off would be to get the mayors and county commissioners of the area to jointly (if I can get a bunch of politicians to agree) designate the week of May 24-30 (or the last full week of May every year) as the official Drive Your British Car Week in our club's area. Why am I telling you all this? Because I want to know if this has been done anywhere else during DYBCW I or II, and if so, what were the results? I'm hoping that such a proclamation will be sufficient to go to the local newspaper and TV folks, and get some coverage. Anyhow, I'm writing the letters and will let you know if we get any results.
Regards,
John Hubbard
Thanks for your efforts!!
Scott Helms
!!!Success!!! Click Here To See The Results Of John Hubbard's Hard Work.
I just found your site through British Marque club news. As an avid Triumph driver, repairer, and supporter, its nice to see others actively involved in the promotion of driving our wonderful LBCs! As Newsletter Editor for Triumph Standard Motor Club in the Tampa Bay area, I do what I can to spread the word about our favorite pastime, and having a Triumph as an everyday driver,it amazes me how much response I get from other people! More than a few times I have been told that after seeing my car driving around, others have been encouraged to find their cars in the garage and actually start to get them on the road after many years of storage.
Keep up the good work. If I can help in any way let me know. Bob Menzies
Hi,
I've owned an MG TD for 20 years and
have driven it every week since I owned it, with 2 exceptions: when I was
operated on my back 2 years ago and when the engine gave out last Fall. But
never mind, I also own a YT, which has gone across the USA, over the
Canadian Rockies, all of New England, Eastern Canada, all of the Maritime
Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Isl. and
Newfoundland). It too needed an engine job, at which time I decided to
restore it. As a matter of fact, the car was written up, with excellent
color photos, in the Feb./Mar. 1999 "British Car" magazine.
So, I'm an active participant.
For your info, I'll be driving the YT, 5/8-16, from Bedford, NY (home) via
the Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge P'kway to Ashville, NC, where I'll meet 6
other "T" drivers from Ohio, NC, and SC. and we're touring for a week into
TN, GA, SC, NC and back to our respective homes. Then on 6/2, I'm driving
from Bedford to Kenebubnkport,ME to the New England "T" Register's
Gathering of the Faithful weekend 6/2-6. I'll be using the car the week you
have your car week. As a matter of fact, we're hosting a rally, with lunch,
for about 12 "T" types on 5/23.
So, anyone cares to join, let us know.
Good luck and "safety fast" MGing.
John
You asked for our Triumph stories. So here goes.
I found a sad, sick '74 TR6 on one of the many military car lots on
the island. Dying of neglect, the DPO wanted to dump it in the ocean, but came around when I offered a decent (my wife says exorbitant) price. A set of tires, new fuel pump, new battery and lloonngg hours with Stromberg carburetor parts spread out on the kitchen table later; I was on the road. Been cruising around the island for about three years now, restoring as I go. A blast to drive and, with a weekend paint job, the exterior is (was) pretty sharp! I would have gotten around to working on the interior, but the car is well on its way to being my daily driver and, honestly, the poor seats adds to the character.
Anyhow, I have a co-worker whose shiny new Chrysler product died in
the parking lot. While several well-meaning sorts clustered around, making sympathetic noises; I walked over and (fairly) quickly determined an electrical problem. Hey, you have to gain some knowledge working on Lucas electrical. But I digress. I determined the battery in this big Dodge was low (suspect she had left the lights on all day), so off I went to get my red LBC. Pulled out the jumper cables (stored in the trunk, of course), hooked up, put the truck in Neutral and fired up the Dodge first try. Triumph and Lucas to the Rescue! Disconnected the cables, closed both hoods and was prepared to receive the thanks of all concerned. That's when things started downhill, literally.
Turned my back on my Triumph (pun intended) while the lady climbed
up into the cab and released the brake. Her reasoning at that moment is not immediately clear. Anyway, her pickup truck neatly impaled the passenger door of my little toy; creasing the metal in a good six inches, then sliding down the side of the car to the taillight and turning my red vehicle into a red, white and primer grey vehicle. Custom bodywork by Crash. Her immediate reaction? Stuck her head out the window and shouted 'Sorry!'. I'm picking up my rear view door mirror from the street and she shouts "Sorry'? The FCC prohibits me from repeating exactly what I said, but it is probably for the best if you plan to post this.
Her insurance company, my insurance company and one of the local
body shops came to an $1100 agreement. I should have my vehicle back
shortly. But what I remember most is the meeting with her insurance agent, who indicated that, while his client appreciated me starting her vehicle, I should not be trying to do things 'like that' since I 'choose to drive an exotic car'. A car that is 'so easily damaged' should not be 'used in such a manner'. To my credit, I did not bodily injure this person. Just noted that no good deed ever goes unpunished.
When did TR-6's become 'exotic's'?
Mervin Bierman-
Honolulu, Hawaii
I am a 45 year old who has always loved British cars. The affair started while watching "The Avengers" on TV in high school. I could never afford to indulge my need, however. During my Air Force days in the early '70's I almost bought an MG Midget that had hit a rock at the right front wheel, but the damage was beyond my ability to repair. My desire lay dormant due to raising 4 kids and paying a big mortgage, until last Spring, when I had the opportunity to purchase my dream car, a '72 MG Midget.
It was complete, but didn't run. After trying my best over the Spring and Summer to start it, I was frustrated and dissappointed at my failure, so it was covered up and put away for the Winter. I dreamed of the open road and how the car would look. Many problems cropped up over the Winter, and this Spring arrived without any work done on the car. In the meantime, my 18 year old son also got the bug and bought a '72 MGB-GT, hoping to use it for school. What I ended up with was 2 non-running cars. So, I began to resolve it with myself that I was not destined to drive my dream, and my son was going to carry on the tradition of failure.
Then I got lucky. Uncle Sam had held back more than he should have, and had to give it back. At the same time, I heard about another '72 Midget for sale. I checked it out, and the owner initially was willing to take my Midget as a partial trade. Then came the day when the transfer was to take place, and I got a call. The owner decided, after consultation with his wife, that the last thing they wanted was another fixer-upper in the driveway. I was devastated, but made a deal anyway and picked up my third MG. The difference was, THIS ONE RAN!.
I finally got the thrill of driving an open top British car. It was everything I had hoped for. I joined my local British car club and went to the Springfest event. I was hooked. So was my son, who informed me that the GT had to go, that dropheads were the only cars for him. While at the event, I met an MG mechanic who had his business near my home, and after hearing about my 2 inoperable cars, offered to look at the Midget. I trucked it over to him and didn't think I would hear any good news. Well, 2 days later he called and said he had gotten it running!! I was floored. After a whole Spring and Summer of attempts, he did it in 2 days. I guess it helps to know what you are doing. It seems that the dogs in the distributor were stuck and the carbs needed a rebuild. After that, I had another running MG.
Then came the bad news. The engine was good, but the transmission had 3" of water in it, and the gears were frozen solid, so it needs to be replaced. It also needs a major brake system rebuild. I didn't want to dissappoint my son, who wants to take over the Midget, but there was no way I could afford the work it needed.
While trying to figure out what to do, I was looking at the pictures I have of the GT. I thought I had nothing to loose, so I showed them to the mechanic. Turns out, he has a customer looking for a GT to work on, so I am trading him the GT plus a much smaller amount of cash, for the work needed on my second Midget. Wow! In 4 weeks, I have gone from 2 non running cars and much dissappointment to having a running Midget and another one due back here this week. What I am most excited about is the reaction of my son. He is so excited, I hope he keeps his interest for a long time. Hopefully, by the end of the summer, we will be going to the car shows and cruise nights in 2 British cars as participants, not as spectators in our pick-up truck.
I want to send a big thank you to all of you who love British cars, because without that interest, the cars would be gone, the parts would not be available, and my son and I would not be as close as we are. I look forward to seeing all of you out there on the road!
Don Nagel
Coventry, RI
I drove my TR6 today in honor of British Car Week - didn't see any other
British cars but got a couple of admiring nods from other motorists. I'll be driving it all week and let you know if I see any others. I'm in the north San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda and Marin counties mostly).
Jim Sudduth
Not counting my own brand-new 1964 Jaguar MkII, which I did drive yesterday,
I've seen a number of cars around our little town that I haven't seen before,
including white Morris/Austin Mini with a very old paint job, a big
silver/blue Rolls Royce from the sixties, an MGB-GT, a Spitfire, a Caterham
Super Seven (or maybe a real Lotus, who can tell) and yesterday afternoon on
the way up Hwy 280 towards San Francisco, a Lotus Elan unfortunately stuck on
the side of the road.
Good sightings so far.
Cheers,
Gary
I just took my BN6 down the entire 5 mile length of the Vegas
Strip driving in the curb lane for maximum ohs and ahs from the tourists to
our fair town of Sin City. Will be doing this each day during the week.
British Car Week is OPEN so let's get out and let them know we are alive and
doing very well!!!
John Sims
BN6
It's official - I made it to BCWIII. Drove the '3 to work this morning
(top-down, of course). Met a "spridget" cruising the other direction on
I-75; usual thumbs-up waves as we passed. The driver of a SUV saw the
exchange and passed me and gave a smile & thumbs-up too. Usual mileage to
work = 8; today 37...
Beautiful weather here in Tampa bay area. Slight chance of rain late this
afternoon; but will be home in the garage by then - maybe... :^) Tomorrow
I'm heading to Ocala in the '3 to visit a friend. Hope to travel some of
the rallye roads that I couldn't make last September.
BCWIII beginning mileage 78368.
Carl Musson
Tampa, Florida (USA)
TR3A's - 1958 Driver &
1960 Concours d'wannabe
http://www.arts.usf.edu/~musson/triumph/
While looking for a transmission for my 71 Fiat spider, imagine my surprise
at discovering a 1965 wire wheel midget with SCCA mods sitting under a tarp
(actually 3 tarps had weathered away). I bought the Spider while missing
the 70 Midget I had sold after an 8000 mile summer. Of course I sold the
spider and took the little rusty car MG home to discover a 1500 cc Ford
Cortina Motor, headers, and a few other odds and ends. It's not road ready
yet but I will drive it this week anyway.
Gary Blagg
The Hawaiian's were restless yesterday as a bunch of British iron rolled out
into the sunshine for the annual "All British Car Day." There was a good
turnout but only 5 Healeys showed. It was interesting to see some of the
newer cars, Bentley Turbo and Jags mixed in with the older stuff. Lots of
interest in old Healeys. Can't tell you how many people said that they or
their brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, college roommate, etc, etc used to own
one. I'm sure you have all hear the same. Good fun for the afternoon and I
got to shake down my 100 with the blessing of my collector car insurance
agent! Have fun this week.....
Aloha,
Perry
Well, today being the first day of Drive your LBC week, I motored off
to work in the TR-6. For some reason, I arrived in a better mood than
most other days. Although it has been a while since the back of the
crisp dress shirt sogged out on the way!
I arrived early enough to grab a spot nosed right up to the curb in
front of my office (in a storefront office). Within an hour, a guy
came in to see who owned that green (java) car out front. Seems he's
building up a 71 and can't find a cylinder head, so I gave him some
local phone numbers and solicited him to our local club.
A while later, somebody else came in just to ask what that cute car is
out front.
When I heard loud voices during the afternoon, I looked out to see
that the high school down the block had let out, and a cluster of kids
was gathered around the car, commenting in amazement. Careful vigil
was kept until they disappeared.
Several "thumbs ups" on the way home, and I arrived home in a better
than usual mood, traffic and all.
Gotta do this more often.
Anybody else?
Craig '76
Fort Lauderdale
Well I saw some poor soul taking his MG Midget out on I-40/85 just past
"Death Valley" in Greensboro yesterday. It seemed he got himself all spun
around in the left hand lane and almost made the cross over into the opposite
lane through the median judging by the skid marks on the road. It looked to
be a 180 on the pavement, then he completed the 360 in the grass. Probably a
severe pucker factor in the Midget. Meeting traffic on that road is not
recommended on that road. :-(
When I got there the poor guy was explaining all of this to the state
trooper. Probably not fun considering that these NC cops aren't the most
forgiving of folks.
Lets be careful out there.
Tim Wallace
'67 BJ8
Fuquay-Varina, NC
The weather here in Central Illinois has been great for British Car
Week. Unfortunately, I am not seeing other LBC's. Where are you?
Where is everybody?, come on it's not too cold! I've been driving the TR7 everyday this week, haven't seen another LBC on the road. Maybe Thurs of Fri I'll drive the Mini!
Next year, the Healey!
Oh well, i don't care where the wimps are!, I'm still havin' a ball!
John.
Oostburg, WI.
Got the BJ8 out for the 1st time this week for BCW - (2-1/2" of rain
yesterday). I did not see any other LBC's but in my 15 mile spin just before
dusk I encountered 4 "thumbs up", 2 "horn honks" & 1 "hey mister that's a
really nice car". My 5 year old daughter strapped in the back seat (to
better enjoy the exhaust rumble) asked "Daddy why does every body like this
gold car? It goes too fast and sure is loud". She's a quick learner.
We'll be out each night this week - weather permitting.
John
1967 BJ8 41564
Metallic Golden Beige
It's raining. Hard. But I'm gonna drive that TR250 (again) anyway. It's
only 48 miles to work. I have told everyone I'd drive it anywhere. After
all, that's what I restored it for. Time to put up or shut up. And besides,
my dependable Jeep is in the shop (again). I'm not worried. Just glad I
have one to depend on....
Skip
'68 TR250
The British Motor Club of Southern New Jersey held their annual show on
Sunday May 23rd to kick off British Car Week in our little corner of the
world. In true Brit fashion, it rained buckets all morning so the expected
turnout of 100 cars didn't materialize but around 50 hardy LBMCs did splash
their way to Atsion Park and were eventually rewarded with clearing skies.
As is usual at our events, the afternoon saw the veterans sorting out the
problems the new owners were having- sort of an impromptu tech
session/repair. I'm one of the lucky ones; I get to drive my British car
every day to work, shopping and just plain fun. She's a 61 Jaguar MKII named
Gracie( for the Jag motto of Grace, Space & Pace) and has been quite
reliable although bloody cold in the Winter and too hot in the Summer. But,
Oh those perfect 2 weeks of Spring & Fall!
Sue Salsburg
1-22-99
1-26-99
2-9-99
On 3-17-99 John Hubbard (ehubbard@traveller.com) writes: (John's whereabouts removed per his request, until he gets some feedback from his local powers - very understandable)
Great idea John! I don't know for sure, but I don't believe an idea like yours has been carried out yet. Or at least I haven't heard about it. Our local club president, Ted Sult, did run a local radio campaign for BCW last year though. I will be interested to hear what kind of reception your idea will get from your local powers. Maybe your idea will carried out by others. Please keep us updated!!
On 4-6-99, Bob Menzies (Gt64ev4@aol.com) wrote:
On 4-7-99, John (jprlf@bestweb.net) wrote:
On 4-29-99, Mervin (biermanm@pac.disa.mil) wrote:
On 5-9-99, Don Nagel (MGmaniac45@aol.com) wrote:
On 5-24-99, Jim Sudduth (Jim.sudduth@autodesk.com) wrote:
On 5-24-99, Gary Anderson (Editorgary@aol.com) wrote:
On 5-24-99, John Sims (J_L_Sims@email.msn.com) wrote:
On 5-24-99, Carl Musson (musson@satie.arts.usf.edu) wrote:
On 5-25-99, Gary Blagg (arboretum2@crt.state.la.us) wrote:
On 5-25-99, Perry (Healeyguy@aol.com) wrote:
On 5-25-99, Craig (rangerc@ix.netcom.com) wrote:
On 5-25-99, Tim Wallace (Healybj8@aol.com) wrote:
On 5-26-99, (lynnneff@springnet1.com ) wrote:
On 5-26-99, John (MOWOGMAN@aol.com) wrote:
On 5-26-99, John (jheff123@email.msn.com) wrote:
On 5-26-99, Skip (wiseones@mindspring.com) wrote:
On 5-26-99, Sue Salsburg (old_cat@prodigy.net) wrote:
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