First Annual British Car Week 1997

As with many things in my life, I was a bundle of good intentions as British Car Week approached. My 1974 chrome-bumper, carmine red MGB Roadster was in good shape having just had its spring tune-up and was looking particularly good give the recent addition of a new Moto-lita steering wheel. However, as is far too often the case, my good intentions fell by the wayside as family and business issues kept the MG "grounded". Finally, on Thursday, I was up very early and it was looking like a decent spring day in Toronto. I pulled the cover off the car and put the top down. I live by the firm conviction that "topless" is the natural state of an MGB and that the top should only be used in case of an emergency - like a sudden thunderstorm or particularly bad hair day. I turned the key and the engine roared to life with a very pleasant rumble coming from the Ansa exhaust. As I pulled onto the street, I thought about turning on the radio but the sound of the ehaust as I accelerated was far too pleasant to be covered up by the morning news. I joined the throng of commuters heading down the Don Valley Parkway and weaved in and out of the Honda's, minivan's and SUV's as I made the 35 minute trip downtown with the wind in my hair and the sun on my face. I parked undergound and pulled into a spot close to the attendant (extra security for my baby). As I was fussing with the tonneau a very expensive looking Mercedes pulled into the spot beside me. "I'd forgotten the joys of a tonneau cover" the Mercedes driver said and proceeded to tell me the story of the TR6 he owned for many years with a wistful look in his eye.

There are more British car fans out there than you think. The way to meet them is to drive your car - that almost always brings out the British car fan in everyone!

Keep the Faith!

Christopher Whyte - [email protected]
Executive Director - Business Development
CIBC New Ventures