I was judging at a car show yesterday and this was something we were talking
about-the driving of these cars.
I was saying that actually, when you think about it, I've had so few problems
in nearly 20,000 miles of *daily* driving a *restored* but still a 22 year old
car. I'm afraid I'm not always respectful of this 'elder' and I too enjoy the
kind of drives that Jeff describes (only unsually in the Santa Monica
Mountains). I don't do it everyday. But when I do do it I do it to the limits
of my abilities and the cars abilities.
The senior judge-who drives a 1935 MG on those same roads, commented that I've
probably had relatively few problems because I do drive it everyday-and I do
take him out for those open road jaunts. These cars were made to be driven.
Which brings to mind one of our club members-he's taking his rebuilt '57 TR3 on
the Great Race 2000-Boston to Sacremento! Need I say more?
Dave did make me promise when he gave me the keys-not to drive this car like a
grandmother! Now, I've come to realize that driving a car like this each and
everyday means that one needs to find a balance between not driving it like a
Grandma-but not beating the old woman to death either. And above all-to drive
it and have a good time! They can be fixed!
Laura G. and 'Nigel'
>
>From: Philip Warburton <cplimey@home.com>
>Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 23:00:50 -0700
>To: SPIT mail list <spitfires@autox.team.net>
>Subject: FW: Gaining confidence / moral dilemma
>
>
>FWIW ...
>
>I can understand your glee and joy at taking curves and bends at speeds
>higher than recommended because you have a car that can perform those feats
>(given you know how to "drive" your LBC) . It is something that the North
>American cars cannot handle as they are not built with the same low centre
>of gravity for the most part and thus the stability and handling suffer.
>
>However ....
>
>I don't put my car through those paces beacause
>
>1) It is a 25 year old car and I like to treat it with respect. You never
>know (unless it is ALL new and replaced) where the weak points in the car
>are. I suppose you can liken it to people as they age. Different parts wear
>out quicker than others, but (for example) there is still nothing like
>original equipment knees compared to surgically implanted ones to replace
>the worn out joints ... ask my Dad!!
>2) I would rather have my car working at a slower speed for many years than
>push it to it's limit .. and die sooner.
>
>Just MHO
>
>
>Cheers,
>
>Philip
>1975 Spitfire 1500 - Blue
>FM 32468U
>
>--------------------------------------
>
>
>From: "Jeff McNeal" <jmcneal@ohms.com>
>Reply-To: "Jeff McNeal" <jmcneal@ohms.com>
>Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2000 20:33:28 -0700
>To: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Gaining confidence / moral dilemma
>
>
>Greetings all. I just completed an exhilerating early evening rip through
>the backroads of Northern San Diego. Narrow, wo lane highways all the way;
>barely any traffic in either direction; very little development; lots of
>wide open spaces, hairpin turns, mountain roads, valley roads with oak tree
>canopies above, the smell of grass, cows, jasmine, etc. (I definitely
>preferred the jasmine). As I drive my car more, the more confidence I'm
>gaining -- and the harder I push for performance. I was doing 40 MPH on 25
>MPH curves, lots of downshifting, heel and toe, revving up to just a bit
>past 5,000 RPM -- that sort of thing. Really, REALLY enjoying myself.
>
>I arrived home feeling absolutely energized and relaxed at the same time.
>Wonderful feeling. Now, I'm wondering if it's such a wise thing to do -- to
>push a 33-year-old car so hard. It sure feels good -- but am I asking for
>trouble? Whaddya think?
>
>Best wishes,
>
>Jeff in San Diego
>
>'67 RHD Spitfire Mk3 aka "Mrs. Jones"
>Jeff's Classic '67 Spitfire Mk3 site & Vintage Spitfire Webring
><a
>href="http://www.ohms.com/spitfire/spitfire.shtml";>http://www.ohms.com/spitfire/spitfire.shtml</a>
>home of the NEW, (but STARVING FOR POSTS!!) Totally Triumph Auction
>"By Triumph enthusiasts, for Triumph enthusiasts"
><a
>href="http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/TRauction.cgi";>http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/TRauction.cgi</a>
>and... The Triumph Autos/Parts Wanted Listings
><a
>href="http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/TRwanted.cgi";>http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/TRwanted.cgi</a>
>....plus a few other surprises!
>
>* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>
>
>
>
|