I am another 'mad' daily Spitfire user. Main reason for this - there is no way
I can afford to run more than one car, so if I am to enjoy the pleasures of
Spitfire ownership, I have to use that as my main car. Last year Daffy did
about 16,000 miles - it is a bit of a trek to work and back for me, although
it is almost all 70-80 mph motorway, so it doesn't take too long. It is true
that this does take its toll, but regular maintenance, keep up the servicing
schedule more or less (which I do all of myself), and problems are minimised.
In a little over 2 years of Spitfire ownership I have missed one days work due
to not being able to start the car (starter motor died). There have also been
two occasions where I have had to use a combination of trains and borrowing my
wifes car for a few days because Daffy was off the road - first with a big end
gone, requiring a new re-conditioned engine (not a cheap fault, and only 2
months after I got the car), then with the rear drive-line and suspension
damaged after a UJ from the diff to the half-shaft disintegrated (my fault, I
didn't put it in properly when replacing it a few days early). My wife's car
('88 Citroen BX) has probably suffered a similar amount of off-the-road time,
so Spitfire ownership is no more risky than running an old-ish 'modern' car.
If you have faith in your machine, in your mechanical abilities, and you take
good care of your car, a Spitfire can make a fine daily driver, and you will
actually look forward to your commuting time, rather than seeing it as a
chore. One word on MGs - while I appreciate the gentle rivalry between
Triumph and MG, I have to admit that the MG BGT I had before Daffy took a lot
less regular tinkering than Daffy does (and never needed a new engine...).
But that may just be because I knew less about classics back then - I suspect
much of my tinkering is self-inflicted because I enjoy it, rather than because
it is essential!
Richard and Daffy (Driving daily through the winter weather and loving every
second!)
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