I remember that my very first car caused my late Dad much thought as, bless
him, he bought it for
me.
He knew I wanted a sports car yet he also knew that such a beast was likely to
be unsuitable unless
the spec chosen was going to meet *his* requirements vis a vis how I might use
it and the dangers
involved.
The compromise manifested itself in the form of a 1938 MG TA two seater with
four very
unsynchronised gears, less than re-assuring brakes and something that made a
noise that was entirely
disproportionate to its actual velocity. It cost just over GBP400 in 1962 and
it sure was one of the
better TA's around at the time. I *loved* that car and got more fun out of it
in showing my friends
how you could make silent up and down gearchanges, while using the gearbox to
assist the less than
adequate cable operated brakes. I don't think at any time in the four years
that I had it that I
ever did more than seventy mph and it felt like I was broaching Mach 1 !
Of course, TA's are like hen's teeth today and they cost way, way more than
what Dad paid for mine.
But times change. Traffic is far more aggressive and we all think side impact
sytems, crumple
zones - and a lot more besides.
To contribute to this thread, I'd go for a 240 Volvo or some kind of Euro
diesel like a Golf
(Rabbit) or a Polo, or - one of the Suzukis. I've had two Suzuki Vitaras
(Sidekicks) and the family
as a whole errs towards Suzis as daily drivers. The current model used by *Head
Office* (SWMBO) is a
993cc 3 cylinder three door hatchback. Goes quite quickly, parks easily, has
plenty of space and
important for us where fuel cost is a major consideration, will easily do
48-50mpg on local trips.
We also have a Suzuki Cappucino for the summer months as this is smaller than
but faster than a
Spitfire and terrific fun. Arranging the Trans-America Drive for next year has
totally prevented me
driving my much-loved Triumph 2.5 Injection saloon throughout 2008 and I
wouldn't drive it in 2009
either - so we said goodbye to one another some six weeks ago after ten years
of blissful marriage.
Maybe a return to Triumph ownership in 2010 will see me acquiring a Stag as
they're still plentiful
in the UK - and for my personal needs, offer the comfort I knew so well in my
old Big Six
Sorry, rambling too much and getting away from topic.
Jonmac
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