Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,352 Threads: 241
Reputation:
23
Location: North Herts
There will be many for whom this little poem chimes. It was written by a pal of mine.
AN OLDIE’S LAMENT
The car I had when I was young,
Was simple through and through.
It had a handle that you swung,
And comfy leather too.
Few switches on its wooden dash,
And even fewer dials,
No synchro changes - only crash,
What fun, for miles and miles.
But not so now with modern tech,
Where screens and codes contrive,
To make me first a nervous wreck,
And then too scared to drive!
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 2,409 Threads: 33
Reputation:
36
Location: Deepest Frogland 30960
Car type: 1933 RP Standard Saloon
Whilst I can't speak for earlier cars, my RP saloon with a good engine and a few upgrades made the long haul to Santiago de Compostella (and beyond) quite an enjoyable trip. OK it's not a modern and can't keep up on fast roads but that's not the point. Despite its age and rudimentary technology it is more than capable of holding its own in traffic or on minor roads. You just have to stay clear of motorways and fast dual carriageways. I must admit though, that the European motoring public seem in general more than supportive of old-timers of whatever era, but I have a very loud klaxon and a strident 6v horn for those that need a reminder. As long as you accept the car for what it is, use it for what it was designed to do and treat it accordingly it will do exactly what it says on the tin. 3200km there and back. Never missed a beat. 44.43mpg. Hope I'm still going as well when I'm 86.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 972 Threads: 117
Reputation:
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Location: Melton Mowbray.
We are the Vintage Brotherhood, our cars are very old,
Each thing sits in its proper place and we sit in the cold,
Conducting our machinery behind an aero screen,
While little boys cry " Racer " and the moderns wax obscene.
Our cars make may noise than theirs, they may not go as fast,
They've no push-button radio, but heavens how they last;
These then our loved and trusted friends, of more than human worth,
For craftsmanship and character, the greatest things on earth.
We are the Vintage Brotherhood, our cars are hell to run,
The moderns get the spares they need, but we get all the fun,
No hydromatic nonsense, no bulbous tin for us...
...And if you break your crankshaft, you can always take a bus.
W.H.Charnock. 1951.
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,644 Threads: 93
Reputation:
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Location: Monmouthshire
Now Ruairidh, we eagerly await you reaching to the bookshelf and getting down the volume containing William McGonagall's immortal verse "Idyll on the Austin Seven."
Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 5,452 Threads: 231
Reputation:
67
Location: Scotchland
You will be pleased to hear that I burnt the sole remaining copy only last week Steve - phew!!
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,644 Threads: 93
Reputation:
15
Location: Monmouthshire
Well Ruairidh didnae burn the book
He threw it in the Tay
As those as lives in Wild Wet Wales
All cried hip hip hooray!
Joined: Nov 2017 Posts: 225 Threads: 18
Reputation:
0
Location: Kennet Valley
Car type: 1932/3 AH tourer
Witty ditties are always fun especially about our precious little motors, so I wonder how many of you are familiar with this little gem inspired by Kipling's 'If'...
If you can drive from John o' Groats to Land's End
and not tell lIes about your average speed;
If you can treat the modest 'baby`Seven
With all the care a limousine would need;
If you can thread your way through thickest traffic
Nor cease from caution down the loneliest lane,
Aware that, once removed to realms seraphic
No hen or duck will come to life again.
If you respect your tyres and springs, and soften
What might have been a pot-hole's hideous bump
If you can use the grease-gun well and often
And keep to safety level in the sump;
If you can smoothly change from top to bottom
When faced with 'one in seven' on your route;
If you apply all warnings as you spot 'em
And always give the cross-roads their passing hoot
If you avoid the sins of stunt contrivers,
Of 'cutters-in' and breakers of the code;
If you can bear in mind that other drivers
Are just as much entitled to the road;
In short, if you behave with due discretion
As just one item in a mighty host
You'll be if I may give my impression
A DASHED SIGHT BETTER MOTORIST THAN MOST.
True satisfaction is the delayed fulfilment of ancient wish
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 1,644 Threads: 93
Reputation:
15
Location: Monmouthshire
18-11-2019, 10:14 PM
(This post was last modified: 18-11-2019, 10:15 PM by Steve kay.)
Soothe those bleeding ears, time for a little gentle music. How about Steppenwolf and "Born to Be Wild."
"I like smoke and lightning
Side valve thunder
Racing with the wind
And the feeling that I'm under
Needing to adjust the near side rear brake cable...."
