All of the good old stories about "double locking hood" brought some of my
own memories back.
It was the summer of 1977 (maybe 1978) and still a college punk. Decided to
stay in DC area & get a summer job. Had to have a car (good excuse to spend
my life's saving). Found an ad for a 196? British green MGB w/ chrome wire
wheels, etc. in a Virginia farm, 120 miles away. Dragged my roommate to
drive me there. Bought the car for $ 605.00. The car was in a great shape
-the soft top, it was stolen according to the farmer. Top was B/O for 8
weeks. Bought "No Fault Insurance (don't think they exist anymore) from DC
government for $ 20.00 or so. From Bus riding to a sporty looking roadster,
NOT BAD! I was moving on up. The first Friday night of my MGB ownership, met
a couple of NY princesses in a DISCO.... They were also in DC for internship
work. They were already homesick for their dads' pool, tennis court, and the
yacht. They also missed not being @ the beach. I offered my services and my
MGB to take them to VA Beach. I, however, explained to them that VA State
law prohibited me from taking more than one passenger! So, we left one of
the princesses for my roommate to tend to. Later, my roommate & I mutually
agreed that in our books we were even w/ the ride to the farm. It was
further speculated that this car was a piece of good luck charm fallen from
the heavens. That same Friday night we were packed and to the beach we went.
My date was really classy. All dressed up and made up (just for the ride to
the beach, hello...) just like Barbie. I, on the other hand, felt very
inadequate without a tux on. We got to the beach and had a blast. On the way
coming back around Richmond area, we hit a storm and I am talking monsoon
rain. No bridge on site and no tarp at hand (I didn't take it to make room
for her many suitcases)for cover. We were soaked and car was taking about
couple inches of water. Her beautiful dress was all ruined and mascara
was running every different direction. The wiper motor also went out of
commission. Visibility zero, I had to pull over . We stayed in the car.
She was POed big time, but cordial. Then I opened my big mouth and shared w/
her concern about the car rusting out. She became hysterical & called me
names which web master would not approve if repeated. There was also several
references about my IQ and the comparisons between the size of my brain and
my testicles. She went as far as saying that her dad would have a
conversation w/ the university president to have me thrown out( I stayed).
I sat in the car quietly (while she was rambling on & on) and thought to
myself " GOD I LOVE THIS CAR". When we got to the city, no kisses goodbye
and no "thank you for the great time @ the beach"! Never spoken to or seen
her again!! My old roommate is still in touch w/her friend. I wonder if I
should send her a note saying " Bought an old roadster, do you want to take
a ride to the beach?"
I kept the MGB for 4 years before it was in an accident (w/ me in it) and
completely behind my financial capability for restoration. Remember no fault
insurance? Had many glorious memories all during that time, which I think
inspired me to buy the SPL-311.
I recently bough the car and haven’t had many opportunities to drive it
around (due to the snowstorms). However, when I am driving the roadster "I
am 19 again and no care in the world".
Good driving
Alan Vedadi
1967 1600 SPL-311
Potomac Maryland
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