As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Either we shall all hang together or we
shall most assuredly hang separately." British car owners must learn to
unite.
I never had anything against MGs, being a long, long-time Triumph owner.
In fact, at least when I was living on Long Island, the only thing I didn't
like about MGs was the people who owned them. That is, until the New Jersey
Triumph Association held a joint ralley in 1982 with a local MG club there.
At this point I discovered that the Long Island MG people were simply a
bunch of snobs. But I do wonder if this attitude is pervasive among BMC
owners.
The MGCC-LI folk would talk about how the TR7 was originally designed as
an MG. I pointed out that this wasn't so, that the proposed mid-engined MG
was actually (so I said to mollify them) a bit nicer, and that the TR7 was
just designed by Harris Mann of Abingdon. This didn't sway them, even though
the late David Hebb, author of "The Complete Rally Book," and an MG owner,
agreed with me. They had their "facts" and were sticking with them, helping
to feed their resentment. (Again, let me stress that the New Jersey people
weren't like that.) It seems, from the forwarded letter, that this attitude
might still hold, at least among some.
Of course, the fact that I didn't put down MGs as they put down Triumphs
was simply "proof" of the MG's superiority. Ridiculous!
MGs are, for the most part, perfectly nice sports cars. Although I never
much cared for the styling of the MGB, I always have loved the MGA, which, to
me, is one of the most elegant automotive designs ever.
True, the TR7/8 droptop is nicer looking than the tin-top, but living here
in Florida I'd really wish my TR8 did have a solid roof (only tourists drive
convertibles here). As for the term "roadster," well, really, the last ones
were the MGA and Spridget and the TR3. Well, some Morgans and the Dodge
Viper, and--dare I stretch it?--fabric-door Jeeps. Even the Spitfire, one of
the prettiest sports cars, had roll-up windows, and was therefore not a true
roadster.
I have to agree with Owen, though with a bit of a turnabout: By today's
standards, they're ALL crap. But that has nothing to do with why we love
them--or maybe everything to do with it. They are all lovable, and all need
us to love them and take care of them. So what if some people prefer
Triumphs over MGs, or SAABs over Volvos or Fords over Chevrolets (and I
happen to own a Triumph, a SAAB, and a Ford--and a Buick). They all have
their good points and bad points, and it's all a matter of taste.
Personally, I think Spanish sparkling wine sucks big time, but some people
like it--all a matter of taste (I'll have Domaine Chandon, thank you). So
what?
If anyone wishes to continue with the silly little nasty attitudes about
other cars, fine--just keep away from British car activities, and go stew in
your own little pot. We're here to have fun.
(TVRs--now, they're neat!)
--Doug Hitzig, KD4WTS, sunny Cocoa Beach, Florida O-
"Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder." --Kinky Friedman
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