I think there are many reasons why they aren't seen as often as we would
wish.
The weather is one of them. The original cars (those not restored, though
there can't be many) are high days and holidays on fine days - and we don't
get too many of the latter. More and more of our classics are staying at
home because of lousy weather.
Then, there is the post 1972 build owner who is still being caned for a tax
disc and pays the same as the latest eurobox for the priviledge of taking
his/her car out. US$160 for six months use is a bit steep.
The concern about what to do with unleaded fuel is still frightening many to
the extent that some of the older drivers have convinced themselves the cars
won't run unleaded and they're 'saving up' to have the head converted.
The vandalism aspect is a serious deterrent too. Mindless yobs on UK streets
who think "it's a gas" to rub a rusty nail down a newly painted panel - be
it a classic or something exotic are too frequent for comfort.
Then there are the head cases who like to play silly bu**ers. I was enjoying
a half hour road test earlier this week in a de-winterised TR2. Top down,
wind in the hair and 55-60 on the clock. What happens but some yobs in
Japcrap start to box you in and keep hitting their brake pedals just to see
how your car handles. Go slower they make it worse, go faster and they still
keep with you and continue with their mindless game.
It's at times like that that I'd like to have a tank of very liquid and
highly pressurised pig slurry conveniently to hand with an ultra-powerful
nozzle to squirt into an open window or down an air intake on the offending
vehicle.
I suppose the other thing is loose chippings. This is the time of year when
the Councils are out doing top dressings with a truckload of grit and hot
tar. Despite warning signs and recommended speed limits, no-one takes the
slightest notice. This leads to inevitable paint chips, wet tar on the
panels and a busted toughened windscreen.
John Mac
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