Transport
Transport
First form of transport was a bike - in common with most kids since the very first bike!
Next came a motorbike - like most young lads!
In my case it was a little different to the normal bike. Mine was a 1937 250cc BSA.
Once I started work I had to have something more reliable, so I bought a Mini Van
After the mini I bought a Ford Transit van. Why? I haven't the faintest idea, but I do know it was an absolute nail!
The only reason I can give for this abberation is that, around this time I was driving for my mates rock band, and I fancied my own van (?) - this isn't mine by the way - just a look-alike
Next car after the Mini was a Ford Cortina 1200 mk 1. No photos of this car sadly - unless someone has one? This is a look-alike. It was dark green with a home-painted red go faster stripe down the side. It seemed huge at the time, but seeing a mk 1 Cortina nowadays you're struck by how small they are.
Next car was a move up-market - a Triumph 2000 mk !. What a car, lovely smooth straight six engine, brakes the size of saucers which overheated every time you tried to stop too quickly!
After the Triumph rusted away - a common failing with British cars in those far off halcyon days! - I decided to build myself a Spartan after the Transit.
Spartan cars are (or were) kit cars with the general appearance of an old MG TF, but based upon Triumph Herald mechanicals bolted to a custom built steel ladder chassis.
After a year or two driving around in the Spartan, I decided it was time to dismantle it! As you do!
Off came the Triumph Herald bits and on went a Ford Cortina mk 3 front and rear suspension and 2 litre Pinto engine.
Of course the Cortina mk 3 was MUCH bigger than the Herald, so the modification meant chopping the chassis in half and making it about a foot wider.
After demolishing a colleagues Mini in the works car park, the Spartan had to go to save on insurance premiums. Its replacement was a Vauxhall Viva mk 3 1100. What a car, couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding! It WAS a lovely smooth running, comfortable car though - and economical.
As with all cars in those days though, it suffered from tin worm. Eventually after moments agonising over the decision, it went, to be replaced by a Vauxhall Firenza 2.3 litre. Sold to me by one of my brothers colleagues, it was an excellent car. Really torquey, hugely powerful 2.3 litre 4-cylinder engine.
Again, no photos of this car (or the Viva - these are just similar cars). The Firenza was bought primarily to tow the boat (which the Spartan had been towing until I bent the colleagues Mini).
Vauxhall Firenza was followed by a Ford Cortina mk 3 2 litre. Bought in a hurry when I needed a car, and lived to regret it! What a banger!. No photos - this is a 2000E version which looked similar.
Next car was a Ford Granada 2.3 litre. A huge car with seating for a family of, well loads really!. Lovely big comfy car, loads of power. Eventually the Granada had to go - it started pulling to one side and I didn't fancy the repair bill!
(not my Granada - just one like it)
Had a nice Austin Montego Estate after that. Only a 1.6 litre but it pulled the Silhouette OK. Lots of space - by then we had a dog and it was ideal.
Next was a Citroen BX diesel estate - incredibly smooth and comfortable, very good economy, loads of space and an excellent tow car - but talk about ugly!
(again not my BX - just one like it)
Mazda 626 2 litre after that. I loved that car - typical Japanese motor, nothing went wrong, just stuff wearing out like brakes and tyres.
Next up was the start of my love affair with Jags - a beautiful 2.5 litre X Type in British Racing Green, with ivory leather interior! Sadly that one was written off when I lost it on a bend going to work one morning! What a pillock!
Its replacement was a somewhat older and cheaper S Type 3 litre. Dark blue, loaded, goes like stink, big fat Sport spec wheels (and it feels like it has the stiffer lowered suspension too)
Above photo shows the S-type with the Jaguar leaper on the bonnet. I'm not fond of these things - apart from being a danger to any unfortunate pedestrian who might come in contact with it! It's been replaced with the proper Jaguar bonnet badge.
Latest Jaguar in the gallery below - I'll add more photos when I have a chance to take some
