New Year, New Car

"Jade" my last Singer at the Centenary Rally

I mentioned here that I was contemplating purchasing a new car, well maybe not a NEW car but at any rate a different car. I have actually never owned a new car, I was very lucky when I was younger to often drive my father's cars, and as he worked for Rootes Group and then Chrysler a major car manufacturer he always had new cars, sometimes as many as three in a year! In consequence I have always had a great affection for the cars of the Rootes Group, Hillman, Humber Sunbeam and Singer, I have owned several Hillmans, three Singers, a couple of Humbers (and quite a few Commer/Dodge vans) but never a Sunbeam. 

When I started thinking about buying a classic, and more specifically a sports car my mind naturally turned to Sunbeams, I could quite fancy an Alpine or a fastback Rapier, but cost and practicality reared it's ugly head, one way or another excluding both of these. So I have made a decision, whether it is a wise one or not remains to be seen, but in the end I decided on an MGB GT. Strangely it almost felt like a betrayal buying a Leyland car, the only one I have had before was quite horrible, a 25 almost without any redeeming features - the best thing I can say about that car was that it was a nice colour!

I am also being a bit reckless and am keeping my boring Honda, while I hope to drive the MG regularly for some things it is simply not practical, and one of those is carrying multiple large instruments!

When I have an interesting car I tend to name them, that does mean that the Honda remains unnamed! but I feel the MG will be acquiring a name as soon as I have fixed the wipers and got her back on the road, my only limitation is that there is no way I am going to call her "The Flying Banana"!