100+ on the German autobahn. For short distances. I had a built in
governor. When at that speed, the thought would occur - what would happen
if a tire blew right now? My foot would automatically come off the
accelerator.
During that trip, I had a passenger and a load of camping gear. He was
dozing in the passenger seat. We were cruising along fat, dumb, and happy,
when I glanced at the speedometer. I nudged him awake and asked him how
fast he thought were going. He said about 75-80. I told him to look at the
speedo. We were cruising comfortably at 90 MPH..
I have found that if I do not look at the speedo and just drive at what
becomes a comfortable speed for me and the Healey, I will be going 85 MPH.
Less fighting the steering wheel, engine is running smooth and strong, I am
more relaxed than at 55 or 65, the road seems to smooth out, and the
driving experience is total pleasure.
I first drove a friends Healey on the track at LeMans the day before the
race.Too long a story to relate here. I don't know how fast I was driving
down the Mulsanne Straight but it had to do with dicing with a Birdcage
Maserati. OK. So the Maserati passed us like we were standing still. That
experience and a couple of rallies told me that I had to have a Healey. It
took 10 years for the dream to come true but I'm still lovin' it.
Speaking of LeMans, There is a two page picture spread of the 1960 start in
the 1961 program. On the left page, I can be seen taking pictures as I
knelt on the overhang above the pits. On the right page can be seen Healey
UJB143 in the pack.
(The Other) Len
Vacaville, CA, USA
1967 AH 3000 MkIII, HBJ8L39031
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