Fairlady, wow, haven't thought of that for almost 30 years. In 1969
when my 1962 MGA 1600 mkII was rear-ended by a drunk in a Ford
convertible I started looking for a replacement. Read a lot and found a
review comparing 1969 MGB, TR6, Fiat 124 and Datsun 2000. The
Datsun was given the best overall performance rating so I figured what
the heck and bought one. The car was, in a straight line, incredible. Five
speed transmission, 135 horses (150 was an option). In March of 1970
won the SCCA autocross event in Worcester, MA against a Lotus Elan.
Met a lovely young woman, wooed her and won. Decided on my own to
trade it in on a more "practical" car, a 1970 dodge station wagon. She
almost handed me my head for doing such a stupid thing (but she married
me anyway).
Fast forward 19 years. Saw a forlorn little 77 MGB beside a gas
station, for sale, $2,000. Owner was sick of spending money on it.
80,000 miles on it. Bought it, put 12,000 miles on it in 5 months of
summer fun. Total repairs, $3.50. Asked wife about restoring it a bit
(figured about $1,000). She said "Will $3,000 be enough?" (gotta love it!!)
$4,600 and two front fenders, door skins, boot, bonnet, rocker panels,
interior, paint, etc., etc., etc. later a pretty car.
Now, 145,000 miles and still going strong. Added Weber down draft,
overdrive, real wood (mahogany) interior trim, new top. Will never
recoup money spent and don't care. This is fun!!!
Longest day, 900 miles in 18 hours. Favorite drives, Canada for lunch
(live in central Mass), Skyline Drive, any twisty back road.
Sorry about the ramble but the Fairlady brought back memories.
Ken "back to the British" Scott
77 MGB
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