I *hope* it came from somewhere else originally - I cringe at the =
thought of Z's being called exotic. Competent, surely. But please not =
exotic.=20
Phil Vanner
-----Original Message-----
From: doug russell [SMTP:dr-doug@classic.msn.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 1998 2:55 PM
To: Mike Lishego; Mike Lishego; MG List
Subject: RE: <all> Driving
Maybe I'm missing something but what I don't get is why would folks on =
the Z=20
list call their buckets exotic???=20
Dr. Doug=20
Owner of 4 exotic MGs
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net On Behalf Of Mike Lishego
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 1998 1:08 AM
To: MG List
Subject: Fw: <all> Driving
Hello all,
I pulled this of the Datsun Z-Car list and thought that it might serve =
as
a set of commandments for MG owners, even though we would never resort =
to
snobbery! 8-) I think number 4 might be a little too much for us, but =
it
is food for thought...Enjoy!
"Take time to smell the roadsters."
Michael S. Lishego
> This morning waiting for F1 qualifying, I ginned-up the following
> as a personal code for myself. I don't intend this for anyone else, =
and
> you have the lovely gift of free-choice to decide on your own about =
these
> things. That said, I thought others here might be interested. As a =
code
> for myself, I might not always meet the standards I outline. But I =
firmly
> believe in self-improvement and all that stuff, so here goes...
>=20
> - -----
>=20
> My personal code of conduct as an exotic owner
>=20
> 1) My cars will always be clean and well-presentable. I will ensure =
that
my
> cars are in the highest state of mechanical condition and maintenance.
> Exotics as indeed rare, and to see one is a special experience. I have =
an
> obligation to present these cars to others at a high standard.
>=20
> 2) I will always be polite, courteous, and friendly. I will not talk =
down
> to or ignore anyone, and I will cheerfully answer all questions. =
Exotic
> owners wrongly suffer from a "snob" label. By actively and always
> countering this, I will strive to change this perception among all =
whom I
> met.
>=20
> 3) Where feasible, I will encourage inspection and observation of my
cars.
> If someone is clean and courteous, I will encourage them to sit in my
cars.
> I will actively encourage photographs. In-particular, I will encourage
> this among younger children. On occasion, I will offer rides to =
admirers
> under the appropriate circumstances.
>=20
> 4) With one exception (see 5, below), I will obey all traffic laws or
local
> traffic customs. Especially, I will pass other cars only in marked, =
safe
> passing zones, and I will always respect traffic speeds and noise
> ordinances within city limits. I will always drive in a defensive =
manner
> to protect myself and my vehicle. I will not initiate nor will I =
respond
> to challenges to race my cars on open public roads. When asked to =
race, I
> will positively comment on the challengers car and invite them to =
inspect
> mine at an appropriate stopping point, while asking if I might see =
their
> vehicle.
>=20
> 5) Operating my cars as Enzo, Soichiro and Ferruccio intended will =
occur
> only
> on open, rural routes free of heavy traffic or on appropriately
designated
> race courses. On public highways, I will use my highest powers of
> observation and diligence to ensure that I place myself, my vehicles, =
and
> the public in no additional danger. I will be aware of the environment
and
> road conditions, and I will not drive at excessive speeds on unknown =
or
> suspect roads. When approaching blind corners or hills, I will assume
that
> an obstacle exists and will take appropriate defensive measures.
>=20
> 6) I will share my passion and excitement for exotic cars with others
> through community service and charitable events. I will actively seek =
out
> community organizations such as local police departments and schools =
and
> offer my cars for use in events such as DARE programs, homecoming
parades,
> pep rallies, etc. Many communities have "Make a Wish" foundations for
sick
> children. If given the opportunity, I will offer a day with myself and =
my
> cars to such organizations in an effort to brighten an otherwise =
trying
> life for someone less fortunate than I.
>=20
> 7) I will be honest and open with other enthusiasts, and I will
accurately
> represent my cars to prospective owners and buyers. I will keep =
complete
> records, and I will always follow-up with purchasers of my cars to =
ensure
> that they continue to gain maximum satisfaction and appreciation for =
cars
> that I have owned and serviced.
>=20
> 8) I will always have a smile on my face when inspecting, driving, or
> showing my cars to others. I will never forget how fortunate I've been =
to
> own such automobiles and I will constantly remind myself that the =
future
is
> uncertain, and that today may be as good as it gets.
>=20
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