This is probably going to be a long winded rant. Hopefully it deserves it.
2 nights ago I found myself thinking about 11/60s post about cafe racers. I don’t know why I went back to it but I remembered the discussions about American cars in that thread. Although it did touch on it a little, I realized it never went too far into the “true” British cars. I would like to fix that.
As someone growing up in the U.S., I will freely admit that don’t know enough to really talk about this. Regardless, I will share some thoughts and memories. My first memory of cars from the UK was of the 1952 MG TD. My mother hated to drive and didn’t care much for cars either; the exception was the MG. That car was a dream (I was 16 at the time….not at the time of manufacture but during serious thought about a purchase) and it is one that never fully left. I’m sure maintenance would be a nightmare but I would still love to have one.
When I was going to college, I worked part time for a mechanic. I ended up buying a used Rover 2000 TC from him. It was a little bit of a unique car in the States but I have to admit I really enjoyed it….I enjoyed it even though it was a little bit of a maintenance nightmare too. I didn’t feel like 007 driving it but there was something special about it……even though I was stopped one time by the police and cited for excessive noise. I had some exhaust work done to silence it a little and went back to have the citation signed off. The officer thought that it was still a little too loud and I just said, “nah….that’s just British”. He let me go.
Shortly after graduating college (when I made the final decision to buy my first 4X4) I bought a brand new 1976 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. Obviously that isn’t any more British than the Jimny, but I’m not done yet. Just before making that decision, I test drove and VERY seriously considered a brand new Land Rover….we’re talking a British Leyland Land Rover. There was no such thing as a Defender then. I was really, really close. Probably only went with the Toyota because I already had that one planted in my mind.
My final thought as my mind was wondering that evening was, I guess, a little bit somber. I remembered being at a training session at Armor Research Laboratories in Maryland and I met an engineer from the UK. As is often the case when men meet, it didn’t take long for our conversation to turn to cars. My new friend lamented that, while remembering the days of the British car, there was really no such thing anymore. While he was explaining to me that the British car companies are now all foreign owned my eyes just kind of glazed over.
As I said in the beginning, I will share my thoughts. What that really boils down to is the feeling that the classic British car is something that I will always look at as unique and timeless. If I ever get to England I will buy each of you (just the Brits on the forum) a pint for what was contributed to the automotive world. And I will say "thanks".
I started out with nothing & still have most of it left
There are British cars that are truly timeless and special. The original Mini was definitely one. If you've never driven one then you've missed a real treat. It was like driving a go-kart on the roads! I passed my test in one, and I loved it. It was incredibly unsafe, but had enormous character. The Morris Minor was another with character, but it didn't have much else going for it. The gearchange was like stirring porridge with a stick. The MGB V8 was a cracker, especially on winding roads. God, I STILL love that car - even if it could decapitate you. The Austin Healey was beautiful. The Jaguar XJ6 was supreme to drive - just wafted along - fantastic. And then there's the Land Rover Defender. The Defender has a lot of character, but is just so flawed. You own one with your heart, not your head. It should be a crime that Land Rover never properly updated it. Nowadays, no car is what it seems - bits of it will be made all over the globe. I truly hate the way Land Rover has gone global and forgotten it was once a real British company. Even Bentley (German) are trying really hard to hold on to 'being British' - each of their concept cars are right-hand drive! Whereas Land Rover do every single car photo (even on their UK website) in left-hand drive!
Britain has added to the automotive world something special - along with the US, Germany, Japan, Italy, and even France. So I'll take up your offer of a pint, but (and you'll like this) my favourite tipple is actually a Budweiser! Come visit Britain - just do NOT go to London! Trust me on that one.
Yes Daniel. The Mini was another one of my dreams. Never drove one but I am sure they were fun.
Well Barry, I have to admit my Jaguar dream was an XKE. My brother owned an XJ for a while. I don't know what year but it was a nice car. I hope you drink your Budweiser cold. I just can't imagine this warm ale stuff.
Triumph TR6 was another dream. If only I had been born a millionaire.
I started out with nothing & still have most of it left
Of the British cars only 3 stand out to me. First of all the Austin Healey 3000, not particularly bothered about which exact trim but less chrome is more better. Secondly just because I can a Morgan plus8 in powder blue. Thirdly even though it isn't properly British being a Ford a mk1 Mexico, preferably in full rally spec.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
Bloke I worked with back in 1976 had a escort Mexico in black with gold wheels. After that I think he had a RS2000. The only car I have ever really lusted after was an Escort Cosworth. It was £26,000 new if I remember correctly, and I had just bought a house, so the Cossie was out of the question. They go for £30k now.
