As one so often does, after seeing an old Morris Minor pootling past the other day, I began thinking about the cars and bikes I’ve owned over the years and wondering if any are of them are still surviving, now.
I started making a mental list but it wasn’t long before I thought I’d better write these down. Now I’m no car collector, although funding and space allowing I’d probably have dozens, so the motors listed here are, or were, almost entirely my daily drives. This is also probably not the complete list as I suddenly find myself remembering another obscure auto I once had, but that’s just an age thing…….
Sadly, I’ve only a few pics of the actual vehicles so I’ve raided the internet for most of the images and in no particular order, here they all are:
The Maverick, a great car – engine fell out at 86000 mile though
My transition vehicle from 2 wheels to 4. That’s me in the bond Mkc aboveFiat 127 – nuff saidOur moggie was just lovely until the front wheel fell off going up the old Shoreham Road near Seven DialsThe 2CV was bought new for a snip over £4 grand. It helped me through the great storm of 1987 and also took us to the Isle of wightMy Spitfire was the same colour and had the same attitude – it also matched my Aubergine shoesThe D3 Bantam 150, my second bikeFiat Punto – Bought when the new registration numbers first startedBought as a second car in the 80sEveryone has to have a mini – mine was gold with wide wheel and a straight through exhaust, of course.My first proper car, although mine was an Austin A30 and in black, not an A35 as shown hereThe car I ever drove an Austin Big 7 – more a family vehicle than just mine but loads of fun. We had a Kestrel living in it after it diedThe Mk1 Cortina. Mine had a a purple and grey GT paint job…. but still the rubbish 3 bearing crank, 1200 engineMe in my Bond MkG Estate- Oh so coolThe BSA CllG my first 250 after passing my test. A collectors item these daysFiat 600D got us to the south of France with our camping gear and most of the way back as well…My first lease car, that came with the job, an Orion – not at all sorry when it went back.Our smashing little Ka. Passed it on to Hannie. it was great until rust ate the filler cap, then consumed the rest of the carThe first AvengerAvenger two, bought when the family started to grow
The Sierra. A Ford direct purchase- wish I’d still got it nowThe Isuzu Trooper – Tow the caravan to any place. Got wrecked by some sad, loser car thieves.
Good old black bus, the Dodge Caliber. Our current camping wagon and general do everything carMy first brand new car, a Talbot Horizon. I recall the boot flying open as I was driving down the M4 at 70mph – says it all reallyTriumph Speed Twin 5Ta. I took the paneling off and added ape hanger bars and a high level exhaust……. still ask myself why??Our Suzuki GV one of the best cars in the snow I’ve ever had. Only got rid of her when the hood finally decomposedI love a big old 4×4 auto and the Pajero did the trick ,or should it be truckMy first wheels. Big bro standing behindReally Chezs car but I get to drive it if I’m goodA D1 BSA Bantam -my brillant first motor bikeMondeo man – my first rep mobile
The Talbot Solara. Bought from new, a good family car that rotted from the inside out – those were the daysA Renault 5. Actually on long term loan from my Dad who had to give up driving. Thrashed it to death but it still had a long life even after it left us.My Lambretta LI 125. Bought from a work mate. I stripped all the paneling off and painted it mat black.The trusty 1965 Ford Anglia. Pale blue and bought for £100.00, it happily took us down to Devon for a holiday but not a lot furthe,r. Sold it after 9 months to a friend of a friend for £75.00, just before the engine fell out…………… sorry, Harry who had one??
The Ariel Arrow one of the best 250s of its time. Mine was white and gold, as well.
Hi John, good god what a selection!! I don’t know where to start.without going through all of them which I know well. My daughter has a ZX 3 which she loves and calls it Bluebell!!! I will study the rest at my leisure.
Hi Ray glad you enjoyed the images and sorry I’ve not responded to your comments before now but I’ve got so engrossed with Brighton Past I’ve rather let the blogging stuff slip
Hi John, good god what a selection!! I don’t know where to start.without going through all of them which I know well. My daughter has a ZX 3 which she loves and calls it Bluebell!!! I will study the rest at my leisure.
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Hi Ray glad you enjoyed the images and sorry I’ve not responded to your comments before now but I’ve got so engrossed with Brighton Past I’ve rather let the blogging stuff slip
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