Only 25% of people name their cars? What kind of people are the OTHER 75%?! Not sure they'll ever be friends of mine...
My first car was named 'Posy', and she was an absolutely beautiful 1963 Morris 1000 4-door saloon in dove grey with limited edition duo-tone interior. She was my 21st birthday present in the mid 1990s. I still achingly miss her. She smelt of black oil, horsehair and hot vinyl.
People have such memories of theirs first cars, and I know several who wish they hadn't parted with their first. My dad, for example, had a 1936 Ford roadster with a "rumble seat." He sold it, had second thoughts and wanted to buy it back. But unfortunately the new owner wrecked it (it was, shall we say, a well moving car). He wanted to find an affordable replacement for the rest of his life. Mine was a 1974 MG Midget. It was enormously fun, but I spent a fair amount of time fixing it. When I drove up, my dad asked me, "When will you get one for your other foot?"
Didn't name the MG, though. Like your Morris, it smelled like black oil, which it dribbled. I had a van once, decorated with Grateful Dead imagery. (Yes, I was a Dead Head.) It was the "Sin Bin."
Beautifully articulated! As a massive petrol head and owner of a couple of classics, I’m struggling to accept a fully electric automotive future.
It is undeniable that the time will come when the characterful combustion engine is no more. I’m mentally preparing myself for that moment. It is a difficult but necessary change.
I think the changes ahead in car life will be significant, including large shifts in the ways and where we live. How the car fits into this is a mystery to me, actually -- especially since I live in a rural area where every run for groceries or supplies or entertainment entails at least a 30-45 minute drive. The car is an essential tool.
Only 25% of people name their cars? What kind of people are the OTHER 75%?! Not sure they'll ever be friends of mine...
My first car was named 'Posy', and she was an absolutely beautiful 1963 Morris 1000 4-door saloon in dove grey with limited edition duo-tone interior. She was my 21st birthday present in the mid 1990s. I still achingly miss her. She smelt of black oil, horsehair and hot vinyl.
Lovely post - thank you.
People have such memories of theirs first cars, and I know several who wish they hadn't parted with their first. My dad, for example, had a 1936 Ford roadster with a "rumble seat." He sold it, had second thoughts and wanted to buy it back. But unfortunately the new owner wrecked it (it was, shall we say, a well moving car). He wanted to find an affordable replacement for the rest of his life. Mine was a 1974 MG Midget. It was enormously fun, but I spent a fair amount of time fixing it. When I drove up, my dad asked me, "When will you get one for your other foot?"
Didn't name the MG, though. Like your Morris, it smelled like black oil, which it dribbled. I had a van once, decorated with Grateful Dead imagery. (Yes, I was a Dead Head.) It was the "Sin Bin."
Thanks for your comment!
Love that dribbly black oil! It was never black when I put it IN, but the puddles of it coming from under the bonnet were black as tar!
Hail to the MG Midget - cute as a button and with SUCH a distinctive sound!
Beautifully articulated! As a massive petrol head and owner of a couple of classics, I’m struggling to accept a fully electric automotive future.
It is undeniable that the time will come when the characterful combustion engine is no more. I’m mentally preparing myself for that moment. It is a difficult but necessary change.
Sound is an important element, isn't it! I don't know if you've already seen it, but Colin Nagy over at "Why Is This Interesting" wrote a post on car noises: https://whyisthisinteresting.substack.com/p/the-engine-sound-edition-b1d.
I think the changes ahead in car life will be significant, including large shifts in the ways and where we live. How the car fits into this is a mystery to me, actually -- especially since I live in a rural area where every run for groceries or supplies or entertainment entails at least a 30-45 minute drive. The car is an essential tool.
Thanks for the comment, Josh!