The Red Car

[newkitman]

Just finished a neat book titled “The Red Car” by Don Stanford. Book was written back in the mid 50s. Excelllent read about a fellow wanting an MG  TC and all the trials and tribulations of getting and rebuilding one. Found out about the book from a different ad in the Moss Motoring magazine and ordered it. If you get the chance you might want to get it. OR…check it out from your local library. Like I said, a great read.

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[edward ericson]

Yep! I loved that book too. No telling how screwed up my life’d be if I read it when I was 14 instead of last year.

[Paul Mossberg]

Ditto!

Great read!

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[MGLondonRoadste]

I did read this book when I was about 12, and it sparked my love and desire for an MG TD ever since.  I looked at other sports cars as I was growing up, but I knew that I didn’t have 3 months (or more) to devote trying to rebuild a real MG TD or get one running and keep it running.  I put away dreams of owning a reliable and affordable convertible red sports car, thinking that would be a life dream never realized.

After my divorce, and the kids grown up, I finally got my dream of a modern sports car with the Honda S2000.  I found a used one, that was in my budget at the time.  Shortly after that, I found the London Roadster, and even though it wasn’t red, it had a VW engine I felt that I could maintain by myself, or so I thought.  My OCD hit again with the (finally) red Fiberfab MG TD, but this time, it has a beefed up Chevy V8 power plant.

All of these, I attribute, are due to that one book that I read when I was about 12.  I’ve also picked up a new copy of that book about 2-3 years ago and read it again while driving the London Roadster from Seattle to Phoenix.  Now if only my job interviews turn into job offers in the next few weeks, I’ll be able to put some gas in them, and get them all insured.  The VW is still awaiting a double barrel carb, and the red one started up with a battery recharge.  Next up is a lockable structure to house them all, so that I can insure them and be able to drive them.

MGLondonRoadste2013-01-30 17:31:07

[edward ericson]

Fingers crossed that you get a job. 

[john barry]

Mark ..good  luck my friend..

btw from your pics it look like your LR is on a custom chassis like mine

 

cheeers

[MGLondonRoadste]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it.  It’s now over 8 months this time, but over the past 5 years, it’s been very rocky job-wise. 2008 – laid off from a 10.5 year-long job, 2009 – worked for commissions on top of $7.25/hr, no commissions in 9 months,  2010 – short term job lasted 6 months, 2011 – job lasted 9 months before got laid off again.  I hope that something happens soon, or else I face having to try selling one or both of the play things.  I still have a mortgage and lights to keep on, pets to feed, and all the rest.  I have 3 interviews between tomorrow and the end of next week.  I won’t earn half the salary that I had in 2008, but if I get an offer, I can’t afford to turn it down.

[Paul Mossberg]

Good luck Mark!

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[billnparts]

I can identify with your situation and sincerely wish you good fortune. May this year be your year.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[john barry]

fingers crossed

[edward ericson]

Back in 2003 I sold the Chevy II I’d had since childhood. I’d been out of work 8 months and my housemate was leaving, putting pressure on my ability to pay the mortgage. Friends who had agreed to pay me for handyman work were coming up short, too–and slow.

Then, all at once, things got better, as they will for you too.

[MGLondonRoadste]

Back on topic, if you don’t have or haven’t read a copy of The Red Car, you can’t call yourself an MG T-series fan.  It’s required reading.  Aimed at the younger audience, it’s an easy read for anyone. 

Thanks for bringing up a fond memory, Allen.

[edward ericson]

I’m gonna put my copy in Bridget’s glove box.

[Dale Schumacher]

 Ed, So you can donate to a buddy who has not read said required reading – correct? Looking forward to it…see you at Carlisle

[edward ericson]

You want it, you got it, Dale. 

[Dale Schumacher]

 Thanks Ed – I will read and pass it on or return – your choice

[Royal]

Ed, If you don’t mind, I’d like to read it also.  Our local library doesn’t have and apparently can’t get it. I think it’s out of print??

[edward ericson]

OK, Roy, You can get it after Schu. It’s a quick read.

I got mine as a Christmas gift last year and I think it came from ebay. It’s a 1972 printing. I think the original was 1954 or 5.

[Al Greig]

Got mine on Amazon, paid $16 for a book that cost $.45 when published.  But well worth it.

[billnparts]

You can still get new…Barnes& Noble…$29

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[newkitman]

Yeah I got mine on Amazon.com.

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[Author]

Posts