A quick digression on the "poverty model" theme: long before the Runabout entry-level special in 2003, it was possible to down-spec without sacrificing bonnet louvres! My car, a 1985 4/4 4-seater, has black vinyl seats and trim panels (including the dashboard), and ridged vinyl mats on the floors in place of carpet. I remember when it was new, being a bit disappointed that the Old Man had elected to pay for exterior door-handles but not bothered about carpets - but now I rather like the fact that there's nothing too precious about the interior... and certainly nothing that a quick go around with a damp cloth and the shop-vac won't sort out if we get caught in a downpour without the tonneau cover on!
One day, when my lottery numbers come in, I might get it re-trimmed in leather and proper carpeting - or at least replace the strip of black electrical tape carefully eased around the trim panel behind the driver's door, where the vinyl has worn away on the edge and the cloth substrate was beginning to fray. For now, though, one of the beauties of the car for me is the astonishingly low cost of maintenance for such an eyecatching 30-year-old vehicle. I can't help thinking that acres of leather and walnut would add a digit to the left-hand column in my annual budget!
