I had a very interesting week last week.
On Tuesday I took delivery of my latest toy, a beautiful classic Mini Cooper Sport. It's red with the classic silver roof and bonnet stripes. It is one of the last made in 2000 and must be one of the very last registered in 2002. It's had two owners who have cherished it and only put 9600 miles on the clock. I bought it from Richard Williams classic minis in North Devon and Richard delivered it to Leicester in a covered trailer. It looks and smells like new. Driving it is pure mini with its sit up and beg driving position and roller skate handling. I am surprised at the heaviness of the steering (made heavier by the sport pack wide wheels ) but love it's engine roar and busy feel to the whole driving experience. Like my Morgan it seems to attract people who want to talk about it and reminisce. I love it already.
Last Thursday I had my Christmas present, 24 hours hire of a Morgan three wheeler from the factory. We drove around 200 miles around Worcestershire and Herefordshire in wonderful summer weather. I am so impressed with the car though it's quite unlike anything else I've driven. After only a few miles I completely forgot they had left a wheel off and revelled in its precise handling, cornering power and acceleration but was less impressed by its wide turning circle. The noise it makes is addictive and I can still hear it in my mind. I thought we may be uncomfortably cramped but both Karen and I found the car very comfortable. In fact Karen who suffers from a 'bad' back passed particular comment (as she does about our 4/4) on how she suffered no back discomfort. Another pre drive fear was the absence of a windscreen but to be honest I found the aero screens very effective and really don't think there was any more buffeting than in the 4/4 with the side screens off, certainly none of that turbulence that sort of curls round behind you and gets you from the rear! Would I buy one? absolutely if my lottery numbers come up but much as I loved the car I don't think I could justify the cost. I most certainly will hire one again though.
On that last point I had tremendous service from the factory. Sally arranged it all for me and Steve briefed me on the car at handover. Both are good ambassadors for Morgan being professional welcoming and clearly enthusiastic about the product. They helped to make my day even better. As did our stay Thursday night at the Malvern Hills Hotel, I would really recommend it. Beautifully located and most obliging allowing us to check in early Thursday morning so we could dump our overnight luggage. Siting in the sun in the evening enjoying a tincture we talked with a couple of blokes driving a beautiful Plus 8 with a folding screen with aero screens. Had good fun with a pre prandial chat about Mogs and seeing how great the M3W sounds when you rev it. Not a bad restaurant either!
It really was an interesting week!
Andy.
