Family Car Stories- The Spitfire.

"Vince-The Roadside Mechanic" (vincent-becker) 07/02/2014 at 12:25 • Filed to: family car stories

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Yesterday I went golfing with my grandfather for the day and like most older people they are filled with wisdom and great stories. As we were leaving the golf course and approached a stop sign My grandfather asked

"What is that ahead of us?"

"It is a Mazda Miata, it is kinda like a Triumph Spitfire."

"Oh the Spitfires they were fun little cars."

At this point my face looked like that of a confused Doge "Yeah....Did you ever drive one?

Here is where the real story begins.

It was 1968 my grandfather had gotten back from Korea and was stationed in Georgia. There he worked in the stockade and knew the clerk a man who they called Woodcock who was from California and whose family was quite wealthy. Woodcock had his parent's wire him some money so he could get a car. That car? A used Triumph Spitfire bought for around $600. My Grandfather and Woodcock were good friends so Woodcock said "Jerry (my grandfather's name) Use the car whenever you want just fill it up with gas when you are done."

Let's fast forward a couple months.

My Grandfather (who at the time wasn't very tall) Woodcock (Who wasn't tall) and another guy (who was round and tall.) were in the Spitfire my Grandfather driving Woodcock in the Passenger seat and the other guy in the back. They were near a Historic dirt road called Tobacco Road which is where slaves were led to port carrying goods. For those of you who don't know this road is quite curvy. So my Grandfather is speeding down this road and carving up every corner (He was Hooning before the word Hooning was invented!!!)

This was surprising to me because the fastest my Grandfather ever drives is 70 MPH and I didn't think he was one who would have hooned way back when.

Hello My name is Vince. I hope you enjoyed this story, I know I sure did. If you would like you can follow me on twitter @Vincent_Becker1 (No link, I am sorry if this disappoints you.)

P.S listen to old people's stories and advice. They are very knowlageable and when they are gone so will these stories unless someone knows them.

Jobjoris > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 07/03/2014 at 05:29

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My Grandfather (who at the time wasn't very tall) Woodcock (Who wasn't tall) and another guy (who was round and tall.) were in the Spitfire my Grandfather driving Woodcock in the Passenger seat and the other guy in the back .

Was he sure it was a Spitfire, because how is there even room for a 3rd person?

A round/tall person won't fit in that boot I assure you.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Jobjoris 07/03/2014 at 10:37

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Yeah the other guy was sitting where the fuel cap was.